Alaska Pacific University Admissions

The acceptance rate at Alaska Pacific University was 55% in 2016; admitted students tend to have high school GPAs in the "A" and "B" range. Standardized test scores are not required, so applicants need not worry if their ACT or SAT scores are not ideal. Be sure to check the university's admissions website to learn about the specific admission requirements for different academic programs..

Admissions Data (2016):

• Percent of Applicants Admitted: 55 percent
• Test Scores -- 25th / 75th Percentile
  • SAT Critical Reading: - / -
  • SAT Math: - / -
    • What these SAT numbers mean
  • ACT Composite: - / -
  • ACT English: - / -
  • ACT Math: - / -
    • What these ACT numbers mean

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 8 to 1 student / faculty ratio. If you're worried about attending such a small school with only a few hundred undergraduates, 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 students from Anchorage should look into APU'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.

Enrollment (2016):

• Total Enrollment: 541 (298 undergraduates)
• Gender Breakdown: 37 percent male / 63 percent female
• 73 percent full-time

Costs (2016 - 17):

• Tuition and Fees: $20,310
• Books: $1,220 (why so much?)
• Room and Board: $7,260
• Other Expenses: $4,900
• Total Cost: $33,690

Alaska Pacific University Financial Aid (2015 - 16):

• Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 100 percent
• Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of Aid
  • Grants: 97 percent
  • Loans: 63 percent
• Average Amount of Aid
  • Grants: $12,375
  • Loans: $8,006

Academic Programs:

• Most Popular Majors: Business Administration, Education, Marine Biology, Psychology

Graduation and Retention Rates:

• First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 51 percent
• Transfer-out Rate: 27 percent
• 4-Year Graduation Rate: 39 percent
• 6-Year Graduation Rate: 48 percent

Date Source:

National Center for Educational Statistics

If You Like Alaska Pacific University, You May Also Like These Schools:

Students looking for a small (<1,000 students) school on the West Coast/Pacific Northwest should also check out Warner Pacific University, Northwest University, and Alaska Bible College.

Even without any varsity athletic programs, students at APU can get outside and enjoy hiking and skiing around the area. Other schools with great skiing clubs or teams include Colby College, Colorado College, Reed College, and Montana State University.

APU and the Common Application

Alaska Pacific University uses the Common Application. These articles can help guide you:

• Common Application essay tips and samples
• Short answer tips and samples
• Supplemental essay tips and samples