Alaska Higher Education Almanac 2019

Abstract

A confluence of trends has contributed to an environment of uncertainty within the postsecondary sector. Alaska’s traditional college-age population has dropped in recent years, fewer students are choosing to attend college or career training in-state, and, once leaving college or career training, fewer decide to remain Alaska residents. While overall college degree attainment rates have changed little, declining enrollments at Alaska’s postsecondary institutions combined with lower graduation rates portend that proportionally fewer Alaskan residents will have an associate degree or higher in years to come. This report points out aspects and challenges of the higher education system in Alaska as well as policy recommendations.