Named One of Barron’s
"Best Buys in College Education"

Alaska Pacific University (APU) has been included in Barron's Best Buys in College Education. APU is the only Alaska college or university included in the 9th edition, an essential tool for students and their parents who are looking for a first-rate college education at an affordable price.

"It is an honor to be included in Barron's Best Buys," said APU President Douglas North. "Barron's selects only a few institutions of higher education across the country, looking for quality combined with affordability. We have a great university going here-one that is 'out of the box' in how it conducts education. APU follows the 'garden model' of education rather than the factory model. Each student is important. Our inclusion in Barron's Best Buys will make our unique excellence more visible in the lower 48. Maybe it will raise a few eyebrows among Alaskans also, who may not realize APU's stature and national reputation. APU is even more of a 'best buy' for Alaskans -- because we have generous financial assistance awards that are for Alaskans only."

Barron's profiles 247 colleges in the book that it believes break the myth linking college price and quality. Updated to reflect current tuition and other college-related costs, this directory will guide parents and students toward colleges and universities that offer the finest in education at a reasonable price. More than 240 accredited American colleges are described with reference to academic programs, campus environment, financial aid resources-and, of course, costs.

Colleges included in the book had 2005-2006 tuition and required fees under $30,000. APU's annual tuition in the Campus Undergraduate Program was only $18,000 in 2005-6. On average students paid only $13,200 after receiving APU scholarships. Other programs at APU, such as the Early Honors Program, graduate programs, and programs for adult learners have even lower tuition.

To be considered a "best buy" a university also had to have at least two-thirds of the faculty holding Ph.D's or the highest other terminal degree in their respective fields. The schools also reported that at least half of the entering freshmen graduate in four or five years. Questionnaires were sent to current students and the dean of students, with student feedback weighing heavily in the decision to include a school in the book.

Each college profile discusses student body, academics, facilities, special programs, campus life, cost cutters, rate of return, payoff and the bottom line.

To see a complete copy of the APU review from the book, visit http://www.barronseduc.com/ .

Contact is published by Alaska Pacific University
Office of Development, 4101 University Drive
Anchorage, Alaska 99508-4672 · Phone: 907.564.8250
Editor Jayna Combs