The University of Alaska - Anchorage

The Anthropology program in general is pretty average if you're just looking for an undergraduate degree in Anthropology. If you're specifically interested in the Anthropology of Alaska and/or the Pacific Northwest and/or Alaska Natives then the program is excellent. The professors are by and large experts who specialize in this region's history and issues.

As far as UAA as a whole - it's very clear on campus which programs have the most funding, because they have obviously better and newer facilities and buildings. The parts of campus that house many of the College of Arts and Sciences classes tend to be more run down, smaller, and older than some of the other buildings.It's very easy to fail here, because no one is going to babysit you or hold your hand. However, it's equally possible to have an amazing and enriching experience - it's very much a place where you're going to get out what you put in. The debate team is in the top 25 in the world and regularly competes with Ivy League teams. There are numerous other clubs and extracurricular activities. If you have the drive to excel then you can basically write your ticket to whatever kinds of experiences that you're looking for - if something doesn't already exist here then that's just an opportunity for you to distinguish yourself by making it happen.

3rd Year Female -- Class 2017

Surrounding City: A+, Scholastic Success: C

UAA is a great college. Education is what you make of it, and there are numerous opportunities to get involved and take an active role in your educational career. Faculty are approachable, and the university strives to make all students feel accepted. There are great cultural events, language opportunities, and many quality extracurricular activities. I have loved all my professors so far. They seem engaged, passionate in their fields, and want us to succeed.

1st Year Female -- Class 2017

Education Quality: A+, Collaboration/Competitive: B

It seems like I'm one of the few who have had a positive experience at UAA. Put simply, you get out what you put in at UAA. If you're self-motivated enough to search out research opportunities and extra-curricular work then you will succeed here. For me, UAA was my choice because of the cost. You simply cannot beat it, and if you put in the work here then you should have no problem getting into a prestigious graduate school, if you so choose.

3rd Year Male -- Class 2015

Education Quality: A, Social Life: D-