Finance Programs and Careers in Alaska
There are several options for those interested in finance programs in Alaska. Those interested in a finance degree can find varied programs in the state, such as undergraduate and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs with industry concentrations. Students can choose between full-time schedules and part-time formats. Graduates from finance schools in Alaska may find opportunities to start businesses or work for one of the state’s many companies after finishing their studies. Continue reading to find out more about available programs and degrees as well as career outlooks in the state.
Quick Facts
- There are 3 colleges and universities with finance degree programs in Alaska.1
- No schools offer a certificate in finance.1
- No schools offer an associate’s degree in finance.1
- 1 school offers a bachelor’s degree in finance.1
- 1 school offers a master’s or advanced degree in finance.1
- No schools ranked in Forbes’ Best Business Schools 2019.2
- No schools ranked in Princeton Review’s Great Schools for Business and Finance Majors 2020.3
- No school ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Undergraduate Finance Programs 2021.4
- No schools ranked in US News & World Report’s Best Graduate Finance Programs 2021.5
For not-for-profit colleges and universities with finance degree programs.
Table of Contents
- Comparison of Finance Programs
- Top-Ranked Schools with Finance Programs in Alaska
- Select Schools in Alaska with Finance Degrees
- Alaska Finance Careers and Salary Outlook
- Finance Associations in Alaska
Alaska Finance Program Comparison
We have developed the following table to help you compare all of the finance programs in Alaska from not-for-profit schools that offer programs with a concentration in finance. In addition to allowing you to compare the business school’s accreditation, finance degrees that appear in bold are Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Institute University Affiliation Programs, those that have been recognized for curricula aligned to preparing for the CFA Exam.
| School | Accreditation | Finance Degree(s) | Acceptance Rate6 | Grad Rate1 | Online Options? | Median Debt7 | Net Price1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Pacific University | IACBE | MBA-Finance | N.Av. | 45% | — | $12,900 | $20,426 |
| University of Alaska Anchorage | AACSB | BA-Finance | N.Av. | 29% | — | $9,597 | $12,564 |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | AACSB | Minor-Finance | N.Av. | 35% | — | $9,500 | $9,643 |
- — indicates none.
- N.Av. indicates no data available.
Top-Ranked Schools with Finance Programs in Alaska
Georgetown CEW’s ROI Ranking by Long-Term Net Present Value 2019
The Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) has compared 4,500 colleges and universities on graduates’ return on investment (ROI). We use their net present value (NPV) ranking, which is the current dollar value of earning a four-year degree from the school over a 40-year horizon.
- University of Alaska Anchorage (#696; $963,000)
- Alaska Pacific University(#1,466; $827,000)
- University of Alaska Fairbanks (#1,466; $827,000)7
Select Schools in Alaska with Finance Degrees
Traditional Undergraduate Programs
University of Alaska Anchorage
The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) College of Business and Public Policy offers a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in Finance. The 120-credit hour program places an emphasis on corporate finance and investments, though students will also learn how to work with nonprofits, independent businesses, and individuals. The curriculum focuses on mathematics and covers investment strategies, portfolio management, and financial risk assessment. Select Finance courses include Bond Marketing Analysis; International Finance; Banking; and Investment Management. UAA values networking and offers paid internship opportunities with Alaskan government agencies and local financial firms. Through the assistance of the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation (APFC), many UAA graduates have found positions working for local Anchorage companies in investment advising, financial analysis, corporate finance, and banking.
Traditional Master’s Programs
Alaska Pacific University
At Alaska Pacific University (APU) students can earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Finance designed for working professionals. The course schedule is flexible, with evening and some online courses available. The curriculum focuses on cultivating a broad understanding of business operations as well as the leadership skills needed to succeed. Students learn about subjects such as organizational development, e-business, organizational cultural change, and decision-making and negotiation techniques. With small class sizes and projects with peers and faculty, APU also encourages students to build professional relationships and develop industry networks. Undergraduates already studying business administration at APU can earn an accelerated MBA by moving directly into the program after earning their bachelor’s degree. For business professionals in middle to upper management, APU also offers an Executive MBA in Strategic Leadership.
Alaska Finance Careers and Salary Outlook
Graduates with a degree in finance in Alaska may find opportunities to work or start businesses in the state after finishing their studies. The oil and gas industry makes up a large segment of the Alaskan economy, and energy companies offer many finance-related roles ideal for those with finance degrees. The federal and state government also employ a large number of people, providing finance and accounting job opportunities, and there are numerous military bases in the state. Local and statewide banks, such as Northrim Bancorp, and other financial institutions operate within Alaska, providing further opportunities for finance grads.
Southeast Alaska is home to the second-highest concentration of jobs in business and financial operations occupations in a nonmetropolitan area in the country.8 Southeast Alaska also has the fifth-highest annual average salary for financial analyst positions in the US.9 Financial analysts in the state at large earn an average of $101,600 annually, which is higher than the national average of $94,160, and these positions are projected to grow by 3.4% in Alaska through 2028.8,9,10 Financial managers in the state earn an average of $105,330, and personal financial advisors in Alaska earn an average salary of $90,710.11,12 Those with finance degrees in Alaska may have an advantage finding positions such as these in the state’s finance sector.
Alaska Finance Salary Information
| Occupation | Number Employed8 | Average Salary8 |
|---|---|---|
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 12,560 | $75,840 |
| Financial and Investment Analysts and Other Specialists | 580 | $101,600 |
| Financial Examiners | 30 | $69,040 |
| Financial Managers | 1,320 | $110,410 | Loan Officers | 580 | $70,500 |
| Personal Financial Advisors | 110 | $90,710 |
Finance Associations in Alaska
- National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors Alaska Chapter (NAIFA Alaska): Professional organization that hosts monthly networking meetings and educational events related to the financial planning industry.
- Alaska Government Finance Officers Association (AGFOA): Promotes high governmental finance industry standards and the continuing education and development of its members.
- Alaska Society of Certified Public Accountants (AKCPA): Publishes industry news, supports networking and educational events, and promotes continued learning and mentorship in the field.
References:
1. National Center for Education Statistics College Navigator: https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
2. Forbes Best Business Schools 2019: https://www.forbes.com/business-schools/list/
3. The Princeton Review. The Best 382 Colleges, 2020 Edition. The Princeton Review, 2019.
4. US News & World Report Best Undergraduate Finance Schools 2021: https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/rankings/business-finance
5. US News & World Report Best Graduate Finance Schools 2021: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools/finance-rankings
6. US News & World Report Best Business Schools 2021: https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-business-schools
7. Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, Ranking ROI of 4,500 US Colleges and Universities: https://cew.georgetown.edu/cew-reports/CollegeROI/
8. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Alaska: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_ak.htm
9. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, Financial and Investment Analysts, Financial Risk Specialists, and Financial Specialists, All Other: https://www.bls.gov/oes/2019/may/oes132098.htm
10. Projections Central Long Term Occupational Projections: https://projectionscentral.org/projections/longterm
11 Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, Financial Managers: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes113031.htm
12. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wages, Personal Financial Advisors: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132052.htm