Key Performance Indicators

University of Alaska

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Mission

University of Alaska System (UA) The University of Alaska inspires learning, and advances and disseminates knowledge through teaching, research, and public service, emphasizing the North and its diverse peoples. Alaska Statue (AS) 14.40.010, AS 14.40.060 University of Alaska Mission Statement Board of Regents' Policy 01.01.010 Adopted 10-06-00

Key Performance Indicators

• Target: Grow Grant-Funded Research Expenditures

• Target: Increase number of unique beneficiaries in Alaska"s three 529 college savings plans offered by the Education Trust of Alaska
• Target: Increase assets under management in Education Trust of Alaska`s 529 education savings plan offerings
• Target: Increase Philanthropic Support for Students & Programs

Performance Detail

Target #1: Increase completion of degree, certificate and endorsement programs Methodology: Number of for-credit degree, certificate and endorsements earned during the fiscal year. Students may earn more than one award during a year. Degrees, Certificates and Endorsements Awarded Fiscal Year Actual FY27 Target FY 2027 4,600 FY 2024 3,280 FY 2023 3,285 FY 2022 3,567 FY 2021 3,996 FY 2020 4,278 Analysis of results and challenges: The number of program credentials awarded fell 23.3 percent (998 degrees awarded) in the last five years and has remained relatively unchanged (5 degrees) in the last year. From FY23 to FY24, degrees awarded by UAA increased 1.4 percent (24 degrees awarded), UAF increased nearly 1 percent (9 degrees), and UAS decreased 8.0 percent (38 degrees). Some moderate declines in program completion numbers were anticipated because of overall enrollment levels dropping during the pandemic. From FY23 to FY24, degrees awarded by degree level show that Occupational Endorsement Certificate (OEC) increased 13.7 percent (48 degrees), 1-year certificates decreased 6.9 percent (2 degrees), and 2-year certificates decreased by 3.8 percent (7 degrees). During the same time, Associate of Arts (AA) increased 28.2 percent (81 degrees), Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees awarded increased 2.9 percent (12 degrees), and bachelor`s degrees awarded decreased 8.0 percent (111 degrees). Master`s degrees awarded decreased 5.9 percent (27 degrees), licensures decreased 8.5 percent (11 degrees), and doctorate degrees awarded decreased 5.6 percent (2 degrees) year-over-year. Examining each university shows that the trends in degrees awarded differ. The one-year change for UAA has total degrees awarded up 1.4 percent (24 degrees). During the same period AA and AAS have both increased 43.7 percent and 3.0 percent (76 and 8 degrees awarded) respectively. Bachelor"s degrees have decreased by 12.3 percent (101 degrees awarded). Master`s degrees awarded increases 11.5 percent (22 degrees) and PhD`s are down 40 percent (2 degrees). During FY23 to FY24, UAF`s total degrees awarded increased nearly 1 percent (9 degrees). Increases in degrees awarded at the master`s level of 11.2 percent (20 degrees), AAS degrees awarded increased 7.7 percent (8 degrees), and bachelor`s degrees awarded increase 3.8 percent (17 degrees) offset losses at other degree levels. Doctorate degrees awarded remained the same for FY23 and F24 at 31 degrees. Degrees awarded at the AA, OEC, and licensure level decreased 10.2 percent, 17.9 percent, and 5.9 percent (9 degrees, 17 degrees, and 3 degrees), respectively during the last year. During the same period, UAS degrees awarded decreased 8 percent (38 degrees). OEC degrees awarded remained stable, 1-year certificates increased 33.3 percent (4 degrees), 2-year certificates increase 46.7 percent (7 degrees), and AA level degrees awarded increased 56.0 percent (14 degrees). Master`s and licensure level degrees decreased 27.8 percent and 22.9 percent (25 degrees and 8 degrees), respectively from FY23-FY24. AAS level degrees decreased 9.5 percent (4 degrees), bachelor`s degrees decreased 20.8 percent (27 degrees), and master`s level degrees decreased 27.8 percent (25 degrees) year-over-year. UA is fundamental to Alaska`s economic recovery, delivering relevant programs that qualify graduates to take current and future jobs in the state. Of program graduates remaining in Alaska one year after graduation, roughly 90 percent were employed in-state. About 1 in 10 Alaska workers are graduates of UAA, UAF, or UAS. UA remains optimistic that improvement is on the horizon, as stabilized enrollment translates into increased program completions with investments aimed at improve student retention and more innovative and online program delivery options. Related links: UA - Anchorage Programs UA - Fairbanks Programs UA - Southeast Programs UA - Degrees Awarded Target Last Modified: 09/04/2024

Target #2: Increase Initial Teacher Licensure Graduates Methodology: Number of academic credentials awarded; some students may earn mutiple credentials in a given fiscal year. This is a count of graduates who recieved a degree in a UA education program that culimates in an initial teacher licensure being awarded. Updates are made annually to add newly created academic programs responding to current needs as well as to remove programs designated for elimination. Initial Teacher Licensure Program Graduates Fiscal Year Actual FY27 Target FY 2027 0 160 FY 2024 117 FY 2023 143 FY 2022 161 FY 2021 137 FY 2020 174 Analysis of results and challenges: To strengthen Teacher Education, the UA Board of Regents established the Alaska College of Education Consortium (ACEC) in June 2021. This consortium consists of the education schools at UAA, UAF and UAS, with the goal of providing a framework and mechanism for communication, collaboration, and resource/information sharing among the programs. The consortium is implementing strategies to increase enrollment and graduates, communicate the existing programs to potential students, and assess state needs. It also seeks to expand academic pathways and opportunities for students by ensuring that a full array of programs and services are available across the state. The number of degrees awarded in teacher licensure programs has decreased by 32.8 percent (57 degrees awarded) from 174 degrees awarded in FY20 to 117 degrees awarded in FY24. The number of degrees awarded decreased by 18.2 percent (26 degrees awarded) from FY23 to FY24, decreasing from 143 degrees awarded to 117. Nearly half of the total decrease in teacher licensure degrees occurred in the last fiscal year. In the last fiscal year, UAA has awarded 1 more degree in initial teacher licensure programs, UAF has awarded 9 fewer degrees, and UAS has awarded 18 fewer degrees. Some of these changes in degrees awarded can be explained by the impact of the pandemic on students. Related links: Alaska College of Education Consortium Teach Alaska: Nationally Accredited & State Approved Programs Teacher education program employment outcomes Alaska College of Education Consortium Target Last Modified: 09/26/2024

Target #3: Increase Health Industry Program Graduates Methodology: Number of academic credentials awarded; some students may earn multiple credentials in a given fiscal year. Programs responding to current Alaska health industry needs are identified by the accredited university delivering the program. Updates are made annually to add newly created academic programs responding to current industry needs as well as to remove programs designated for elimination. Health and Related Program Graduates Fiscal Year Actual FY27 Target FY 2027 980 FY 2024 807 FY 2023 841 FY 2022 897 FY 2021 943 FY 2020 971 Analysis of results and challenges: Alaska`s health care costs are among the highest in the nation. One way to bring down high costs is to grow our own health care workforce. The number of health and related program degrees awarded has decreased roughly 16.9 percent (164 degrees awarded) from FY20 to FY24, with a decrease of 4 percent (34 degrees awarded) from FY23 to FY24. From FY23 to FY24, total degrees awarded by the UA system remained relatively consistent with 3,285 and 3,280 degrees being awarded, respectively. Some UA health programs operate on a rolling cohort cycle, which can result in annual peaks and drops in the total number of enrollments and graduates in health and related programs. The UA health program has discussed next steps to continue planning and coordinating programs, facilities, and resources across the UA system for a holistic approach to growing health programs. These steps include working to resolve clinical placement needs across the state, coordinating existing university agreements with external partners, clarifying a certified nurse assistant to licensed nurse practitioner to registered nurse pathway. Expanding the current health program to include a masters in social work is already underway and talks with stakeholders to facilitate planning for a licensed practical nurse program are already underway. UA`s program participants can find jobs directly after graduation in high-demand health and related occupations necessary for Alaska`s economic stability and growth. For example, about 90 percent of UA nursing and certified nurse aid program graduates are working in Alaska within one year. The University has approved the UAA health workforce expansion and diversity project. This project will lead the way on growth through the renovation of the Sally Monserud Hall to expand the UAA College of Health (COH) workforce clinical training facilities including increased laboratory space and remote learning technologies. The project location has changed from the 2nd floor of the Social Sciences Building to the Sally Monserud Hall (SMH). This occurred after review and consideration about future needs to expand the CoH. The SMH has 20,000 square feet that can be renovated over time to support CoH growth. The Economic Development Administration (EDA) informed UAA that they will be receiving the Health Workforce Expansion and Diversity funding total award of $5.0 million, of which $4.0 million is federal funding from the FY21 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) via the Economic Adjustment Assistance fund and an additional $1.0 million is match funding from UAA. Related links: Health and related program employment outcomes Target Last Modified: 09/26/2024

Target #4: Maintain and grow student enrollment Methodology: Student headcount is unduplicated at the system level, to normalize for students who utilize courses from more than one campus or university in the same semester. Figures count students who audit for-credit courses and exclude students taking only non-credit courses. Student Headcount, Fall Semester Fiscal Year Actual Preliminary FY27 Target FY 2027 26,000 FY 2025 21,000 FY 2024 20,745 FY 2023 20,228 FY 2022 20,745 FY 2021 22,093 FY 2020 24,943 Analysis of results and challenges: Over the last five years, Fall semester student headcount dropped 16.8 percent (4,198 students). This decline was largely attributed to the global pandemic, with 70 percent of the decrease occurring in FY20 and FY21. There have been improvements in Fall semester enrollment with FY23 to FY24 enrollment increasing 2.6 percent (517 students). In FY25, enrollment is expected to reach 21,000 students by the close of the Fall 2024 semester, which would be a 1.2 percent over FY24. Looking ahead, the focus is on adding student enrollment, by continuing to foster new students as well as working with continuing students to encourage re-enrollment. UA is committed to seeing this measure improve over the next few years. To this end, the institution has implemented very successful options for dual enrollment; expansion of on-line programs; partnerships with school districts and homeschool programs; and innovative program delivery. Related links: UAA Academic Programs & Admissions UAF Admissions UAS Admissions Target Last Modified: 09/04/2024

Target #5: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Methodology: Proportion of students who self-identify as having at least some indigenous heritage and that take one or more courses during the fall semester, including audit. Excludes students taking only non-credit courses. Proportion of Students Identifying as Indigenous Fiscal Year Actual FY27 Target FY 2027 19.0% FY 2024 15.3% FY 2023 15.6% FY 2022 16.2% FY 2021 15.1% FY 2020 15.9% Analysis of results and challenges: The University of Alaska System, guided by the Board of Regents, is committed to improving the participation and success of Alaska Natives through educational achievement statewide and improving Alaska Native representation and success throughout the University of Alaska system. One key step in addressing and overcoming these challenges is to increase the diversity of the entire system. An aspect of this is growing the proportion of indigenous students who attend UA to meet or exceed the proportion of the overall Alaska population who identify as indigenous. Currently, 15.3 percent (3,169 students) of University of Alaska students identify as having indigenous heritage, in comparison to over 19 percent of the State of Alaska population. Over the past five years, the proportion of indigenous students attending UA has remained relatively stable. In 2021, the Alaska Native Success Initiative (ANSI) was launched, focusing on achieving a sustainable long-term increase in Alaska Native representation among students, staff, and faculty. The Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP) expanded its Acceleration Academy to Kotzebue and introduced a statewide residential opportunity, resulting in nearly 150 dual-enrolled secondary students joining UAA and UAF — making it the largest class in ANSEP history. UAS now provides free non-credit courses in Alaska Native languages, ensuring accessibility for indigenous peoples to learn their own language. The enrollment in these programs has risen from less than 50 students in 2011 to nearly 300 students with the removal of costs. Related links: Alaska Native Success Initiative Target Last Modified: 09/04/2024

Target #6: Increase Dual Enrollment Students Methodology: A dual enrolled student is a high school student taking one or more courses from the University of Alaska. Student headcount is unduplicated at the system level, to normalize for students who utilize courses from more than one campus or university in the same semester. Figures count students who audit for-credit courses and exclude students taking only non-credit courses. Dual Enrolled High School Students Fiscal Year Actual FY27 Target FY 2027 3,630 FY 2024 4,047 FY 2023 3,597 FY 2022 3,218 FY 2021 2,990 FY 2020 3,096 Analysis of results and challenges: Dual enrollment pathways such as Middle Colleges, the Alaska Advantage program, ANSEP Acceleration Academies, and other programs, provide a great benefit to Alaskans by improving both high school graduation rates and smoothing pathways to a successful college career. The University of Alaska is satisfying a growing demand for dual enrollment programs by offering an increasing number of accessible and affordable options for every Alaskan. Increasing dual enrollment relies on prioritizing accessibility and affordability. Collaborative efforts with local governments, school districts, and individual schools have been instrumental in driving dual enrollment programs towards the FY27 target. It is important to note that the sum of university totals may exceed the system total due to the inclusion of unique students, and it is not uncommon for students to be dual enrolled at multiple universities within a fiscal year. Summing the headcount across universities would lead to some students being double counted. From FY23 to FY24 the headcount of dual enrolled high school students increased 12.5 percent (450 students), indicating a strong recovery from a temporary pandemic-related decline in FY20 to FY21. The five-year change is an increase of 30.7 percent (951 students) resulting in a total of 4,047 dual students with growth at each university within the system. All UAA campuses offer dual enrollment, and the number of dual enrolled students has dramatically increased from 1,541 dual enrollment students in 2020 to 1,966 dual enrollment students (27.6 percent increase) in 2024. In the last year, UAA has added 368 dual students which is an increase of 23.0 percent. In FY20 UAF expanded dual enrollment opportunities through partnerships with Alaska Advantage. This virtual middle college program has established collaborations with more than 40 school districts and homeschool programs across Alaska. Dual enrollment at UAF increased by 52.7 percent (561 students) from 1,065 students in FY20 to 1,626 students in FY24. In the last year, UAF has added 37 dual enrollment students (2.3 percent). UAS also partnered with Alaska Advantage in FY20 and has increased 25.4 percent (139 students) from FY20 to FY24, with a year-over-year increase of 3.0 percent (20 students) from 666 students in FY23 to 686 in FY24. Related links: UAA Dual Enrollment Info UAF Dual Enrollment Info UAS Dual Enrollment Info Target Last Modified: 09/26/2024

Target #1: Grow Grant-Funded Research Expenditures Methodology: Grant-Funded Research Expenditures represent total grant-funded operating and capital research expenditures, including direct research expenditures as well as indirect cost recovery from restricted research grants spent in support of research and administrative support. Many grants provide a multi-year funding commitment, however this measure only consider actual expenditures during the fiscal year. Grant-Funded Research Expenditures (Million $) Fiscal Year Actual FY27 Target FY 2027 193.0 FY 2024 220.3 +14.09% FY 2023 193.1 +6.33% FY 2022 181.6 +17.16% FY 2021 155.0 +17.69% FY 2020 131.7 Analysis of results and challenges: Grant-funded research expenditures reached a record high of $220.3 million in FY24, increasing by 14.1 percent ($27.2 million) from FY23 and 67.3 percent ($88.6 million) over the last five years. This achievement surpasses the University of Alaska Board of Regents` adopted FY27 target for this mission. The FY23 unrestricted general fund investment of $2 million in alternative energy, along with other multi-year investments in drone technology, rare earth minerals, and heavy oil recovery, is expected to drive future expansion of grant-funded research. Federally funded research at the University of Alaska Fairbanks accounted for nearly all the increase, with $167.0 million of the $220.2 million total coming from federal sources. In FY24, UAF accounted for $121.8 million in research expenditures compared to $11.1 million at UAA, and $175,000 at UAS. Research and academic units generating more than $5.0 million in external grant-funded revenue during FY24 included the Geophysical Institute ($52.8 million), the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences ($28.1 million), the Institute of Northern Engineering ($11.6 million), the International Arctic Research Center ($8.8 million), and the Institute for Arctic Biology ($11.2 million). Scientific research brings direct value to Alaskans through investments in local economies and improvements in community life. A climate of innovation and collaboration fosters growth in research, creative works, and commercialization. It also engages undergraduate and graduate students, helping them gain the skills and knowledge needed to become future leaders. Related links: UAF Research UAA Research UAS Research & Creative Activity Target Last Modified: 10/24/2024

Target #1: Increase number of unique beneficiaries in Alaska"s three 529 college savings plans offered by the Education Trust of Alaska Methodology: Counts unique beneficiaries of 529 accounts in the Alaska 529 (formerly University of Alaska College Savings Plan), the T. Rowe Price College Savings Plan and the John Hancock 529 Plan. Education Trust of Alaska Number of Beneficiaries Fiscal Year Actual FY27 Target FY 2027 334,000 FY 2024 314,277 FY 2023 316,263 FY 2022 317,669 FY 2021 312,083 FY 2020 306,815 Analysis of results and challenges: In April 2022, the Trust launched the Dash to Save™ and Dash to Save More™ incentive programs to encourage every Alaskan to open a 529 account and save systematically. This will substantially impact our ability to achieve this target. Target Last Modified: 10/17/2024

Target #2: Increase assets under management in Education Trust of Alaska`s 529 education savings plan offerings Methodology: Total assets under management (AUM) in plans offered by the Education Trust of Alaska`s three 529 education savings plan accounts: in the Alaska 529 (formerly University of Alaska College Savings Plan), the T. Rowe Price College Savings Plan, and the John Hancock 529 Plan. Education Trust of Alaska Assets Under Management ($B) Fiscal Year Actual FY27 Target FY 2027 13.0 FY 2024 10.5 FY 2023 9.8 FY 2022 9.3 FY 2021 11.0 FY 2020 9.0 Analysis of results and challenges: In 1996, congress approved section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code which allows families to save in a tax-advantaged way. The Education Trust of Alaska was formed by the University of Alaska in 2001 with the goal of creating and offering high-quality 529 plans to help residents prepare for future education expenses. These education expenses as early as possible. Contributions are invested in accounts that grow on tax-deferred and are tax-free when used for qualified education expenses. The Trust operates on a self-funded revenue model. It provides a key service to Alaska residents by providing access to high-quality 529 plans with an added measure of control available to participants through Alaska`s creditor protection laws. The Trust has partnered with the Alaska Department of Revenue and continues to support significant levels of Alaska resident participation in 529 plans. Approximately 13,000 Alaskans automatically contribute at least half of their PFD to a 529 account each year. In 2021, the Trust launched the Dash to Save® and Dash to Save More® incentive programs. In FY24, the incentive for Dash to Save More, $250, was awarded to each new unique account owner/beneficiary relationship, totaling $397,750, which equates to 1,597 new account owner/beneficiary relationships. The incentive for Dash to Save More, $100, was awarded to account owners who set Automatic Monthly Contributions or the Direct Deposit option and contributed in the calendar year, totaling $836,200, which equals 8,362 accounts. Account owners and beneficiaries of the plans can be eligible for in-state tuition and a free application for admission at the University of Alaska. In its three 529 plans, the Trust currently holds more than $10.5B in assets invested in more than 370,000 accounts with 314,000 beneficiaries. Assets under management for the Education Trust of Alaska were $9.8 billion at the close of FY23, an increase of 5.4 percent from FY22. Related links: Education Trust of Alaska Target Last Modified: 10/21/2024

Target #3: Increase Philanthropic Support for Students & Programs Methodology: Number of distinct individuals contributing to UA Foundation. Data prior to FY20 are not displayed, in order to allow for valid trend comparison in context of changes to the way donations were counted for KUAC beginning in FY19. Figures are consistent with the guidelines and practices of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) standards, which are a common set of definitions and procedures for reporting the results of fundraising activities at educational institutions. Data current as of October 2024. Number of Donors Fiscal Year Actuals FY27 Target FY 2027 6,000 FY 2024 4,487 FY 2023 4,377 FY 2022 4,533 FY 2021 5,047 FY 2020 4,572 Analysis of results and challenges: The UA Foundation was established to solicit, manage, and invest donations for the University of Alaska`s exclusive benefit. It is a private nonprofit corporation that operates as a public foundation and operates on a fully self-support revenue model. It provides a critical service to students. More than 15 percent of degree recipients each year have been supported by scholarships administered by the UA Foundation. Nearly $5 million in student support was awarded in FY21 alone. The number of individuals and the amount contributed to the UA Foundation vary from year to year. Although the number of donors has been relatively steady, averaging 4,615 donors for the last four years, the total amount donated each year has increased from about $25 million to around $40 million. The University of Alaska Foundation, UAA, UAF, UAS, and UA System Office began UA`s first systemwide philanthropic fundraising campaign in FY2017. The public launch of this campaign took place in March 2021, with the announcement of a total dollar goal of $200 million to be raised by the end of FY25. This is a comprehensive fundraising campaign with all private support counted including outright gifts and pledges, planned gifts, and private grants. As of July 2023, $248 million has been raised through generous contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations to support students, faculty, and programs across the UA system. There have been more than 20,000 unique donors to the campaign, including more than 7,200 alumni donors. These private contributions are predominately (more than 95 percent) designated by donors for specific restricted purposes such as scholarships, research, and supplemental programmatic support. Contributions cannot be directed to university operations or to replace budget reductions. Related links: University of Alaska Foundation Target Last Modified: 10/21/2024

Last refreshed: 05/23/2025 05:00 pm