Did you Know that more than 2,500 UA students are expected to receive diplomas this spring?

Congratulations Class of 2023!

A UAA graduate celebrates after receiving his diploma
Graduates take a selfi in the hallway while lined up for commencement
Two Alaska Native PhD recipients take photo with a mentor
UAS graduates pose for a photo with the mascot Spike
Two UAF graduates pose for a photo
Portrait of a UAF graduate in Bethel
A UAA graduate celebrates after receiving his diploma
Graduates take a selfi in the hallway while lined up for commencement
Two Alaska Native PhD recipients take photo with a mentor
UAS graduates pose for a photo with the mascot Spike
Two UAF graduates pose for a photo
Portrait of a UAF graduate in Bethel

Did you know that more than 2,500 UA students are expected to receive diplomas this spring?

Congratulations! Since the beginning of May, UAA, UAF, and UAS 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 UA has in Empowering Alaska. The Class of 2023 joins the more than 100,000 graduates and former students who make up University of Alaska alumni.

  • UA graduates are far more likely to stay in Alaska than students who graduate from Lower 48 institutions. (Feb. 23 Alaska Trends)

  • Education pays - graduates from UA programs have much higher earning power and potential than those without college degrees.

  • UA’s broad range of programs and flexibility of offerings meets students where they are - academically, geographically, culturally, and financially.

By the Numbers: At UAA, 1,007 graduation applications were received for Spring Commencement. UAF expects 1,023 individuals to receive a diploma this spring. And for UAS, 519 students are expected to be a part of the Class of 2023.

  • Key Statistic: Over the last 10 years, UA has awarded more than 44,000 degrees and certificates – 72% of them in Alaska’s highest-demand employment fields. Also, 80% of UA 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 University of Alaska Class of 2023!!

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

University of Alaska Anchorage:

University of Alaska Fairbanks:

University of Alaska Southeast: