Tuition reduced on selected career and technical education courses

April 6, 2018

UAF photo. Andrea Nesteby, right, administers to Danielle Austin in bed during an exercise in their nurse aide training program at UAF's Community and Technical College.

Beginning this fall, the University of Alaska will reduce tuition by 25 percent on 300 career and technical education courses in 50 occupational endorsement programs at the University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Alaska Fairbanks and University of Alaska Southeast including community campuses. These programs develop skilled workers who fill crucial positions in Alaska communities. Eligible programs range from pharmacy technology to welding and mine mechanics. Many programs can be completed entirely online to accommodate the needs of working Alaskans.

“In providing a tuition reduction on courses in many high-demand workforce areas, I’m confident more students will have the opportunity to build the skills needed for their advancement in our future workforce,” said UA President Jim Johnsen. “These skill-based programs also are ideal for employers looking to affordably develop employees’ skills or for individuals looking to change careers or increase their credentials.”

The reduced tuition is part of the university’s plan to meet its goals to grow enrollment, increase degree completion and meet Alaska’s workforce needs. According to national research, 65 percent of Alaska jobs by 2025 will require some form of postsecondary education. Many of the applicable programs are in high-demand workforce areas such as marine transportation, medical billing, phlebotomy, welding, office management and construction technology. The university is the number one provider of workforce development programs in the state, and training a skilled workforce is a critical part of its education mission.

While UA’s tuition is low compared to peer universities in the western United States, its tuition for CTE programs is high compared to other community college systems. By reducing the cost for these courses, UA hopes to enroll Alaskans who want to refresh or earn new skills and those who want to return to college to complete a workforce training program.

The CTE tuition reduction will be applied on a course-by-course basis. For a lower-division course, tuition is $212 per credit and the reduction would be $53 per credit. There is no reduction to assessed fees, nonresident surcharges or other costs. Open registration for fall classes begins April 16. For a complete list of eligible courses and programs across the university system, visit www.alaska.edu/starthere/cte.

CONTACT: Roberta Graham, associate vice president of public affairs, 907-360-2416, rlgraham3@alaska.edu.