Best Accounting Degrees in Juneau Alaska

Key Takeaways

• The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) in Juneau is the primary institution offering accounting degrees in the city, with associate and bachelor’s pathways aligned with Alaska CPA requirements.
• Students can complete accounting programs fully online or on campus, offering flexibility for working professionals in Southeast Alaska.
• Tuition at UAS is competitive compared to national averages, with strong access to state grants and federal aid.
• Graduates in Juneau benefit from proximity to Alaska state government agencies, Native corporations, and regional businesses that consistently hire accounting professionals.
• For CPA licensure in Alaska, students typically need 150 credits, which may require additional upper-division coursework or a graduate degree.

Why Study Accounting in Juneau, Alaska?

Juneau is not just Alaska’s capital. It is the financial and governmental hub of Southeast Alaska. State agencies, tribal organizations, tourism operators, fisheries, and small businesses all require skilled accountants. That concentration creates steady demand for professionals with degrees in accounting.

According to the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development, accounting and auditing roles remain stable statewide, with especially strong government-sector opportunities. Nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth for accountants and auditors, driven by regulatory and financial compliance needs.

For students living in Southeast Alaska, earning an accounting degree in Juneau provides:

• Access to internships with state departments and local nonprofits
• Smaller class sizes and faculty mentorship
• Flexible online options for rural and working students
• Lower relocation costs compared to attending an out-of-state institution

Top Accounting Degrees in Juneau

University of Alaska Southeast (UAS)

The University of Alaska Southeast is the central provider of accounting education in Juneau. As a regionally accredited public university within the University of Alaska system, UAS offers rigorous academic standards and strong industry alignment.

1. Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Accounting

This program is designed for students seeking entry-level accounting roles or planning to continue into a bachelor’s degree.

Highlights:

• Foundations in financial and managerial accounting
• Payroll accounting and computerized accounting systems
• QuickBooks and spreadsheet applications
• Transfer pathways into the Bachelor of Business Administration

Best for: Students who want immediate workforce entry or a cost-effective stepping stone toward a four-year degree.

2. Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting

The BBA in Accounting is the flagship accounting degree in Juneau. The program prepares students for public accounting, corporate finance, nonprofit accounting, and CPA pathways.

Core coursework includes:

• Intermediate Accounting I and II
• Cost Accounting
• Auditing
• Federal Income Tax
• Business Law and Ethics
• Governmental and Nonprofit Accounting

Courses are available on campus and online, offering flexibility for working students. Many classes integrate case studies related to Alaska’s public sector economy, which is highly relevant in Juneau.

Best for: Students planning to pursue CPA licensure, government roles, or management-track accounting careers.

How UAS Compares to Other Alaska Accounting Programs

Although this guide focuses on Juneau, some students consider programs in Anchorage or Fairbanks. Here is a side-by-side overview for context.

InstitutionLocationDegree LevelsOnline OptionsBest ForUniversity of Alaska SoutheastJuneauAAS, BBAYesGovernment and Southeast Alaska careersUniversity of Alaska AnchorageAnchorageBBA, MAccYesLarger corporate job marketUniversity of Alaska FairbanksFairbanksBBAHybridInterior Alaska students

For students committed to living and working in Juneau, UAS offers the most direct local networking opportunities.

Tuition and Financial Aid in Juneau

Tuition at UAS is generally lower than national averages for four-year public universities. Costs vary depending on residency status and credit load.

Estimated annual tuition for Alaska residents:

• Associate degree: Approximately $6,000 to $8,000
• Bachelor’s degree: Approximately $8,000 to $10,000

Students should verify updated tuition rates directly on the UAS Financial Aid page.

Financial support options include:

• Federal Pell Grants
• Alaska Performance Scholarship
• State and institutional scholarships
• Work-study programs
• Employer tuition assistance for government employees

Completing the FAFSA is essential to maximize aid eligibility.

CPA Preparation in Alaska

If your goal is to become a Certified Public Accountant in Juneau, you must meet requirements set by the Alaska Board of Public Accountancy.

Key requirements generally include:

• 150 total semester credit hours
• A bachelor’s degree with concentrated accounting coursework
• Passing the Uniform CPA Examination
• Required professional experience

Since a traditional BBA includes around 120 credits, many students complete additional coursework or pursue graduate-level credits to reach 150 hours. Planning early with an academic advisor at UAS is critical if CPA licensure is your goal.

Career Outlook for Accounting Graduates in Juneau

Juneau offers a unique employment landscape. Unlike larger metro areas, much of the accounting demand is tied to:

• Alaska state government departments
• Municipal agencies
• Tribal and Native corporations
• Nonprofit organizations
• Local CPA firms

Common job titles include:

• Staff Accountant
• Auditor
• Budget Analyst
• Payroll Specialist
• Grant Accountant

While salaries vary by experience, government roles in Alaska often include strong benefits packages and retirement systems, enhancing long-term compensation.

Is UAS Good for Accounting?

For students seeking a practical, regionally respected accounting degree in Juneau, UAS is the strongest option available locally. Its strengths include:

• Accredited programs within the University of Alaska system
• Flexible online delivery for rural and working students
• Relevant coursework in nonprofit and governmental accounting
• Small class sizes with faculty access

Students looking for large recruiting pipelines into national Big Four firms may consider larger out-of-state universities. However, for careers rooted in Alaska, UAS offers strategic advantages.

How to Become an Accountant in Juneau, AK

1. Earn an associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting from UAS or another accredited institution.
2. Gain internship experience with a local government agency, nonprofit, or CPA firm.
3. Complete 150 credit hours if pursuing CPA licensure.
4. Pass the CPA Exam if required for your career path.
5. Apply for state licensure through the Alaska Board of Public Accountancy.

Students who begin networking early in Juneau often transition directly from internships into full-time government or nonprofit roles.

How to Choose the Right Accounting Degree in Juneau

Ask yourself the following:

• Do you plan to pursue CPA licensure?
• Do you need online flexibility?
• Is immediate workforce entry your priority?
• Are you targeting state government employment?

If your goal is quick employment, the AAS may be sufficient. If you want leadership roles or CPA credentialing, the BBA is the stronger long-term investment.

Accounting remains one of the most stable and versatile degrees available in Alaska. In Juneau specifically, the connection between academic preparation and government career opportunities makes it a strategic choice for students seeking both stability and upward mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions about Accounting Degrees in Juneau, Alaska

What accounting degrees can you earn in Juneau, Alaska?

In Juneau, the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Accounting and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting. Both degrees can prepare you for roles in government, nonprofit, and private-sector accounting, and they can be part of your pathway to CPA licensure in Alaska.

Can you study accounting online if you live in Juneau or rural Southeast Alaska?

Yes. UAS offers many accounting courses, and often full degree pathways, in an online format. This lets you complete most or all of your AAS or BBA in Accounting from Juneau or another Southeast Alaska community while working or managing family responsibilities.

How much does an accounting degree cost at UAS for Alaska residents?

For Alaska residents, estimated annual tuition at UAS is about $6,000–$8,000 for an associate degree and about $8,000–$10,000 for a bachelor’s degree, depending on your credit load. You can check current tuition and fees on the UAS Financial Aid page and explore federal and state aid using the FAFSA at the U.S. Department of Education website.

How do you become a CPA in Alaska after studying in Juneau?

To become a CPA in Alaska, you generally need 150 semester credits, a bachelor’s degree with focused accounting coursework, a passing score on the Uniform CPA Exam, and approved work experience. You can review current requirements on the Alaska Board of Public Accountancy site and see national CPA exam details from the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA).

What accounting jobs can you get in Juneau with a UAS degree?

With an accounting degree from UAS, you can pursue roles such as staff accountant, auditor, budget analyst, payroll specialist, or grant accountant. Many jobs are with Alaska state agencies, local governments, tribal and Native corporations, and nonprofits in Juneau. For wider salary and job outlook data, you can review the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics guide for accountants and auditors and regional trends from the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development.