Did you know that more than 2,500 Â鶹´«Ã½ students are expected to receive diplomas this spring?

May 26, 2023

Congratulations! Since the beginning of May, Â鶹´«Ã½A, Â鶹´«Ã½F, and Â鶹´«Ã½S campuses have been holding commencement ceremonies to honor the hard work and dedication of the Class of 2023. Between the three universities and their community campuses, 2,549 students have applied for graduation this spring after completing certificate, associate, bachelor’s, and post-bachelor’s programs. 

Why it Matters: Not only is graduation a significant personal achievement for each individual student, it’s a testament to the important role Â鶹´«Ã½ has in . The Class of 2023 joins the more than 100,000 graduates and former students who make up Â鶹´«Ã½ alumni.

  • Â鶹´«Ã½ graduates are far more likely to stay in Alaska than students who graduate from Lower 48 institutions.
  • Education pays - graduates from Â鶹´«Ã½ programs have much higher earning power and potential than those without college degrees.
  • ±«´¡â€™s broad range of programs and flexibility of offerings meets students where they are - academically, geographically, culturally, and financially.

By the Numbers: At Â鶹´«Ã½A, 1,007 graduation applications were received for Spring Commencement. Â鶹´«Ã½F expects 1,023 individuals to receive a diploma this spring. And for Â鶹´«Ã½S, 519 students are expected to be a part of the Class of 2023.

  • Key Statistic: Over the last 10 years, Â鶹´«Ã½ has awarded more than 44,000 degrees and certificates – 72% of them in Alaska’s highest-demand employment fields. Also, 80% of Â鶹´«Ã½ graduates are working here in Alaska within a year after graduating.

The Bottom Line: While final numbers are still pending, it’s a time for celebration. Congratulations to the Â鶹´«Ã½ Class of 2023!!

For Further Reading: A few more highlights from the fortnight of graduation celebrations across the system this month.

Â鶹´«Ã½ Anchorage:

  • (via Â鶹´«Ã½A)
  • (via Peninsula Clarion)
  • (via Alaska’s News Source)

Â鶹´«Ã½ Fairbanks:

  • (via Â鶹´«Ã½F)
  • (via Fairbanks Daily New-Miner)
  • (via KYUK)
  • (via Nome Nugget)

Â鶹´«Ã½ Southeast:

  • (via Â鶹´«Ã½S)
  • (via Ketchikan Daily News)
  • (via Juneau Empire)