What is the application fee?
When you apply for admission to a degree program, a nonrefundable fee is assessed to cover the costs of processing your application. The fee varies depending on the degree level:

• $40 for occupational endorsements
• $40 for certificate or associate degrees
• $50 for bachelor's degrees
• $60 for graduate degrees

Do you require a minimum SAT or ACT score?
Test scores required for admission vary with the degree level:

• For occupational endorsements: Test scores are not required as part as of the admissions process.
• For certificate or associate degrees: ACT (preferred), SAT, ACCUPLACER or ASSET test scores must be submitted and are used for placement; however, no minimum scores are required.
• For bachelor's degrees: With a high school GPA of at least 3.0, ACT or SAT test scores must be submitted; however, no minimum scores are required.
  • With a high school GPA of less than 3.0 (but 2.5 or greater), one must have a composite score of at least 18 on the ACT or an SAT total score of at least 1,290 (including the writing skills section).
• For graduate degrees: Neither ACT nor SAT scores are required for admission; however, departments set varying requirements for GRE and GMAT scores. All applicants with a GPA of less than 3.0 are required to submit GRE scores, regardless of departmental requirements.

Do you accept both the SAT and ACT?
Yes

Is an interview required for admission?
No

Do I have to write an essay for admissions?
A "Statement of Academic Goals" is required for graduate degrees.

Do I need to send letters of reference? If so, how many?
Letters of reference are required only for applications for graduate study, in which case three letters of recommendation are required.

Do I need a physical examination prior to admission?
No

Do I need to submit immunization records?
Not for admissions, but if you wish to live in university housing, you must complete a health inventory, which includes the following required immunizations and tests (this applies only to people born after 1956):

• Proof of immunization against or immunity for measles, mumps, rubella (two MMR immunizations are required).
• Proof of immunization against diphtheria and tetanus (within the past 10 years).
• Results from a PPD skin test for tuberculosis (within the past year). If your PPD test was positive, you must provide documentation showing you had a chest X-ray and the results were negative for tuberculosis.

Is there a required set of high school level courses I must complete to be eligible for admissions?
You must have completed the high school core curriculum.

Do you calculate the grade point average only on certain courses in high school? If so, how do you do it?
For baccalaureate degrees we look at the overall high school GPA. Then we take into account how many core credits one has completed (basic credits/classes that every high school student should have taken outside of electives). Students graduating from high school should have 16 core credits (example: four years each of math, science, English and social studies). If you have a low overall GPA or a low core GPA you might be placed into a pre-major.

To calculate the GPA on your core credits:

Add the number of credits from the core classes, and then add up your points.
Points are determined by the grade you received
A = 4 , B = 3 , C = 2 , D = 1, F = 0

Example:
If you have six English classes worth 1 credit per school year, you have a total of 6 core English credits.
You earned five B's and one F, so, 5 x 3 = 15 and 1 x 0 = 0, so 15 + 0 = 15 points total.
Divide the total points (15) by core credits
15 ÷ 6 = 2.5, so your GPA is 2.5

How do you look at Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses?We maintain a list of AP (or CEEB) Examinations for which we grant credit. The student must receive a score of 3 or higher to receive credit.

We award credit for IB higher-level exams on which students have earned a score of 4 or better. Students should submit an official record of their IB certificate(s) or diploma for review by UAF.

How will you honor CLEP scores? What credit will I get?
UAF honors CLEP scores in approved areas, with the following conditions:

• If you've already earned (from any source) as many as 6 semester credits in the areas of humanities, social sciences/history, natural sciences or college mathematics, no credit will be awarded for successfully completing the general exam in those subject areas in the CLEP exam list.
• You may not duplicate a course for which you've already been given credit or in which you're currently enrolled.
• If you've audited a course, you must wait at least one year after the end of that course before taking the CLEP exam for that course.

The minimum passing score for approved CLEP exams is 50 with the exception of the following listed foreign languages scores: French semester I and II, minimum 50, semesters III and IV, minimum 59; German semester I minimum 39, semester II minimum 50, semester III minimum 55, semester IV minimum 60; Spanish semester I minimum 39, semester II minimum 50, semester III minimum 57 and semester IV minimum 63.

A complete list of CLEP tests we accept and the credit given for the successful completion of those tests is listed in the academic catalog.

Do you accept the GED?
A GED is accepted for occupational endorsements, certificates and associate degrees. A high school diploma is required for admission into a bachelor's degree program, though a student with a GED could be admitted into a bachelor's degree program after earning 30 credits with a GPA of 2.0 or higher in an associate degree program.

Are certain GED scores required for admission?
No

Will you honor a home-school program or a diploma from an unaccredited high school?
We will honor a state-recognized home-school program, but an unrecognized program, or a diploma from an unaccredited high school would warrant a case-by-case review by the director of admissions.

How will the university evaluate or use two or more sets of SAT/ACT scores?
We will consider your highest test scores in each area.

Do you offer an early admission program?
No, though you may receive an early admission decision before your final high school transcripts are received. You must submit official transcripts through the fall semester of your senior year, and you will need to provide your final transcripts after you graduate.

What are the transfer student requirements?
Students with 30 credits or more must have a GPA of at least 2.0 and be in good standing at their previous institutions. If the student has less than 30 credits s/he must meet the freshman admission requirements.

Is admission open to any freshman or transfer student in any semester or quarter?
Yes. We have rolling admissions, but there are deadlines to ensure timely admission. For undergraduate students, June 15 is the deadline for the fall semester and November 1 for spring.

Do you offer a joint/dual enrollment program?
Students in high school may take courses at UAF to help complete their high school graduation requirements.

Do you offer remedial or developmental studies?
Yes

Will "D's" transfer to your college?
No

Is physical education required?
We do not require physical education courses, though we have a great offering of recreation courses.

Is it easier to get accepted in the summer than the fall term?
No, the requirements are the same regardless of the semester in which you apply.

Is there an application deadline, and if so, when is it?
For undergraduate programs the application deadline is:

• June 15 for the fall semester
• November 1 for the spring semester

For graduate programs:

• June 1 for the fall semester
• October 15 for the spring semester

For international students:

• May 1 for the fall semester
• September 1 for the spring semester

For UA Scholars:

• May 1 to reserve the UA Scholar Award

How long does it take to process an application and when will the acceptance letter be mailed?
Processing time varies depending on the time of the year. The average processing time is approximately two weeks from when all parts of your application are received (transcript, application fee, test scores, etc.). The time from first applying to being accepted can vary depending on when items are received.

Can I apply to your school online?
Yes, and we strongly encourage it! Apply online now.

Can I pay my application fee online?
Yes

Is there an application deposit?
No, but there is an application fee which ranges from $40 – $60 depending on the degree level.

Can I look at my application status online?
Yes, but only if you applied online. If you applied using a paper application, you will not be able to track your status online.

What do I have to send with my application?
You can send in the required materials separately – see the admissions requirements for specific requirements.

Is there a waiting list for admissions?
No, there's no waiting list.

When must I declare a major?
You may declare a major when you are admitted to UAF as a degree-seeking undergraduate student. If you haven't chosen a major you'll be enrolled as a general studies student. General studies students must declare a major before registering if they've earned 75 or more credits. Student receiving the WUE tuition reduction award must be admitted into a specific major in order to receive the award.

With what athletic division and conference is the college affiliated?
UAF's basketball, cross country and volleyball teams belong to the NCAA Division II Great Northwest Athletic Conference. The NCAA Division I hockey team is a member of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association, and the NCAA Division II women's swim team belongs to the Pacific Coast Conference. The men's and women's rifle team competes in the NCAA open division.

What varsity sports do you offer?
Men's: basketball, cross country, hockey, rifle and skiing
Women's: basketball, cross country, rifle, skiing, swimming and volleyball

What intramural sports do you offer?
Badminton, basketball, broomball, dodge ball, flag football, floor hockey, hockey, lacrosse, racquetball, soccer, tennis, Ultimate Frisbee, volleyball and water polo.

Do you have junior varsity or varsity cheerleading?
We have a cheerleading club.

Do you have a dance team?
No, though we do have several dancing clubs.

Do you have baton twirlers?
No

What athletic facilities are available to regular students?
The Student Recreation Center, Patty Pool and Patty Ice Rink

What is the core curriculum?
To earn a UAF degree, you must satisfy three sets of requirements: general university requirements, degree requirements and program (major) requirements. The core curriculum is part of the bachelor's degree requirements.

How many majors or degrees do you offer?
UAF's eight schools and colleges offer 168 degrees and 33 certificates in 126 disciplines. Check out our list of majors.

Are internships, cooperative study or study abroad programs offered? Required?
Some programs require internships, and both international and national exchange and study abroad programs are offered.

What is the difference between the semester system and the quarter system?
A school on the quarter system offers three quarters per standard academic year, each lasting 10 weeks. A school on a semester system usually offers two semesters of 15 weeks each per academic year.

Credits from a quarter-based school equal 2/3 of a credit at a semester-based school. For example, one semester hour equals 0.667 quarter hour.

For transfer credits we look at the course content. For example, at the quarter-based school a one-year chemistry sequence is three quarters in length (that would equal two semesters here at UAF). If a student has only taken one or two of those quarter classes then we feel they haven't covered all of the material that is covered in our year-long chemistry sequence and will not give credit for the entire year.

What are your college's most popular majors?
The top five baccalaureate degree-seeking majors at UAF over the last five years are: biological sciences, elementary education, business administration, psychology and civil engineering.

Does your college offer graduate degrees?
Yes, UAF offers 228 master's and doctoral degrees.

Is there a mini-term or summer school?
Yes. Summer Sessions offers three-week, six-week and 12-week sessions, and there are even two intensive sessions when you can earn 3 credits in two weeks.

Is an ROTC program available?
Yes, UAF is home to the only Army Reserve Officers Training Corps program in Alaska.

What is the class attendance policy?
It's up to the individual faculty member to decide on the specific policy. If the student and instructor cannot come to an agreement on how to handle pre-arranged absences, the student will be allowed to withdraw without penalty.

Are academic scholarships available?
Yes, visit the UAF Financial Aid website for information about the many types of scholarships and other financial aid that are available.

Are talent scholarships available?
Yes, visit the UAF Financial Aid website for information about the many types of scholarships and other financial aid that are available.

Are athletic scholarships available?
Yes, visit the UAF Financial Aid website for information about the many types of scholarships and other financial aid that are available. Students interested in joining a college sports team should contact the Athletics Department or the coach of the particular team for more information.

Does out-of-state tuition apply?
Yes. Undergraduate students from Washington, Oregon, California, Hawai'i, Idaho, Nevada, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, North Dakota, and South Dakota may qualify for the Western Undergraduate Exchange Tuition Reduction Award which is used to defray the costs of non-resident tuition. During Summer Sessions everyone pays in-state tuition.

How much are books?
Costs for textbooks vary, we estimate you should expect to pay between $250 – $1,100 per semester for a full course load. The cost for books averages about $90 – $15 per course.

How do I apply for financial aid?
Fill out your FAFSA, and have the information sent to UAF. Contact a financial aid advisor at financialaid@uaf.edu or visit www.uaf.edu/finaid/ for more information and help with the financial aid process.

Will I get a bill? How can I find out how much I owe?
You will not receive a bill. Your bill will show up on your UAOnline account, which can be found at http://uaonline.alaska.edu under "Student Account" after you log in.

Do you take credit cards? Can I pay online?
Yes

What is the refund policy for tuition and fees?
Students who withdraw from courses or cancel enrollment must submit a completed official withdrawal form to the Registrar's Office. UAF may fully or partially refund undergraduate, graduate and non-resident tuition and fees. The following conditions apply:

• If UAF cancels a course, students' tuition and fees will be refunded in full.
• If a student formally withdraws from a course, UAF will make refunds according to the date of the withdrawal.
• If withdrawal is prior to or on the last day for late registration, UAF will refund 100 percent of tuition and fees. The parking decal fee will be refunded in full if the student returns the parking decal at the time of withdrawal.
• If withdrawal is within one week after the last day of late registration, UAF will refund 50 percent of tuition only. The parking fee will be returned in full (less $5) if the student returns the parking decal at time of withdrawal.
• If student withdraws from a class and adds another on the same day through the fourth Friday of the semester, UAF will exchange tuition. NOTE: If the exchange is uneven — e.g., lower level to upper level, or 3 credits to 4 credits — tuition is owed and due the same day.
• If withdrawal is after the fourth Friday of the semester, no refund or exchange of tuition is available.

Courses Meeting Four Weeks or More But Less Than a Semester

• If a student withdraws within five working days of the first class meeting, UAF will refund 100 percent of tuition and fees.
• If a student withdraws within six to 10 working days of the first class meeting, UAF will refund 50 percent of tuition only.
• If a student withdraws on or after the 11th working day after the first class meeting, no refund or exchange of tuition is available.

Courses Meeting Less Than Four Weeks

If a student withdraws before the first day of class, UAF will refund 100 percent of tuition and fees. No refund or exchange of tuition is available to students who withdraw on or after the first day of class.

What is your freshman class size?
Around 800

How many courses are considered a full load?
Undergraduate: 12 credits
Graduate: 9 credits

What percentage of undergraduates earn degrees and then go on to graduate school?
About 40 percent of our students go on to graduate school.

How long does it take to graduate?
Most bachelor's degree programs are designed to be finished in four years, but five years is not uncommon.

What organizations accredit your university?
UAF is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Additionally UAF has the following specialized accreditations, certifiations and standards:

• Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
• Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
• American Association of Museums
• American Bar Association
• American Chemical Society
• Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
• Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
• Council on Social Work Education
• Federal Aviation Administration
• National Association of Schools of Music
• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and Alaska State Board of Education
• Society of American Foresters

What is the student/faculty ratio?
Approximately 11:1

How many, or what percentage, of faculty members teach full time? How many, or what percentage, of faculty members hold a doctorate or terminal degree?
We have 1,074 faculty members (including adjunct instructors), of which 332 teach full time and 400 hold terminal degrees.

How large is the campus?
The 2,250 acre Fairbanks campus includes two lakes and miles of trails as well as a major student recreation complex. We often refer to UAF as having a 360-million-acre campus because research and field work might take you anywhere in Alaska.

How many buildings are on the main campus?
More than 80 buildings are on the Fairbanks campus, including classroom buildings, laboratories and research institutes, student residences, recreational facilities, administration and storage buildings and other structures.

When was the college founded and what is its brief history?
UAF began as the Alaska Agricultural College and School of Mines in 1917 with research and teaching in support of agriculture and mining as its main focus. In 1922, when construction of the first building was completed, the college opened its doors to students. In the first year, a faculty of six offered 16 classes to a student body of six. Commencement in 1923 consisted of a single graduate.

Where do most of the out-of-state students come from?
From the West and Rocky Mountain states.

What's the population of the town where the college is located?
The population of the city of Fairbanks at the last census was 31,324, but the surrounding Fairbanks North Star Borough population is around 98,000.

What are the major attractions close to the college?
Denali National Park and Preserve is a 4-hour train ride or 2-hour drive away. The one-million-acre White Mountains National Recreation Area is just north of town, with a wild river and extensive trail system. Chena Hot Springs Resort is located 60 scenic miles from downtown Fairbanks. There are 17 miles of ski and hiking trails right on campus, and on the eastern side of town, the Birch Hill Recreation Area maintains more than 18 miles of ski trails with almost five miles of lighted loops. If you're interested in canoeing, kayaking or boating, the Chena River glides right through Fairbanks, Chena Lakes Recreation Area is 25 miles south, Nenana River whitewater runs along the edge of Denali National Park and the mighty Yukon River is about 140 miles to the north.

What is the enrollment by ethnicity?
As of fall 2009:

• African-American: 3.9 percent
• Alaska Native/American Indian: 23.3 percent
• Asian/Pacific Islander: 3.9 percent
• Caucasian: 59.7 percent
• Other/Unspecified: 12 percent

What is the international student enrollment?
UAF international students hail from 38 countries and comprise 2.25 percent of the student body.

Are there banks on campus? Where are the ATMs?
Yes, a Spirit of Alaska Federal Credit Union branch is located in the William Ransom Wood Center on campus. There are ATMs in the Wood Center and at the Moore/Bartlett/Skarland Complex.

What is the ratio of males to females on campus?
 As of fall 2009, UAF's enrollment was 60 percent female and 40 percent male.

How does the college compare in size to the other colleges in the state?
UAF is in the middle; the University of Alaska Anchorage is larger and the University of Alaska Southeast is smaller.

Does the college have a toll-free number or will you accept collect calls from prospective students?
Yes, we have a toll free number: 1-800-478-1823.

What is the placement rate of bachelor's degree graduates?
Varies from department to department. For example, the College of Engineering and Mines has a 99 percent placement rate and the School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences has a 90-100 percent placement rate.

Who recruits students at your school?
Participants at a recent recruiting event included the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Alyeska Pipeline Service Company, Boeing, BP, the Bureau of Land Management, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Exxon Mobil, NOAA, Schlumberger, Shell, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S Geological Survey, among others.

Is there an infirmary or health services center available to students?
Yes. At the Student Health and Counseling Center, students may receive health care, counseling, substance abuse evaluation and referral, health education and assistance with health insurance. Students must pay the health center fee to be eligible for these services.

What appliances/electronics can I bring to my dorm room?
You can bring a microwave, a small refrigerator and a TV. Check your housing agreement for more details.

Can freshmen live off campus?
Yes

May students have private rooms on campus?
Yes, though generally not for incoming freshmen. For upperclassmen, there is limited availability.

How many students share a room?
Two, within the freshman residence halls

Are the dorms air-conditioned?
No, but generally air conditioning is not necessary.

Is there a deposit required to reserve a dorm room? If so, how much is it?
There is a $350 fee required when a student turns in the dorm application. This includes $315 for a security deposit and a $35 nonrefundable processing fee.

Do the dorms have laundry facilities?
Yes. Currently, laundry facilities are available free of charge.

Do the dorms have private baths or hall baths?
Moore, Bartlett, Skarland, Lathrop, Nerland, Stevens and McIntosh Halls all have hall baths.

Is there a curfew?
No

When are the doors locked at night?
They're locked 24/7 and can only be accessed with a valid PolarExpress card (student ID).

What are the current costs for room, board, tuition and fees?
Please consult the UAF costs website for housing options.

Do you provide overnight housing for prospective students?
No. We are unable to provide overnight housing at this time, however, Fairbanks offers a wide array of housing options for travelers. The Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau is an excellent source of information about local hotels, bed & breakfasts, and other housing options. Visit www.explorefairbanks.com or call (907) 456-5774 or (800) 327-5774 for more information.

Do you have a new student orientation program? When? Do I have to attend?
Yes. New Student Orientation takes place at the beginning of the spring and fall semesters. Orientation is required for first-year baccalaureate-degree-seeking students entering UAF with fewer than 30 credits; students participating in the EDGE program (first year residential students under 20 years of age); international students; and UA Scholars. All students are encouraged to participate in NSO.

Is there a fee?
Yes, fall orientation is $75 and spring orientation is $35. Your student account will automatically be billed.

Is there a New Student Orientation for parents and is there a fee?
Yes, and there is no fee.

Do you offer pre-registration?
Yes, after you meet with or speak with your advisor over the phone, you can go online at your assigned time and register for the courses you have selected.

How do I qualify for residency in your state?
Please consult the Application for Resident Tuition for Residency (PDF) guidelines.

Do you have police on campus?
Yes. The UAF Police Department has a staff of fully commissioned police officers trained through the state police academy. The department also hires student Public Safety Officers, and there is a police dog on the force. The University Fire Department, housed in the same building, serves a 25-square-mile area beyond campus, including the airport. It is one of only a few fire departments in the country run by a university.

How secure is the campus?
Very. Statistics on campus crime are included on the UAF Police Department web page and in the back of each semester's class schedule.

Are there student clubs and organizations on campus?
Yes, there are over 100 clubs, organizations and religious groups affiliated with UAF.

Is there a student union on campus?
Yes, the William Ransom Wood Center is the focal point of campus activities and services.

What types of events are offered for students?
The Office of Student Activities offers a variety of events and activities all year, including four Nanook Traditions: Starvation Gulch, International Education Week, Winter Carnival and Springfest.

Is there a place on campus to rent outdoor recreation gear?
Yes, visit the Outdoor Adventures Office located in Wood Center. We offer a variety of trips and equipment rental.

May freshmen have cars on campus?
Yes. A parking permit is required.

Do you have national fraternities and sororities?
Yes. UAF has chapters of Sigma Sigma Sigma and Sigma Phi Epsilon as well as numerous honor societies.

Do I have to purchase the meal plan?
All undergraduates living in Moore, Bartlett, Skarland, Lathrop, Nerland, Stevens and McIntosh Halls are required to purchase meal plans.

Is there a dress code?
No

What music groups can I join? Marching band, choral, symphony?
There are several different student music ensembles you can join. Contact the Music Department for more information

Are jobs available on your campus?
Yes. Career Services can help you identify the right student job.

Does your college offer a tutorial program?
Yes. Student Support Services, Rural Student Services, ASUAF and some individual departments offer tutoring.

What computer access is available to students?
There are computer labs in Bunnell Building, the Moore-Bartlett-Skarland residence complex, Rasmuson Library and in certain departments.

What type of computer must I have to be successful at your school?
It's up to you. Campus Technology Services maintains several computing labs at UAF for use by students, faculty and staff, so you could survive without one.

Are laptops allowed in the classroom?
It's up to each faculty member so check in with your instructor.

Is the campus accessible or ADA compliant?
Yes. Please contact Disability Services to inquire about any specific needs.

Do you offer counseling services for students?
Yes. At the Student Health and Counseling Center, students may receive health care, counseling, substance abuse evaluation and referral, health education and assistance with health insurance. Students must pay the health center fee to be eligible for these services.

What if I have to follow a special diet?
We'll accommodate your needs. Please contact Dining Services to arrange an appropriate diet.

Do you have a Career Services Office/Center?
Yes, the Department of Career Services provides career counseling, job search and internship advising and organizes on-campus employer recruiting.

When can I visit your school?
Anytime we are open, usually Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and some select weekends. The campus is closed for certain holidays. Fill out our form to schedule a campus visit with Admissions: individuals, groups.

Is there an Open House event?
Yes, UAF Inside Out takes place during fall and spring semesters. Check out our Discover UAF series and other Admissions events.