Alaska Pacific University Description:
Alaska Pacific University is the only four-year college in Alaska with selective admissions. Students can choose from eleven undergraduate majors and five graduate programs. The college takes pride in the close relationship between students and faculty, the hands-on approach to learning, and the high levels of student engagement. Academics are supported by a healthy 10 to 1 student / faculty ratio. If you're worried about attending such a small school with under 1,000 students, realize that the University of Alaska Anchorage and its 18,000 students is next door. Student life is active with a wide range of clubs and activities, and Alaska's rich landscape provides students with unlimited outdoor opportunities. The university recently dedicated the Thomas Training Center on Eagle Glacier, a place where the Nordic Ski Team trains during summer months. Alaska Pacific University is a member of the Eco League with four other small colleges that focus on sustainability: College of the Atlantic, Green Mountain College, Northland College, and Prescott College. Students can easily take a semester or two at one of these other schools. High school from Anchorage should look into ACU's "Early Honors" program which allows them to take all of their senior year classes at Alaska Pacific and graduate from high school with a year's worth of transferable college credit.
Admissions Data (2011):
- Percent of Applicants Admitted: 33%
- What Are Your Chances? (from Cappex.com)
- Test Scores -- 25th / 75th Percentile
- SAT Critical Reading: 490 / 600
- SAT Math: 470 / 560
- SAT Writing: - / -
- ACT Composite: 21 / 27
- ACT English: 19 / 30
- ACT Math: 21 / 26
Enrollment (2010):
- Total Enrollment: 732 (519 undergraduates)
- Gender Breakdown: 35% Male / 65% Female
- 58% Full-time
Costs (2011 - 12):
- Tuition and Fees: $27,110
- Books: $1,000 (why so much?)
- Room and Board: $9,300
- Other Expenses: $3,050
- Total Cost: $40,460
Alaska Pacific University Financial Aid (2009 - 10):
- Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 100%
- Alaska Pacific University Scholarships (Cappex.com)
- Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
- Grants: 100%
- Loans: 93%
- Average Amount of Aid
- Grants: $15,241
- Loans: $7,196
Most Popular Majors:
Business Administration, Education, Marine Biology, Psychology
Graduation and Retention Rates:
- First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 67%
- 4-Year Graduation Rate: 22%
- 6-Year Graduation Rate: 27%
Data Source:
National Center for Educational Statistics
APU and the Common Application
Alaska Pacific University uses the Common Application. These articles can help guide you:Alaska Pacific University Mission Statement:
mission statement from
"Alaska Pacific University is an intentionally small, private, independent university devoted to innovative teaching and learning, where students receive personal attention in small classes and acquire leadership capabilities, moral character, and self-direction through active learning. To achieve these educational goals Alaska Pacific University:
- Nurtures spiritual and moral values consistent with the university's Christian heritage while respecting the religious convictions of all.
- Emphasizes personal growth through student-centered, experiential education using Alaska, the Arctic, and the Pacific Rim as laboratories for learning;
- Develops leadership for active service to society by encouraging openness to positive change, environmental awareness, innovation, and individual initiative;
- Promotes international and multicultural education while welcoming learners of all ages: from Alaska, with a special commitment to Alaska Natives; from other states of the United States; and from the international community;
- Maintains academic excellence by combining the breadth, integrative understanding, and critical thinking of the liberal arts with practice and focused knowledge for professional careers."
