Top 3 Computer Science Programs in Alaska 2025
University of Alaska Anchorage
23 computer science graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Charter College
6 computer science graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
University of Alaska Fairbanks
5 computer science graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
- 1.Alaska offers 3+ accredited computer science programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of Alaska Anchorage leads with strong% graduation rate
- 3.Alaska software developers earn median $105,890 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau
- 5.Cost of living index: 124.1% of US average (above average)
Computer Science Education in Alaska: Overview
Alaska offers 3 accredited computer science programs, producing approximately 34 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, with major employers including GCI, Northrim Bank, Alyeska Pipeline.
With a median software developer salary of $105,890 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 124.1% compared to the US average, Alaska offers competitive salaries that offset the higher cost of living.
The top computer science programs in the state are led by University of Alaska Anchorage, Charter College, University of Alaska Fairbanks, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Alaska Computer Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Alaska Anchorage | Anchorage, AK | Public | $6,192 | — | 50.4 |
| 2 | Charter College | Anchorage, AK | For-Profit | $18,075 | — | 45.6 |
| 3 | University of Alaska Fairbanks | Fairbanks, AK | Public | $8,041 | — | 44.9 |
Top 5 Computer Science Programs in Alaska: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Alaska Anchorage | Charter College | U of Alaska Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 |
| In-State Tuition | $6,192 | $18,075 | $8,041 |
| Graduation Rate | N/A% | N/A% | N/A% |
| Annual Graduates | 23 | 6 | 5 |
| Acceptance Rate | 67% | N/A | N/A |
| Type | Public | For-Profit | Public |
| Score | 50.4/100 | 45.6/100 | 44.9/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Computer Science in Alaska
Alaska offers 3 bachelor's-level computer science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Alaska Anchorage, Charter College, University of Alaska Fairbanks. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $74,123 in the Alaska market.
A bachelor's in computer science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Computer Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Computer Science Bachelor's Programs in Alaska
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Alaska Anchorage | $6,192 | N/A% | 23 | 50.4 |
| #2 Charter College | $18,075 | N/A% | 6 | 45.6 |
| #3 U of Alaska Fairbanks | $8,041 | N/A% | 5 | 44.9 |
Top Computer Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Alaska
For graduate study, Alaska offers 1 master's-level computer science programs. Leading institutions include University of Alaska Fairbanks. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Alaska reaching $137,657 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best computer science master's programs for more options beyond Alaska.
Top 3 Computer Science Master's Programs in Alaska
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Alaska Fairbanks | $8,041 | N/A% | 1 | 40.5 |
Most Affordable Computer Science Colleges in Alaska
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable computer science programs in Alaska are at University of Alaska Anchorage ($6,192/year), University of Alaska Fairbanks ($8,041/year), Charter College ($18,075/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Alaska's competitive tech salaries.
At University of Alaska Anchorage, a 4-year degree costs approximately $24,768 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $74,123, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.6 years. See our Most Affordable Computer Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Computer Science Programs in Alaska (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Alaska Anchorage | $6,192 | $24,768 | 0.6 years | Public |
| #2 U of Alaska Fairbanks | $8,041 | $32,164 | 0.8 years | Public |
| #3 Charter College | $18,075 | $72,300 | 1.8 years | For-Profit |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Computer Science Schools in Alaska
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 computer science programs in Alaska, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
University of Alaska Anchorage
Anchorage, AK • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,192 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 23 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 67%
- • Ranking Score: 50.4 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 23 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 50.4 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (23 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,890), and selectivity (67% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Charter College
Anchorage, AK • For-Profit
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $18,075 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 6 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 45.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 6 computer science graduates annually
- For-Profit institution
- Overall score: 45.6 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (6 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,890), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
Charter College offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems with online availability and locations across multiple states including Alaska, California, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and Washington.
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,041 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Computer Science Graduates: 5 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 44.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 5 computer science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 44.9 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (5 graduates), state salary outcomes ($105,890), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Why Choose This Program
UAF's Computer Science program offers 100% job placement, hands-on research opportunities with award-winning faculty including NASA prize winners, and access to state-of-the-art labs with opportunities to compete nationally in robotics and cyber defense competitions. Students can complete both bachelor's and master's degrees in just five years through an accelerated program.
Program Accreditations & Designations
Admission Prerequisites
- •Mathematics placement at the F100-level
Admissions
- Transfer Friendly
Career Outcomes
- Job Placement: 100% job placement for computer science graduates
Career Paths
Software Developer
SOC 15-1252Software Developer opportunities in Alaska with strong job growth.
Full Stack Developer
SOC 15-1252Full Stack Developer opportunities in Alaska with strong job growth.
Systems Architect
SOC 15-1252Systems Architect opportunities in Alaska with strong job growth.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1244DevOps Engineer opportunities in Alaska with strong job growth.
Technical Lead
SOC 15-1252Technical Lead opportunities in Alaska with strong job growth.
Computer Science Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau
- You're seeking competitive salaries ($105,890 median)
- You want to work at companies like GCI or Northrim Bank
- You prefer Alaska's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Alaska's 3)
- You're looking for lower cost of living (consider TX, NC, GA)
Computer Science in Alaska FAQ
Based on 3 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Computer Science degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Alaska-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Alaska salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.