When deciding where to pursue higher education, the surrounding community plays a crucial role in your overall college experience. We’ve analyzed six key criteria that contribute to a college-friendly environment: Overall College Friendly Score, Hip & Trendy atmosphere, Vibrancy, Walkability, Cycling-Friendly infrastructure, and Transit-Friendly options. The Overall College Friendly Score encompasses numerous factors including proximity to educational institutions, student population, affordability, and student-oriented amenities.
Every score presented in this ranking is based on extensive real-world data collection and surveys from residents who experience these communities daily. This is not subjective opinion but data-driven analysis of Alaska’s most college-friendly towns. The comprehensive evaluation of these 6 criteria provides a holistic view of each location’s suitability for college students.
25. Dillingham
- Overall College Friendly Score: 14.27
- Hip & Trendy: 6.99
- Vibrancy Score: 9.05
- Walkability: 3.10
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 14.93
Dillingham, located in southwestern Alaska, scores 14.27 on the College Friendly index, making it the least best town on our list. The town offers minimal hip and trendy atmosphere (6.99) and limited vibrancy (9.05). Walkability is quite restricted at 3.10, though transit options are surprisingly decent at 14.93. Cycling infrastructure is not significantly developed. The median home price in Dillingham is approximately $225,000, making it one of the more affordable options for students looking to study in a remote Alaskan setting.
24. Kenai
- Overall College Friendly Score: 14.48
- Hip & Trendy: 9.71
- Vibrancy Score: 16.56
- Walkability: 2.44
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Kenai, on the Kenai Peninsula, scores 14.48 on the College Friendly index. The city offers limited hip and trendy options (9.71) but decent vibrancy for its size (16.56). Walkability is very limited at 2.44, and both cycling infrastructure and public transit are not significantly developed. The median home price in Kenai is approximately $290,000, offering an affordable option in a scenic location known for world-class fishing.
23. Salcha
- Overall College Friendly Score: 14.82
- Hip & Trendy: 31.27
- Vibrancy Score: 0.30
- Walkability: 1.85
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Salcha, southeast of Fairbanks, scores 14.82 on the College Friendly index. Interestingly, this rural community scores well on the hip and trendy scale (31.27) despite having almost no vibrancy (0.30) and very limited walkability (1.85). Cycling infrastructure and public transit are not significantly developed. The median home price in Salcha is approximately $275,000, offering an affordable option for those who prefer rural living while studying in the Fairbanks area.
22. Prudhoe Bay
- Overall College Friendly Score: 15.57
- Hip & Trendy: 0.16
- Vibrancy Score: 3.68
- Walkability: 0.40
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 24.55
Prudhoe Bay, the industrial hub of Alaska’s North Slope oil fields, scores 15.57 on the College Friendly index. This remote work camp offers virtually no hip and trendy atmosphere (0.16), minimal vibrancy (3.68), and extremely limited walkability (0.40). However, it does provide surprisingly good transit options (24.55) for workers. Housing in Prudhoe Bay is primarily employer-provided, with very limited private housing options available.
21. Wasilla
- Overall College Friendly Score: 16.63
- Hip & Trendy: 9.76
- Vibrancy Score: 25.91
- Walkability: 7.61
- Cycling-Friendly: 2.85
- Transit-Friendly: 7.92
Wasilla, in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, scores 16.63 on the College Friendly index. The city offers limited hip and trendy options (9.76) but good vibrancy for its size (25.91). Transportation options include limited walkability (7.61), minimal cycling infrastructure (2.85), and basic transit options (7.92). The median home price in Wasilla is approximately $320,000, offering a relatively affordable option within commuting distance of Anchorage.
20. Juneau
- Overall College Friendly Score: 17.17
- Hip & Trendy: 55.54
- Vibrancy Score: 29.84
- Walkability: 17.88
- Cycling-Friendly: 13.01
- Transit-Friendly: 26.44
Alaska’s capital city scores surprisingly low on the College Friendly index at 17.17, despite being home to the University of Alaska Southeast. However, Juneau excels in hip and trendy atmosphere (55.54, the highest on our list) and offers good vibrancy (29.84). Transportation options include moderate walkability (17.88), decent cycling infrastructure (13.01), and good public transit (26.44). The median home price in Juneau is approximately $450,000, making it one of the more expensive options on our list.
19. Sand Point – King Cove
- Overall College Friendly Score: 17.73
- Hip & Trendy: 11.60
- Vibrancy Score: 5.42
- Walkability: 4.81
- Cycling-Friendly: 18.72
- Transit-Friendly: 17.09
The fishing communities of Sand Point and King Cove score 17.73 on the College Friendly index. These remote locations offer limited hip and trendy options (11.60) and low vibrancy (5.42). However, they provide surprisingly good cycling infrastructure (18.72) and transit options (17.09) for their remote location, with limited walkability (4.81). The median home price in this area is approximately $235,000, reflecting their isolated location on the Alaska Peninsula.
18. Craig – Klawock
- Overall College Friendly Score: 19.47
- Hip & Trendy: 20.46
- Vibrancy Score: 10.91
- Walkability: 2.84
- Cycling-Friendly: 7.17
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
The neighboring communities of Craig and Klawock on Prince of Wales Island score 19.47 on the College Friendly index. The area offers a decent hip and trendy atmosphere (20.46) for its size and moderate vibrancy (10.91). Walkability is limited at 2.84, and cycling options are minimal at 7.17. Public transit is not significantly developed. The median home price in the Craig-Klawock area is approximately $265,000, offering affordable housing in a scenic island setting.
17. Metlakatla
- Overall College Friendly Score: 23.37
- Hip & Trendy: 2.15
- Vibrancy Score: 13.62
- Walkability: 14.39
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Metlakatla, Alaska’s only federal Indian reservation, scores 23.37 on the College Friendly index. The community offers very limited hip and trendy options (2.15) but reasonable vibrancy for its size (13.62) and surprisingly good walkability (14.39). Cycling infrastructure and public transit are not significantly developed. The median home price in Metlakatla is approximately $185,000, making it one of the most affordable options on our list.
16. Unalaska
- Overall College Friendly Score: 25.58
- Hip & Trendy: 4.55
- Vibrancy Score: 6.27
- Walkability: 2.01
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Unalaska, home to the famous Dutch Harbor fishing port, scores 25.58 on the College Friendly index. This remote Aleutian community offers minimal hip and trendy atmosphere (4.55), limited vibrancy (6.27), and very restricted walkability (2.01). Transportation options are primarily limited to personal vehicles as cycling infrastructure and public transit are not significantly developed. The median home price in Unalaska is approximately $425,000, reflecting the higher cost of living in this remote location.
15. Sterling
- Overall College Friendly Score: 25.78
- Hip & Trendy: 17.92
- Vibrancy Score: 2.77
- Walkability: 0.51
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 11.52
Sterling, on the Kenai Peninsula, scores 25.78 on the College Friendly index. The community offers a moderate hip and trendy atmosphere (17.92) but very low vibrancy (2.77) and minimal walkability (0.51). Public transit is limited but available at 11.52, while cycling infrastructure is not significantly developed. The median home price in Sterling is approximately $260,000, making it one of the more affordable options on our list.
14. Big Lake
- Overall College Friendly Score: 25.98
- Hip & Trendy: 5.66
- Vibrancy Score: 13.28
- Walkability: 1.26
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Big Lake, in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, scores 25.98 on the College Friendly index. This recreational community offers limited hip and trendy atmosphere (5.66) and moderate vibrancy (13.28). Walkability is very limited at 1.26, and both cycling infrastructure and public transit are not significantly developed. The median home price in Big Lake is approximately $270,000, making it an affordable option for outdoor enthusiasts.
13. Ketchikan
- Overall College Friendly Score: 27.38
- Hip & Trendy: 41.31
- Vibrancy Score: 32.24
- Walkability: 28.24
- Cycling-Friendly: 1.28
- Transit-Friendly: 26.13
Ketchikan scores 27.38 on the College Friendly index. This southeastern Alaska city offers good scores in hip and trendy metrics (41.31), vibrancy (32.24), and walkability (28.24). Public transit is relatively well-developed at 26.13, though cycling infrastructure is minimal at 1.28. The median home price in Ketchikan is approximately $380,000, reflecting its status as a popular cruise ship destination and gateway to the Inside Passage.
12. Homer
- Overall College Friendly Score: 29.95
- Hip & Trendy: 40.59
- Vibrancy Score: 15.66
- Walkability: 6.19
- Cycling-Friendly: 12.22
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Homer, known as the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World,” scores 29.95 on the College Friendly index. The town offers a surprisingly hip and trendy atmosphere at 40.59, reflecting its artistic community. Vibrancy is moderate at 15.66, while walkability (6.19) and cycling options (12.22) are limited. Public transit is not significantly developed. The median home price in Homer is approximately $350,000, reflecting its popularity as both a tourist destination and residential community.
11. Ester
- Overall College Friendly Score: 30.29
- Hip & Trendy: 13.99
- Vibrancy Score: 1.38
- Walkability: 0.61
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Ester, a small community near Fairbanks, scores 30.29 on the College Friendly index. This artistic community offers a somewhat hip atmosphere (13.99) but very low vibrancy (1.38) and minimal walkability (0.61). Transportation primarily relies on personal vehicles as cycling infrastructure and public transit are not significantly developed. The median home price in Ester is approximately $295,000, offering an affordable option for those studying at nearby University of Alaska Fairbanks.
10. Palmer
- Overall College Friendly Score: 35.12
- Hip & Trendy: 21.40
- Vibrancy Score: 24.03
- Walkability: 14.80
- Cycling-Friendly: 5.63
- Transit-Friendly: 10.10
Palmer, in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, scores 35.12 on the College Friendly index. The town offers moderate levels of hip and trendy atmosphere (21.40) and vibrancy (24.03). Transportation options include limited but present walkability (14.80), minimal cycling infrastructure (5.63), and basic transit options (10.10). The median home price in Palmer is around $330,000, making it a reasonably priced option within commuting distance of Anchorage.
9. Anchorage
- Overall College Friendly Score: 35.40
- Hip & Trendy: 45.15
- Vibrancy Score: 57.62
- Walkability: 45.36
- Cycling-Friendly: 18.90
- Transit-Friendly: 29.90
Alaska’s largest city scores 35.40 on the College Friendly index. Anchorage excels in vibrancy with a score of 57.62 (the highest on our list) and offers good walkability at 45.36. The city provides a hip and trendy atmosphere (45.15) and the best public transit options in the state at 29.90. Cycling infrastructure is available at 18.90. The median home price in Anchorage is approximately $375,000, offering a good balance of urban amenities and access to Alaska’s wilderness.
8. Kodiak
- Overall College Friendly Score: 39.77
- Hip & Trendy: 10.84
- Vibrancy Score: 33.94
- Walkability: 9.70
- Cycling-Friendly: 5.63
- Transit-Friendly: 6.43
Kodiak Island’s main city scores 39.77 on the College Friendly index. While not particularly hip and trendy at 10.84, it offers good vibrancy (33.94) for its size. Transportation options are somewhat limited with walkability at 9.70, cycling at 5.63, and transit at 6.43. The median home price in Kodiak is approximately $415,000, reflecting its island location and the higher costs associated with more remote living.
7. Fairbanks
- Overall College Friendly Score: 41.49
- Hip & Trendy: 36.96
- Vibrancy Score: 48.61
- Walkability: 26.84
- Cycling-Friendly: 22.30
- Transit-Friendly: 21.20
Fairbanks, home to the University of Alaska Fairbanks, offers a solid college experience with a score of 41.49. The city performs well across all metrics, particularly in vibrancy (48.61) and hip and trendy atmosphere (36.96). With walkability at 26.84, cycling options at 22.30, and transit accessibility at 21.20, Fairbanks provides reasonable transportation alternatives for students. The median home price in Fairbanks is approximately $310,000, offering good value considering the amenities and educational opportunities available.
6. North Pole
- Overall College Friendly Score: 49.90
- Hip & Trendy: 7.67
- Vibrancy Score: 18.93
- Walkability: 10.37
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: 4.07
North Pole scores 49.90 on the College Friendly index. The town offers moderate vibrancy at 18.93 and some walkability at 10.37, though it scores low on the hip and trendy scale at 7.67. Public transit is very limited at 4.07, and cycling infrastructure is not significantly developed. The median home price in North Pole is around $275,000, making it a relatively affordable option in the Fairbanks North Star Borough.
5. Sitka
- Overall College Friendly Score: 50.30
- Hip & Trendy: 48.82
- Vibrancy Score: 29.96
- Walkability: 21.51
- Cycling-Friendly: 74.14
- Transit-Friendly: 12.41
Sitka offers a well-rounded college experience with a College Friendly Score of 50.30. It stands out with exceptional cycling infrastructure, scoring 74.14, the highest among all towns on our list. Sitka also performs well in hip and trendy metrics (48.82) and offers decent vibrancy (29.96) and walkability (21.51). Public transit options are available though limited at 12.41. The median home price in Sitka is approximately $390,000, reflecting its popularity and quality of life.
4. Yakutat
- Overall College Friendly Score: 51.95
- Hip & Trendy: 3.52
- Vibrancy Score: 6.02
- Walkability: 3.78
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Yakutat ranks fourth with a College Friendly Score of 51.95. This remote community scores relatively low on the hip and trendy scale at just 3.52 and has limited vibrancy at 6.02. Walkability is slightly better than some other towns at 3.78, though still quite limited. The median home price in Yakutat is approximately $310,000, reflecting its isolated location and the higher cost of living in remote Alaskan communities.
3. Valdez – Whittier
- Overall College Friendly Score: 52.64
- Hip & Trendy: 24.15
- Vibrancy Score: 4.13
- Walkability: 1.72
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Valdez-Whittier secures the third position with a College Friendly Score of 52.64. This coastal area offers a relatively good hip and trendy atmosphere at 24.15, though vibrancy is limited at 4.13. Walkability remains low at 1.72, and like many Alaskan communities, cycling infrastructure and public transit are limited. The median home price in this picturesque port area is around $287,000, reflecting its scenic location and amenities.
2. Eielson Air Force Base
- Overall College Friendly Score: 59.92
- Hip & Trendy: 14.38
- Vibrancy Score: 9.25
- Walkability: 0.57
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Eielson Air Force Base ranks second with a strong College Friendly Score of 59.92. The base offers a somewhat hip and trendy environment at 14.38, with a vibrancy score of 9.25. However, walkability is extremely limited at 0.57, and both cycling and public transit options are not available. Housing on base is typically assigned through military channels, though nearby off-base housing has a median price of approximately $265,000.
1. Healy – Cantwell
- Overall College Friendly Score: 61.57
- Hip & Trendy: 9.53
- Vibrancy Score: 1.08
- Walkability: 1.88
- Cycling-Friendly: N/A
- Transit-Friendly: N/A
Healy-Cantwell tops our list with an impressive Overall College Friendly Score of 61.57, significantly outperforming other Alaskan towns in this category. However, the area shows room for improvement in terms of vibrancy and walkability, scoring only 1.08 and 1.88 respectively. The absence of cycling infrastructure and public transit options could pose challenges for students without personal vehicles. The median home price in Healy-Cantwell is approximately $235,000, making it a relatively affordable option for those looking to study in a quieter, more remote setting.
Definition of terms:
- Overall College Friendly Score: A comprehensive metric that evaluates how conducive an area is for college students. This score considers factors like proximity to educational institutions, student population density, availability of student housing, presence of student-oriented businesses and amenities, affordability, and general appeal to the college demographic.
- Hip & Trendy: Measures the presence of contemporary culture, fashionable establishments, and modern amenities that appeal to younger demographics. This includes coffee shops, boutiques, art galleries, music venues, and other establishments that contribute to a vibrant youth culture, which is particularly important for creating a stimulating environment outside the classroom.
- Vibrancy Score: Evaluates the energy and liveliness of a community, including nightlife, cultural events, festivals, and overall social activity. A vibrant community provides students with opportunities for recreation, socialization, and cultural engagement that complement their academic pursuits.
- Walkability: Assesses how easily residents can navigate the area on foot, considering factors like pedestrian infrastructure, distance between key locations, and safety. High walkability reduces transportation costs for students and promotes a healthier, more connected campus community.
- Cycling-Friendly: Measures the infrastructure and culture supporting bicycle transportation, including dedicated bike lanes, bike sharing programs, and overall cyclist safety. Like walkability, cycling infrastructure provides students with affordable and eco-friendly transportation options.
- Transit-Friendly: Evaluates the availability, reliability, and convenience of public transportation options. Good public transit systems are essential for students who don’t own vehicles, enabling them to access campus, part-time jobs, and community resources easily and affordably.
References:
In addition to our proprietary data, we used the following for the median home price information:
