University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, AK
Fairbanks, AK
Fairbanks, AK
Welcome to life at the top.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks is Alaska’s leading research and teaching university—and with only about 6,000 students and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, it feels like a small college with large opportunities. UAF specializes in practical science and engineering for extreme environments, arctic landscapes and wildlife, Earth sciences, climate change, and much more. As a research leader, UAF dedicates over $100 million a year to research endeavors.
Learn by doing
The best engineers and scientists are those who spend the most time in the lab, workshop, and field. We take a hands-on approach and begin teaching the design process in the first semester. This prepares students for the professional world and makes learning more fun and rewarding. Students utilize the skills and knowledge they gain in practical ways through student research, fieldwork, and national and international competitions.
Small school, strong community
Our students continually strive for excellence. Whether it’s the ASCE Steel Bridge, Collegiate Cyber Defense, or Design/Build/Fly, our students take pride in their work—which is why they’re usually found at or near the top of any given competition. If you want to dive in and start competing from day one, UAF is your school.
The last frontier for research
The Arctic is the world’s most exciting research frontier, and UAF is the world’s premier Arctic research university. Our undergraduate and graduate students work with faculty on active research projects and receive funding to do their own research as well. This often takes them off campus and into the wilderness of Alaska. UAF is a gateway to the spectacular and a place where adventure awaits discovery around every corner.
UAF: Renowned in the Scientific Community
• The UAF Student Steel Bridge team began competing in 1993, and keeps bringing home the hardware! They received second in the nation in 2021-2022, and were tenth in 2022-23.
• Research Scientist Jessica Garron led a team of researchers along with the Oil Spill Recovery Institute (OSRI) to develop a remote-controlled jet ski loaded with herder chemicals to contain spills. The innovation will safely improve spill response.
• UAF engineer Ken Arnoult is leading the design of a system to filter exhaled air from patients on nebulizer treatments, removing virus-laden aerosols to reduce risk to medical personnel.
• Professor Lawrence K. Duffy received the 2020 American Chemical Society Award for Encouraging Disadvantaged Students into Careers in the Chemical Sciences for his work with Alaska Native and Native American students.
• UAF is the top 2020 US university for impact and sustainable development goals, according to Times Higher Education.
Announcing the launch of a new aerospace engineering degree at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Aspiring aerospace engineers now have an opportunity to pursue a bachelor's degree in this dynamic field.
Tailored to your interests: From flight theory to circuits, thermodynamics to mechanical materials, our curriculum is designed to prepare you for the challenges of the aerospace industry.
“For me, choosing UAF was easy: it was affordable, there were huge scholarship opportunities, and it had a top-ranked Engineering program. On top of that, there are many opportunities to make a positive difference at UAF and beyond. As a Petroleum Engineering student, I served as the president of the UAF Society of Petroleum Engineers, on the Board of the Alaska Miners Association, on UAF’s Strategic Planning Committee, and more. At UAF, all students can make a positive difference. I achieved so much more than I expected to at UAF, and I received a stunning amount of support from my classmates, professors, and community.”
“At UAF, we believe in hands-on, minds-on experiential learning and provide students with multiple opportunities to put into practice what they learn in the classroom. This leads to better employment opportunities in their future.”
“UAF gave me realistic opportunities to combine two of my longest dreams: to be an engineer and live in interior Alaska. The College of Engineering and Mines gave me the tools to think and act creatively in such a vast and challenging setting.”
"The College of Engineering and Mines has always been happy to help in any way with my many projects and open to input from students. Their support in my education has helped me land a job at NASA."
