Alaska Pacific University

Alaska Pacific University (APU) is a private nonprofit university in Anchorage built around small classes, hands-on learning, and Alaska-centered study. For prospective students, the practical questions are which academic path fits their goal, what extra steps a program requires, and how scholarships affect the tuition bill. This guide highlights the most decision-relevant options and where to confirm the full details.

Academic options and program paths

APU’s undergraduate choices include several distinct areas: nursing and health sciences; marine and environmental sciences; environmental and outdoor studies; business; counseling psychology; Alaska Native governance and Indigenous studies; education; writing; and liberal studies. The university’s approach is particularly visible in field-based environmental programs and in education connected to Alaska Native and rural communities.

Nursing applicants should pay special attention to the entry route. APU lists pre-nursing, a practical nursing certificate (LPN), an associate degree in nursing (ADN), an LPN-to-ADN bridge, and a bachelor’s route for registered nurses. The bridge and BSN routes require prior nursing credentials and an active Alaska license; the ADN adds prerequisite courses, an application review, and an interview for eligible applicants. Check the program’s current prerequisites before choosing courses, because general university admission alone does not place a student in every nursing pathway.

Graduate study includes business and leadership options such as the MBA, Executive MBA, and Alaska Native Executive Leadership certificate, as well as graduate programs in areas such as counseling psychology, outdoor and environmental education, marine science, writing, and teacher education. Program names, credential levels, and start terms can change. See APU’s official academic and program directory for the current complete list, then use the catalog for curriculum and degree requirements.

Applying: documents, fees, and timing

Undergraduate applicants generally provide an online application, an official high-school transcript or GED record, and transcripts from colleges previously attended. Graduate applications require postsecondary transcripts; individual programs may add an essay or statement, résumé, recommendations, or test results. APU lists a $35 application fee or a fee waiver. Ask Admissions about a waiver if the fee is a barrier.

Undergraduate admission is listed as rolling, while graduate deadlines and requirements vary by program and term. Nursing, Counseling Psychology, MFA, and other specialized routes may have separate prerequisites or dates. International applicants must also submit credential and English-proficiency materials. Check APU’s current application instructions and deadlines before planning a start date, then start an application through the university’s portal. Admissions can be reached at (907) 564-8248 or admissions@alaskapacific.edu.

Scholarships and tuition support

APU lists federal, state, institutional, and outside aid. Its institutional awards include both merit scholarships and grants tied to need or student circumstances. Students should submit the FAFSA and, for many university scholarships, the APU One Application (OneApp); several awards require admission and an APU login. Some OneApp awards may ask for additional materials.

• Undergraduate merit awards: APU lists full-time awards from $1,500 to $7,000 for GPA levels between 2.75 and 3.85. Transfer students are considered using college grades; first-year applicants use high-school grades. A part-time award is listed for students taking 6–11 credits with a 3.0 GPA. Renewal and satisfactory-progress conditions apply.
• Alaska and Indigenous student awards: The university lists a $1,000-per-year Alaska Scholarship for Alaska residents and a $1,000-per-year Shel ch’naq’ahnilu Scholarship for eligible Alaska Native or American Indian undergraduate and graduate students from the United States or Canada. The latter requires proof of eligibility.
• Housing award: Students accepted into APU campus housing may be considered for the listed $1,000-per-year On-Campus Community Scholarship.
• Need-based tuition aid: Undergraduates can be considered for the Promise Tuition Grant or Gap Scholarship after FAFSA and OneApp review. APU says eligible students with the greatest financial need—those qualifying for a maximum federal Pell Grant—are assured remaining tuition coverage after federal, state, and APU aid is applied. The page lists Gap awards up to $3,000 for eligible students. This is tuition support, not a promise to cover housing, meals, books, travel, or every fee.

These published examples are not a personal aid offer, and amounts or requirements can change by award year. Ask how scholarships combine and what costs remain. APU’s financial-aid and scholarship page has current award details, FAFSA guidance, and OneApp steps.

Anchorage campus and other learning locations

• Main campus — Anchorage: 4101 University Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508. Admissions is in Carr-Gottstein Academic Center, Suite 106, and lists weekday hours of 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Call (907) 564-8248 before traveling; building access and holiday schedules can vary.
• Kellogg Campus — Palmer: 6402 Lossing Road, Palmer, AK 99645; (907) 563-5123. APU uses this location for environmental education, sustainable agriculture, and community programs. Confirm access or appointments before visiting.
• Bethel instructional site: Yuut Elitnaurviat, 610 Akiak Drive, Bethel, AK. The accreditor identifies it as an instructional site. A separate public phone number could not be confirmed; contact APU to check whether the course or service you need is currently available there.

The Admissions Office is open Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; weekends are closed. For a question about a particular major or aid package, request the relevant department or counselor rather than assuming every office provides the same service.

What students mention in public reviews

Public comments often praise small classes, close contact with instructors, supportive relationships, and practical learning. Some reviewers describe unclear administrative processes or difficult interactions with staff or faculty. These are voluntary individual accounts, not a representative survey, and experiences differ by program and department. Useful questions for a current student include: who advises this major, how quickly does the department answer registration or financial-aid questions, and what fieldwork, clinical placement, or work-study expectations should an applicant plan for?

Read public student comments about APU.

Before making a decision

• Confirm the exact credential and whether the program admits students for your intended term.
• For nursing, get the pathway-specific prerequisites and license/clinical requirements in writing.
• Submit the FAFSA, ask about fee waivers and scholarship eligibility, and compare the aid offer with total attendance costs.
• Confirm transfer credits, course format, and location with the academic department.