Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Experiential Learning Anchored in Indigenous Knowledge
Alaska Pacific University (APU) is a private, non-profit institution founded in 1957 that prioritizes experiential, interdisciplinary, and intercultural education. Our mission integrates Indigenous knowledge and traditional ways of knowing into all academic programs, fostering an inclusive environment where students of all backgrounds contribute to a diverse, collaborative community. We emphasize hands-on learning through field research, outdoor studies, and community partnerships, preparing students for careers in environmental science, health sciences, business, and more. APUs commitment to community-driven initiatives includes partnerships with organizations like the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and the Bering School District, ensuring our work directly benefits Alaskan communities.Our programs, such as the Nordic Ski Center and Spring Creek Farm, combine academic rigor with real-world application, while financial aid initiatives make education accessible97% of students receive institutional grant aid. Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, APU serves approximately 1,200 students annually, with a focus on sustainability, Indigenous inclusivity, and transformative education.
Services
Business Administration
Nursing Programs
Environmental Science
Outdoor Studies
Counseling Psychology
Health Sciences
Creative Writing
Sustainability Studies
Alaska Native Governance
Nordic Ski Training
Details
- Year established: 1957
Highlights and features
- We integrate Indigenous knowledge into all academic programs.
- Our 15:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized education.
- 97% of students receive institutional grant aid for affordability.
- Hands-on learning through field research and community partnerships.
- Ranked among top regional universities in the West by U.S. News.
Associations and certifications
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
What people say
Personalized attention
Indigenous knowledge integration
Experiential learning
Affordable aid
Community focus
Services
Environmental Science
APU's Environmental Science program combines fieldwork with classroom learning, focusing on Alaskan ecosystems and global sustainability challenges. Students conduct research in local habitats and collaborate with organizations like the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium. Graduates gain skills in ecological analysis, policy development, and community-based conservation.
Nursing Programs
Our nursing programs integrate Indigenous health practices with modern medical training, preparing students for roles in rural and urban healthcare settings. Clinical rotations occur at Anchorage hospitals and remote clinics, emphasizing cultural competency and holistic patient care. Graduates meet national certification standards while addressing Alaska's healthcare workforce needs.
Outdoor Studies
This program teaches leadership and environmental stewardship through wilderness expeditions and outdoor instruction. Students learn risk management, teaching methodologies, and ecological ethics while exploring Alaska's backcountry. Graduates work as outdoor educators, guides, and program directors nationwide.
Alaska Native Governance
Designed to develop Alaska Native leaders, this program covers tribal law, cultural preservation, and self-determination policies. Students engage with tribal governments and organizations, gaining expertise in governance systems and community development strategies specific to Indigenous populations.
Nordic Ski Training
APU's Nordic Ski Center trains elite athletes while offering community programs for all skill levels. The facility hosts national competitions and provides coaching certifications, youth clinics, and public access to 30 kilometers of trails. It combines athletic excellence with public wellness initiatives.
Questions
What makes APU's education approach unique?
We combine Indigenous knowledge with experiential learning, offering small class sizes and field-based programs tailored to Alaska's environment and communities.
Does APU offer online degree programs?
Yes, we provide accredited online options for working professionals in business administration, environmental science, and health sciences.
How does APU support Indigenous students?
Our Alaska Native Governance program, cultural mentorship initiatives, and traditional knowledge integration create an inclusive environment for Indigenous learners.
What outdoor recreation opportunities exist?
Students access 175-acre forest trails, Nordic skiing facilities, climbing walls, and organized expeditions through our Outdoor Programs department.
How much financial aid do students typically receive?
97% of undergraduates receive institutional grants averaging $15,000 annually, with additional federal aid and scholarship opportunities available.
Are there research opportunities for undergraduates?
Yes, students collaborate with faculty on projects in the FAST Lab, Nuna Center, and Spring Creek Farm, gaining hands-on research experience.
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