Tuition and Fees

Tuition

Tuition is determined by the number of credit hours in which the student is enrolled, the level of the courses and the student's residency status. (See table below).

  • Undergraduate students are considered full time at 12 or more credits.
  • Graduate students are considered full time at 9 or more credits.
  • Students enrolled in no more than 4 credits per semester pay tuition at the resident rate.
2005--2006 Tuition
  Resident Non-resident
100--200 level courses $109/credit $363/credit
300--400 level courses $123/credit $377/credit
500--level courses varies varies
600-level courses $244/credit $498/credit

Note: Audited credits are charged at the same rate as other credits.

Resident and Non-Resident Tuition

Students eligible for Alaska resident tuition include:

  • Alaska residents as defined below.
  • members of the United States military on active duty (stationed in Alaska) and members of the Alaska National Guard, their spouses and dependent children,
  • residents of British Columbia, the Yukon, Northwest or Nunavut Territories,
  • students from other states or provinces whose public universities waive non-resident charges for Alaska residents and students from foreign cities and provinces that have partnerships with Alaska or specific Alaska communities (lists of approved programs are published online in University of Alaska Board of Regents regulations),
  • students participating in the UA Scholars Program, and
  • students participating in the University of Alaska College Savings Program who meet eligibility criteria as established by the Education Trust of Alaska.

For purposes of tuition assessment, a "resident" is any person who, prior to the published first day of instruction at his or her home campus:

  • has been physically present in Alaska for two years (apart from documented absences due to illness, vacations, attending another educational institution while maintaining Alaska residency, or other absences not exceeding a total of 120 days in the two-year period), and
  • declares the intention to remain in Alaska indefinitely.

A dependent child (one who is unmarried, younger than age 24, and financially dependent on his or her parent or guardian) will be considered a resident if he or she has a parent or guardian who qualifies as an Alaska resident as defined above. Dependent children of alumni who have received an associate, baccalaureate or graduate degree from the University of Alaska also qualify for resident tuition.

A student will be considered non-resident if within two years prior to applying for residency he or she:

  • carried out any act inconsistent with Alaska residency,
  • was claimed as a dependent child of a non-resident of Alaska for federal income tax purposes during the most recent tax year, or
  • paid resident tuition at an educational institution in another state during the past two years.

Students having non-immigrant visa status are not eligible for Alaska residency.

A student who has initially registered as a non-resident may apply for resident status after residing in the state for one year under the university's "bona fide resident" provision. Bona fide resident status can be based on either:

  • eligibility to receive the Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend,

Or satisfying five of the following conditions:

  • voter registration in Alaska,
  • vehicle registration in Alaska for at least nine months,
  • motor vehicle operator's license in Alaska for at least nine months,
  • evidence of one or more years of physical presence in Alaska within the past three years--you may not have enrolled in more than six credit hours at a college or university during the three-year time frame,
  • ownership of real property in Alaska,
  • active checking or saving accounts in Alaska, or
  • other evidence of residence deemed satisfactory by the university's chief enrollment officer or designee.

Students who want to apply for resident status should file an application for residency with required documentation at the appropriate university office prior to the published first day of instruction at their home campus.

For additional information and applications, new students should contact the Office of Admissions; returning students should contact the Office of the Registrar.

Basic Student Fees

Review a table of basic fees.

ASUAF
Cost: $35 per semester.
Who pays: All students enrolled in 3 or more credits.
What's covered: Associated Students of the University of Alaska Fairbanks (ASUAF) represents student views and concerns to the university administration, board of regents and Alaska Legislature. The ASUAF fee also pays for publication of the UAF student newspaper, the Sun Star; the student-managed ASUAF Concert Board; and KSUA, the student radio and on-campus television station. Other services provided through ASUAF include a free half-hour attorney consultation, ombudsman consultation, a subsidized tutor program, student discounts at participating businesses (the ASUAF Student Saver program), free international student identification cards, subsidized student club activities and much more. Contact ASUAF at (907) 474-7355 or visit asuaf.org.

Courses
Cost: Varies.
Who pays: Students enrolled in courses with special fees. See the course description section of the catalog to check fees for individual classes.
What's covered: Some courses require special equipment, supplies or services and charge a materials fee in addition to tuition.

Health Center
Cost: $85 per semester.
Who pays: Students enrolled in 9 credits or more, students living in university housing, and all students purchasing student health insurance. (Optional for students taking 6-8 credit hours with student health insurance purchase or waiver.)
What's covered: Basic medical and counseling services at the UAF Center for Health and Counseling on the Fairbanks campus.
Waivers: Students who meet all of the following conditions may waive the Health Center fee: 1) no courses on the Fairbanks campus or at University Park, 2) not living in university housing and 3) not purchasing the university student health insurance plan. Pick up a student health insurance waiver form from the cashier at fee payment, in the UAF Business Office on the Fairbanks campus, or call (907) 474-7043.

Health Insurance
Cost: $300 per semester and $800 annually. (Prices represent rates for the 2004-05 academic year and may be higher for 2005-06. Rates are renegotiated each year.)
Who pays: Students enrolled in 9 or more credits, students living in university housing and all international students with F-1 and J-1 visas (including Canadian students) must have health insurance coverage. If you don't already have health insurance, you must purchase the student health insurance coverage provided through the university. Departments such as the health and counseling center, residence life (housing) and international programs may request proof of insurance from you at any time during the semester. Insurance is optional for students enrolled in 6-8 credit hours.
What's covered: Most accidents and acute illnesses up to a specified maximum amount per illness or injury. See the health center for details.
How to pay: Insurance is not automatically charged to your account. You must add the health insurance fee to your bill during fee payment. You can also add the insurance premium on the web at http://alaska.edu/uaonline or by calling the Business Office at (907) 474-7384 or (907) 474-6337.
Waivers: International students on F-1 and J-1 visas (including Canadian students) who meet specified requirements may get a waiver signed at the Office of International Programs (907) 474-5327.

Parking Decal
Cost: $35 per semester for 1-8 credits, $68 per semester for 9 or more credits, or $124 for an annual parking decal. Costs are based on the combined credit hour enrollment at UAF, TVC and Center for Distance Education.
Who pays: All students who park at any UA, UAF or Tanana Valley Campus facility in Fairbanks, whether on or off campus, are required to have a parking decal or permit displayed on the vehicle. (Campus residents may not purchase the multi-car user decal option. Employees may not purchase parking at student rates.)
What's covered: Parking in general use spaces at any UA, UAF or Tanana Valley Campus facility in Fairbanks, whether on or off campus.
How to pay: You may add parking to your semester tuition and fees using UAOnline (http://alaska.edu/uaonline) or by calling the Business Office at (907) 474-7384 or (907) 474-6337. Parking fees may also be added and paid during fee payment. Once you pay fees and tuition, pick up your parking decals at Parking Services, 111 Eielson. You need to bring your web or in-person payment receipt, the DMV vehicle registration form or documentation showing vehicle ownership. Decals aren't valid until they are properly affixed to the assigned vehicle. There are two parking office locations: 111 Eielson Building, and 950 Aurora Drive. For more information call (907) 474-2731 or (907) 474-5465, e-mail fypark1@uaf.edu, or visit online at www.uaf.edu/fs/parkingServices.html.

Student Life
Cost: $115 per semester.
Who pays: All Fairbanks area students (Fairbanks campus, Hutchison and TVC) enrolled in 9 credits or more. Students enrolled in 3-8 credits who want access to the Student Recreation Center and its facilities have the option of paying the full $115 student life fee that grants permission to use the SRC. The student life fee is not available for students enrolled in fewer than 3 credits. Students taking courses outside the Fairbanks area are not required to pay the student life fee. An adult must accompany anyone under 18 using the Student Recreation Center and its facilities (unless he or she is a full-time UAF student). Contact the SRC for more information at (907) 474-6814.
What's covered: The student life fee supports student activities, intramurals, recreation programs, student quality of life projects and use of the Student Recreation Center and its facilities.

Technology
Cost: $5 per credit hour (to a maximum of $60 per semester).
Who pays: All students.
What's covered: The fee remains at the campus at which it was collected and is used to support technology that enhances academics.

Transportation
Cost: $13 per semester.
Who pays: Students enrolled at the Fairbanks, Hutchison or TVC campuses and taking 4 credits or more per semester during spring or fall semesters.
What's covered: The transportation fee pays a portion of the costs of operating shuttle buses that provide transportation throughout campus and to various university facilities off campus.

UA Network Fee
Cost: 2 percent of tuition.
Who pays: All students.
What's covered: The UA network charge covers rapidly rising costs, especially in the maintenance and enhancement of the university-wide technology infrastructure. The 2 percent network charge is applied on a course-by-course basis to tuition, non-resident surcharges if applicable, and fees in lieu of tuition for credit and non-credit courses.

Other Fees

Review a table of other fees.

Application for Admission
Cost: $40--$50
Who pays: Applicants to undergraduate programs should include $40 with their admissions application; applicants to graduate programs, $50.
What's covered: Assessment and processing of prospective student applications.

Application for Graduation
Cost: $20 (late fee is $30).
Who pays: Students planning to graduate in a given semester must apply for graduation early in that semester. Check the academic calendar for the deadline for graduation applications in the semester you plan to complete your studies (the fee increases if you apply after the published deadline).
What's covered: Credit check and certification of eligibility to graduate.

Campus Housing

Fairbanks campus single student housing
Cost: $260 application and reservation/deposit fee ($35 non-refundable application fee; $225 refundable reservation/damage deposit).

Fairbanks campus single student housing
Double rooms $1,495--$1,595
Single rooms* $1,840--$1,955
Double room/single occupancy* $2,055--$2,190

* Extremely limited availability.

Fairbanks campus family housing
Cost: $50 non-refundable application fee
$600 damage deposit ($300 due when you are assigned a housing unit; $300 due at check-in).

Fairbanks campus family housing
One- to three-bedroom apartments $645--$990

How to apply: Send your completed application and application fee to the UAF Department of Residence Life.

Applications are available online at www.uaf.edu/reslife/applications.html. Room rent and meal plan fees, along with all other fees, are due in full at registration. Information about Residence Life is available at (907) 474-7247, housing@uaf.edu, or www.uaf.edu/reslife/.

Kuskokwim Campus housing
For information about campus housing at the Kuskokwim Campus in Bethel, visit www.bethel.uaf.edu/housing/ or call (907) 543-4562.

Credit by Examination
Cost: $40 per credit hour.
Who pays: Students using the credit-by-exam option for earning UAF course credit.
What's covered: The fee pays for coordinating the exam or other evaluation requirements between student and professor, grade recording and transcription.

Degree Audit
Cost: $5.
Who pays: Students who request additional degree audits, also called undergraduate credit checks.
What's covered: The Graduation Office (part of the Registrar's Office) provides currently enrolled degree students with a declared major with one degree audit at no charge. Students are required to pay for additional audits.

Duplicate Tuition/Fees Receipt
Cost: $5.
Who pays: Anyone requesting a duplicate receipt.
What's covered: Replacement of lost tuition/fee statement receipts. Duplicate receipts are available from the Business Office in Signers' Hall.

Late Add/Late Registration
Cost: $50 after the last day of fee payment. If you register for one or more classes after the payment deadline, you'll be charged a $50 late fee.
Who pays: Students who pay fees or add a class after the last day of fee payment. Students will not be charged late fees when:

  • adding a late start course during the regular registration period for that course;
  • moving into a class for which they were wait listed;
  • changing from one section of a course to another; and
  • adding a course to replace a canceled course in which they were previously registered.

Late fees are refunded only if all classes for which the student has registered are canceled.
What's covered: Tuition/fees and registration processing.

Late Placement Test or Guidance Test
Cost: $5.
Who pays: Students who take a placement or guidance test outside of scheduled testing sessions.
What's covered: Test oversight, administration and recording.

Meal Plans
Cost: $1,295--$1,485.
Who pays: All residence hall students are required to purchase a meal plan for on-campus meals. The only students living on campus who do not have to purchase a meal plan are residents of the Cutler Apartment Complex, Wickersham Hall and graduate students. Students who do not live on campus but are interested in purchasing a meal plan can contact Dining Services at (907) 474-6661.
What's covered:

  • 19 meals per week $1,295 per semester
  • 14 meals per week and $100 Munch Money $1,295 per semester
  • 7 meals per week and $300 Munch Money $1,295 per semester
  • 60 meals per semester and $350 Munch Money $1,295 per semester
  • 170 meals per semester and $250 Munch Money $1,485 per semester

Munch Money is a declining balance account used exclusively for food purchases at any UAF campus dining location and at most vending machines. Meal plans and Munch Money can be purchased from Dining Services in 106 Eielson.

Note: Lola Tilly Commons and Wood Center Food Court are closed throughout the UAF holiday break and Spring Break.

Orientation
Cost: $75 covers all programs, except special Outdoor Adventures activities.
Who pays: Any new student may participate in UAF Orientation on the Fairbanks campus. In addition to the regular orientation program, special sessions are available for transfer and adult returning students. Orientation is a mandatory program for international students, UA Scholars and all first-year Fairbanks residential students less than 20 years old who have earned fewer than 20 college credits.
What's covered: All materials sessions, entertainment and meals not included in student meal plans.

Payment Plan
Cost: $50.
Who pays: Students who are unable to pay all tuition and fees at the beginning of a semester.
What's covered: Budgeting by distributing the costs of tuition and fees across two or more payment dates.

Records Duplication
Cost: $5 per document.
Who pays: Anyone who requests copies of their own academic records.
What's covered: Copies of records in your academic file in the Registrar's Office (except transcripts from another school). Students need to submit a written request for copies. The Registrar's Office provides document copies as time permits. All copies provided through this service are stamped "unofficial."

Reinstatement
Cost: $35--100.
Who pays: Undergraduate students dropped from classes due to non-payment will be charged $100 to have classes reinstated. Graduate students who do not meet registration requirements and fail to file an approved leave of absence may request reinstatement from the dean of the Graduate School and will be charged $35.
What's covered: Reinstatement processing.

Textbooks
Cost: Varies according to course load. You can expect to pay about $250 to $1,100 per semester for textbooks. The cost for books averages about $90--115 per course.
Who pays: Students in classes with required texts.
What's covered: Texts, assigned readings or other course materials assigned by instructors.

Thesis Binding
Cost: $20 minimum for each hardbound copy; other fees may be charged to cover microfilming, copyright, map pockets or postage.
Who pays: Graduate students upon completion of thesis or dissertation.
What's covered: Book binding for graduate theses and dissertations, including the two copies that are required for the UAF Rasmuson Library.

Transcripts
Cost: Official transcripts: $5--10
Unofficial transcripts: $2--3
Who pays: Anyone who requests their own transcripts from the Registrar's Office.
What's covered:

  • Official transcripts are printed on special transcripting paper, include the UAF seal, and are released in a sealed envelope. Official transcript requests are handled by the Registrar's Office. Normal processing time is two weeks, but at the end of a semester and during registration the process may take longer. A 36-hour hour priority service is available for $10, paid when you request your transcript. There's a $5 fee for additional transcript copies made from the same request (e.g., the cost of priority service for two transcripts would be $15; three for $20, etc.). All requests for official transcripts must be submitted in writing and include dates and places of attendance, social security number, date of birth, current telephone number and address.
  • Unofficial transcripts are accessible via UAOnline. Unofficial transcripts are also available from the Registrar's Office for $3 per copy when printed immediately, and $2 for overnight service. An unofficial transcript is printed on regular paper and released unsealed. Unofficial transcripts are available for pickup or can be mailed only to the student.

Paying Tuition and Fees

All tuition and fees must be paid by the fee payment deadline published in the semester class schedule. This includes room rent, meal plan costs, student activity fees, health fees and deposits. Any charges unpaid at the end of the previous semester are also due and must be paid before you can re-enroll. If you owe money to the university and submit an enrollment form and payment for the current semester, you will not be enrolled into your classes; the payment will be applied toward your debt. If the current semester payment is by check from a source other than the student, the payment will be returned to the source.

Consequences of Not Paying

UAF may withhold transcripts, diplomas or grade reports from students who have not paid all financial obligations to the institution. Registration may be withheld from any student who is delinquent in paying any amount due to the university. Registration, meal plan and housing contracts may be canceled at any time for those who fail to meet installment contract payments or financial obligations. A $100 reinstatement fee will be charged to students who fully satisfy their financial obligation and are allowed to re-enroll. The registration process is not complete until the student has paid all fees and charges due the university.

Payment Plans

Students who are unable to pay all charges at the beginning of the semester may apply for a payment plan. Approval is based on your expected receipt of financial aid, other revenue sources, your credit history at UAF and your academic background including your GPA and the number of credits you have completed at UAF. Contact the Business Office for applications and information, (907) 474-6170. The university offers the following payment options:

  • Standard Payment Plan--By the last day of fee payment, 25 percent of all assessed tuition, fees and housing costs is due as a down payment, unless you can document guaranteed financial aid. Guaranteed financial aid consists of grants or loans applied for at least two months before the start of the semester. Additionally, you must be eligible to receive the aid when it arrives; that is, your status at UAF (grades, admission acceptance or default on previous loans) must not prohibit distribution of the aid. Generally, the balance is due in one to three monthly payments. Proceeds of any financial aid will be used to pay all outstanding obligations when the aid is distributed to you, regardless of the payment plan due dates. A payment plan requires a formal contract between you and the university. A 15-minute interview with a Business Office employee is required. If your request is approved, a $50 processing fee is added at that time. You must bring your approved payment plan application with you and go through the fee payment process with a cashier.
  • Advanced Payment Plan--You may prepay tuition and fees into an account to be applied to tuition and fees at a later date; contact the Business Office for more information.
  • First-year, First-time Stafford Recipients--Federal regulations require that the institution delay loan release until 30 days after the first day of classes. If your loan is certified by UAF by the first day of fee payment, a payment contract will be available up to the amount of the check. You must still see a cashier. This process does not require a processing fee. If the amount of the loan does not completely cover your charges and you are unable to pay the difference at fee payment, follow the standard payment plan process and present your contract to a cashier by the last day of fee payment.
  • Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver--Alaska residents aged 60 or older may have tuition waived for UAF credit classes. Waivers are on a space-available basis. Non-credit, CEU or self-supporting classes do not charge regular tuition and are not eligible for a waiver. The following conditions apply:
    1. Payment using a senior citizen tuition waiver is permitted starting only on the first day of instruction for each course and must be completed by the fee payment deadline. Seniors should pay for all regular term courses before adding late starting courses. No late registration fees are assessed.
    2. Senior citizens must inform the fee payment cashier that they are eligible for a senior citizen tuition waiver. Senior citizens must pay all additional course fees, but ASUAF fees may be waived.
    3. The fee payment cashier will check to see if there is a wait list for the course(s). Senior citizens will not be eligible for a tuition waiver if tuition-paying students are on a wait list. When there is a wait list, the senior may either pay the tuition and fees or drop the course(s).
    Senior citizens who pay tuition for a course and later become eligible for a waiver will not be reimbursed.
    • Employee Tuition Waiver--
    Employee tuition waivers pay only for tuition. The employee is responsible for all other fees. Tuition waiver forms are not accepted after the fee payment deadline. Employees who pay for a course and later become eligible for a waiver will not be reimbursed.

Refunds

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:

  1. If UAF cancels a course, students' tuition and fees will be refunded in full.
  2. If a student formally withdraws from a course, UAF will make refunds according to the date of the withdrawal.
    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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

1. If a student withdraws within five working days after the first class meeting, UAF will refund 100 percent of tuition and fees.

2. If a student withdraws within six to 10 working days after the first class meeting, UAF will refund 50 percent of tuition only.

3. 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.

Refund Processing Timeline

  1. The date the drop/withdraw is processed by the Registrar's Office determines eligibility for a refund. The credit amount on a student schedule bill/receipt given by the Registrar's Office at the time of the drop may not be correct; changes may occur during the audit process.
  2. For evening or weekend classes, the drop must be processed the next working day for the refund to apply.
  3. A student whose registration is canceled as a result of disciplinary action forfeits all rights to a refund of any portion of tuition and fees.
  4. If a student's registration is canceled by a faculty-initiated drop/withdraw, the refund will be based on the date of the drop/withdraw and the policy described in a, b or c above.
  5. If you paid fees by personal check, any refund to which you may be entitled will be processed 30 days after your check has been deposited. The 30-day wait will be suspended if you provide proof that your check has cleared your bank.
  6. If you owe a debt to the university, any credits resulting from your drop/withdraw will be applied to that debt.
  7. Students who receive any type of external funding, including financial aid, may have their refunds applied to the external funding source. In the case of financial aid, the refund will be applied according to federal regulations.
  8. Vocational/technical course fees are subject to this refund schedule.
  9. Summer Sessions refund policy is separate and is found in the Summer Sessions catalog.
  10. In case the operations of UAF are adversely affected by war, riot, natural act, action of civil authority, strike or other emergency or condition, the university reserves the right to take action to curtail part or all of its operations, including action to cancel classes and action to discontinue services. In any case in which a significant curtailment is judged proper by UAF, the university's liability is limited to (at most) a refund of tuition and fees paid.

Tuition Refund Exceptions

Petitions for refund of tuition may be granted when a student has been physically disabled, has experienced a death in the family, has a change in employment beyond the student's control or has other extenuating circumstances. Written documentation of the condition is required (appeal forms may be obtained from the Business Office, health center, financial aid, the Registrar's Office or the dean of student affairs office). Petitions are reviewed only if documentation of circumstances is provided and only after a student has officially withdrawn from the course(s). Petitions must be filed by the last day of instruction of the term for which the petition is filed.
Completed petitions may be submitted to the Business Office, 1st floor Signers' Hall.

Housing

Students who move off campus or withdraw from the university will receive room refunds according to the schedule on page 53. Any refund of room charges will be based upon the days remaining in the semester. A $75 service charge will be subtracted from each refund of meal plan charges, regardless of the date of withdrawal. No refunds are available after the 12th week of the semester.

Meals

Please refer to your board plan agreement for specific information about meal plan refunds.