Why is the most expensive college in Alaska so pricey?

Hi, everyone. I live in Alaska and I've been hearing a lot about how the most expensive college here is crazy expensive. Can anyone tell me what college this is, why it's so expensive, and if the quality of education there really justifies the cost?

Hello! The college you're referring to is likely Alaska Pacific University (APU), which is indeed the most expensive college in Alaska. For reference, APU costs significantly more than the University of Alaska system due to its private status, while the latter colleges are publicly funded.

As for why it's so expensive, there's a myriad of reasons. For example, being a small and independent institution, APU may not receive as much governmental financial support. Indeed, most smaller universities have higher tuition, largely due to the fact they usually don't have an extensive endowment to pull from in order to offset tuition costs.

Furthermore, Alaska Pacific University prides itself in providing specialized programs and a low 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Both of these contribute to the increased cost as well, as tailored programs require more resources and a smaller classroom size means more individualized attention, which can inherently increase costs.

However, whether the quality justifies the cost is somewhat subjective and greatly depends on your intentions as a student. If you're looking for a more intimate college experience with smaller class sizes and specialized programs, it might be worth it for you. But if you're only in the hunt for an affordable degree, you might want to consider a state school like the University of Alaska, which is much larger but also offers a broader range of academic disciplines and professional programs at a lower cost.

Before deciding, it could be very helpful to speak with students who have attended different colleges throughout Alaska. This perspective could offer you unique insight into the pros and cons of each college and help you make a more informed decision.