University of Alaska Regents eliminate non-resident tuition rate systemwide

August 10, 2026

The University of Alaska (Ů�źϼ�) Board of Regents voted in a virtual meeting on Tuesday, August 4 to expand the “Alaska Unlocked” initiative, eliminating nonresident tuition (NRT) for undergraduate and graduate students the next academic year (Fall 2027 - Spring 2028). The change is expected to increase enrollment, provide tuition transparency, and improve retention of out-of-state students while reducing administrative load.

“Ů�źϼ� empowers Alaska, and efforts to reduce barriers and improve accessibility to the quality education we provide will help our institutions continue to recruit, attract, and retain Alaska’s workforce.” Ů�źϼ� Board of Regents Chair Scott Jepsen said. ”This change will help bring in students who may not have otherwise considered Ů�źϼ� and continue our trend of enrollment growth.”

While each university will maintain its own tuition rates for graduate and undergraduate students, there will be no additional charge for out-of-state students. In practice, Non-Resident Tuition is heavily discounted and brings in less than 1.2% of net tuition revenue (less than $1.4 million in external funding).

“Over 75% of students who graduate from a Ů�źϼ� institution stay and work in Alaska long term,” Ů�źϼ� President Matt Cooper, who began his tenure as Ů�źϼ�'s 18th president on Monday, said. “Eliminating out-of-state tuition is just one part of broader efforts to improve the student experience at Ů�źϼ�, make us more competitive in the higher education marketplace, and grow and educate Alaska’s future workforce.”

Ů�źϼ�S created the “Alaska Unlocked” initiative last year, which eliminated NRT for undergraduate students who attend Ů�źϼ�S this Fall (Fall 2026). The results from Ů�źϼ�S provided support to extend the program systemwide. As of July 2026, Ů�źϼ�S has surpassed its baseline for new undergraduate, degree-seeking students from out-of-state, with applications up 18% year-over-year, admittances up 43%, and newly enrolled students up 33% over last year.

The move is a part of broader efforts to improve tuition transparency at Ů�źϼ�, and simplify student bills. The Board of Regents will review proposed tuition rates for Fall 2027 - Spring 2028 at their September Board meeting, and will approve final rates in November.