University of Alaska Fairbanks vs. Michigan Tech

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, AK with Michigan Technological University in Houghton, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Michigan Technological University is larger than University of Alaska Fairbanks based on total student enrollment (7,403 students vs. 6,893 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Alaska Fairbanks is located in Fairbanks, AK (Small Suburban setting); Michigan Technological University is in Houghton, MI (Remote Town setting).
• University of Alaska Fairbanks is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Michigan Technological University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Alaska Fairbanks 11:1; Michigan Technological University 13:1.

University of Alaska Fairbanks vs. Michigan Tech Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, University of Alaska Fairbanks or Michigan Tech? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Alaska Fairbanks than Michigan Tech ($11,278 vs. $16,879).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Alaska Fairbanks are 18.9% lower than at Michigan Technological University ($10,590 vs. $13,050).
• Michigan Technological University is 118.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Alaska Fairbanks (about $10,387 more per year; $19,123.00 vs. $8,736.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 92.6% higher at Michigan Tech than at University of Alaska Fairbanks (about $20,668 more per year; $42,988.00 vs. $22,320.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Michigan Technological University than at University of Alaska Fairbanks (99% vs. 87%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Michigan Technological University students is 90.9% larger than aid received by University of Alaska Fairbanks students ($19,898 vs. $10,424).

University of Alaska Fairbanks vs. Michigan Tech Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, University of Alaska Fairbanks or Michigan Tech? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Michigan Tech and University of Alaska Fairbanks.

• University of Alaska Fairbanks reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Alaska Fairbanks (1240) is the same as at Michigan Tech (1240).
• Incoming Michigan Tech students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 22 at University of Alaska Fairbanks).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Alaska Fairbanks 1110/1360; Michigan Technological University 1130/1350.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Alaska Fairbanks 17/27; Michigan Technological University 25/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: University of Alaska Fairbanks - Open admission; Michigan Tech - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: University of Alaska Fairbanks Jun 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Michigan Tech students have a 0.38 point higher average high school GPA (3.78) than students at University of Alaska Fairbanks (3.4).

University of Alaska Fairbanks vs. Michigan Tech Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for University of Alaska Fairbanks and Michigan Tech? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Michigan Technological University's six-year graduation rate (65%) is higher than University of Alaska Fairbanks's (31%).
• Graduates from Michigan Technological University earn a median of about $23,800 more per year than University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,000 vs. $42,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates have a $9,925 lower median loan debt than Michigan Tech graduates ($16,975 vs. $26,900).
• Among borrowers, University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates have an estimated $103 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Michigan Tech graduates ($175 vs. $278).
• More Michigan Tech graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Alaska Fairbanks students, three years after graduation. (79% vs. 53%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.