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Key Takeaways
Alaska CS graduates earn a $105,890 median salary, well above the national average, boosted by the state's no-income-tax advantage
Combined with a lower cost of living outside Anchorage, the effective take-home pay for Alaska CS grads is among the most competitive in the country
University of Alaska Anchorage is the top-ranked bachelor's program at $6,192/yr in-state tuition
The most affordable public option in the state, with direct ties to Anchorage employers like GCI and Alyeska Pipeline
Only 3 bachelor's programs statewide, a small market that means less competition for internships and local hiring
University of Alaska Fairbanks offers the state's only master's in CS at $8,041/yr, plus unique research opportunities in Arctic and remote systems
The Alaska Performance Scholarship provides up to $4,755/yr for qualifying high school graduates
Stacks with federal aid to significantly offset the $6,192-$18,075/yr tuition range across Alaska institutions
Hakia Research 2026
Key employers: GCI, Northrim Bank, Alyeska Pipeline, Providence Health, and federal agencies
Alaska's economy relies heavily on energy, logistics, and healthcare IT, sectors with steady CS demand in Anchorage and Fairbanks
Hakia Research 2026
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Alaska Computer Science programs
We rank 4 accredited computer science programs in Alaska using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Computer Science Degree Programs in Alaska Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Computer Science Degree Rankings in Alaska
Compare the top-ranked Computer Science programs in Alaska by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Bachelor's Computer Science Programs in Alaska
Program Landscape
Alaska ranks among the nation's top destinations for computer science education, with 3 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 0 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Alaska Anchorage, Charter College, U of Alaska Fairbanks, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Alaska computer science programs earn a median salary of $90,007, 8% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including GCI, Northrim Bank, Alyeska Pipeline.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $6,192 to $18,075 annually, with an average of $10,769/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 0%, with the highest reaching -Infinity%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Alaska's leading technology employers. For students seeking computer science degrees in Alaska, these top-ranked computer science schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Best Master's Computer Science Programs in Alaska
Program Landscape
Alaska offers 1 master's degree programs in computer science, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Alaska Fairbanks, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Alaska earn a median salary of $105,890, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with GCI, Northrim Bank, Alyeska Pipeline actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $8,041/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Alaska's computer science schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Computer Science Degree Costs & Tuition in Alaska
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $10,769/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $26,923/year |
| Community college tuition | $2,692/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $64,616 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $16,154 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Computer Science Students in Alaska
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.
Computer Science Degree ROI Calculator, Alaska
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.
Computer Science Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a computer science degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$133,333
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Computer Science Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Alaska metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Anchorage | $116K |
| Fairbanks | $111K |
| Juneau | $106K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Computer Science Graduates in Alaska
Find computer science jobs in Alaska. These major employers across Alaska metro areas are actively hiring computer science degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Computer Science Jobs in Anchorage
AKComputer Science Jobs in Fairbanks
AKTransfer Pathways for Computer Science Degrees in Alaska
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 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.
Why Pursue a Computer Science Degree in Alaska?
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.
Alaska Take-Home Pay Advantage
Source: Alaska Department of Revenue
Computer Science Job Market & Salary Data in Alaska
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.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Computer Science Programs in Alaska
Online Programs
0 available in Alaska
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Computer Science Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 45
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
- Total Programs
- 30
- Median Tuition
- $8,800
- Total Programs
- 193
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 141
- Median Tuition
- $7,000
- Total Programs
- 156
- Median Tuition
- $19,000
- Total Programs
- 89
- Median Tuition
- $40,400
- Total Programs
- 72
- Median Tuition
- $10,100
- Total Programs
- 36
- Median Tuition
- $10,300
Computer Science Degree Programs in Alaska: FAQ
What are the best computer science degree programs in Alaska?
How much do computer science degree programs cost in Alaska?
What salary can computer science degree graduates earn in Alaska?
Are there online computer science degree programs in Alaska?
What companies hire computer science degree graduates in Alaska?
Is a computer science degree program worth it in Alaska?
How long do computer science degree programs take in Alaska?
What financial aid is available for computer science degree students in Alaska?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Alaska salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.