Best Computer Science Degree Programs in Alaska — 2026 Rankings

State Aid Programs

Alaska offers distinctive financial advantages for computer science students, starting with the state's unique lack of income tax—a significant long-term benefit for graduates entering the workforce. Students pursuing computer science degrees in Alaska can access the Alaska Performance Scholarship, a merit-based award providing up to $4,755 per year for qualifying high school graduates (Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education). This scholarship complements federal aid options available through the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which all Alaska students should complete to determine eligibility for Pell Grants, federal loans, and work-study programs (Federal Student Aid).

Key Programs & Amounts

Beyond state and federal aid, prospective students should explore institutional scholarships offered directly by Alaska's computer science programs. The University of Alaska system participates in the Alaska Transfer Articulation System (Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education), which can reduce overall education costs by enabling credit transfers between institutions. Students should consult the College Scorecard for detailed net price calculators specific to each institution, and review financial aid pages at top-ranked programs like University of Alaska Anchorage's Computer Science program to understand scholarship opportunities, assistantships, and payment plans. Combined with Alaska's tax advantage, strategic use of state grants and federal aid can significantly reduce the overall cost of a computer science degree.

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer science degree in Alaska. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.

State Transfer System

Alaska provides structured transfer pathways enabling students to begin their computer science education at two-year institutions and transition seamlessly to bachelor's degree programs. The state operates 2 two-year institutions alongside 8 four-year colleges and universities, creating a tiered system that supports cost-effective degree completion (IPEDS). The Alaska Transfer Articulation System (Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education) facilitates credit transfer and course equivalency agreements between institutions, eliminating lost credits during transitions. Students can complete foundational coursework in computer science, mathematics, and general education requirements at lower cost before enrolling in upper-level major courses at universities like University of Alaska Anchorage or University of Alaska Fairbanks.

How Transfers Work

This transfer-friendly model provides substantial financial advantages, particularly for students managing tuition costs. Community college coursework typically costs less than four-year institution tuition while offering equivalent quality instruction in core disciplines. The Alaska Performance Scholarship (Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education) supports eligible students at all eligible institutions, whether two-year or four-year, further reducing financial barriers. Transfer students should work with academic advisors to ensure course selections align with specific bachelor's program requirements, particularly regarding prerequisite sequences in mathematics and programming. For comprehensive information about degree pathways, students can explore related specializations through Data Science in Alaska, Software Engineering in Alaska, and Artificial Intelligence in Alaska, which offer complementary transfer-eligible coursework.

Industry & Workforce

Alaska offers a compelling environment for computer science education with strong institutional support and unique financial advantages. The state hosts 4 institutions offering computer science programs, with 3 bachelor's degree options and 1 master's program (IPEDS). The University of Alaska Anchorage leads the state with 23 completions, establishing itself as the premier destination for CS students in Alaska. Beyond academics, Alaska's lack of state income tax provides a substantial financial advantage for graduates entering the tech workforce, allowing professionals to retain more of their earnings compared to peers in other states.

Salary Outlook

Alaska's major employment hubs in Anchorage and Fairbanks host significant employers across healthcare, government, and energy sectors—Providence Health, the State of Alaska, and the petroleum industry all actively recruit technology professionals. Students benefit from affordable public tuition averaging $6,594 in-state for four-year institutions (IPEDS), plus access to the Alaska Performance Scholarship, which awards up to $4,755 annually to qualifying graduates (Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education). For prospective students exploring related fields, Alaska also offers programs in Software Engineering, Data Science, and Cybersecurity, creating pathways across the broader technology landscape.

Employment Outlook

Alaska's computer science job market offers unique opportunities across multiple regions and sectors. The state's two primary metro areas—Anchorage and Fairbanks—serve as the primary hubs for technology employment, with additional opportunities in Southeast Alaska cities including Juneau and Sitka. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Alaska's technology sector continues to grow, driven by demand from both public and private employers. The state's geographic isolation has created a strong local need for skilled computer science professionals who can support critical infrastructure and services across remote regions.

Salaries by Metro

Prospective computer science graduates should note a significant financial advantage: Alaska has NO STATE INCOME TAX, which substantially increases take-home earnings compared to most other states. This benefit, combined with competitive salaries in the technology sector, makes Alaska an attractive destination for CS professionals. Graduates from the 3 bachelor's-granting institutions and 1 master's institution in Alaska (IPEDS) benefit from strong local employer relationships and networking opportunities. Career pathways span multiple sectors including healthcare, government, and energy industries, with employers actively recruiting technical talent to support their operations in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and beyond.

Core Requirements

Computer science curricula in Alaska follow industry standards emphasizing foundational theory and practical application. Core coursework typically includes data structures, algorithms, discrete mathematics, computer architecture, database systems, operating systems, and software engineering. Students build programming proficiency across multiple languages (Python, Java, C++) while studying computational theory and complexity analysis. Most bachelor's programs require 120-130 credit hours and incorporate hands-on laboratory work, allowing students to apply concepts in real-world scenarios. The University of Alaska Anchorage and University of Alaska Fairbanks offer programs accredited by ABET, ensuring curricula meet rigorous national standards (ABET).

Degree Pathways

Many Alaska programs include capstone projects requiring students to develop comprehensive software solutions addressing actual industry or community problems. Specialization tracks may focus on software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, or data science depending on institutional offerings. The University of Alaska system's collaborative framework enables students to access specialized electives across campuses. Alaska institutions increasingly partner with local employers—Providence Health, State of Alaska agencies, and petroleum companies—to provide internship and project-based learning opportunities. Students interested in specialized paths should explore Data Science in Alaska, Artificial Intelligence in Alaska, and Cybersecurity in Alaska to understand how these concentrations complement core CS coursework.

Online Program Growth

Alaska computer science students have access to both traditional campus-based programs and increasingly flexible learning options. The state's geography—spanning vast distances across Southcentral, Interior, and Southeast Alaska—makes online and hybrid programs particularly valuable for students in remote areas like Juneau, Sitka, and Fairbanks. The University of Alaska system offers hybrid and online components for many programs, leveraging the Alaska Transfer Articulation System to allow students to begin coursework at more accessible locations before transferring to comprehensive four-year institutions. For students exploring fully online options, consider reviewing our best online computer science programs to compare national offerings that may serve Alaska-based learners.

Accredited Online Options

Campus-based education at institutions like the University of Alaska Anchorage and University of Alaska Fairbanks provides hands-on labs, direct faculty mentorship, and networking with local tech employers in Anchorage and Fairbanks metro areas. These in-person programs offer practical experience essential for competitive entry into roles at major employers like Providence Health and the State of Alaska. However, online and hybrid formats offer flexibility for working professionals and students balancing other commitments. When deciding between campus and online, consider your learning style, location, career timeline, and access to equipment. For comprehensive comparisons of program delivery methods and their career outcomes, consult the College Scorecard. Explore related fields like cybersecurity in Alaska and data science in Alaska, which may also offer hybrid options.

Anchorage and Fairbanks represent Alaska's two primary metro areas and offer the strongest job markets for computer science professionals. University of Alaska Anchorage leads the state in computer science completions with 23 graduates annually, making Anchorage the natural hub for CS education and employment (IPEDS). The city serves as Alaska's largest metropolitan center and hosts corporate headquarters, healthcare systems, and government agencies that actively recruit computer science talent. Anchorage offers the broadest range of entry-level positions and career advancement opportunities, with an average public in-state tuition of $6,192 at UAA, the most affordable option in the state.

Fairbanks, home to University of Alaska Fairbanks and representing the Interior Alaska region, serves as a secondary but robust tech hub with 6 annual computer science completions. UAF charges $8,041 in average public in-state tuition and offers strong connections to employer networks throughout the region. Additional opportunities exist in Southeast Alaska cities including Juneau and Sitka, though these communities support smaller tech job markets and may require relocation considerations. Students should research specific employer locations and internship opportunities using the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education resources and the Alaska Transfer Articulation System, which facilitates credit transfer between UA campuses if students wish to study in one metro area and work in another. For national context, explore Computer Science in California, Computer Science in Texas, and Computer Science in New York to compare Alaska's market.

Last Updated: February 15, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2023 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.