College is a census-designated place in the Fairbanks North Star Borough, next to the city of Fairbanks. It had 11,332 residents in 2020, and the University of Alaska Fairbanks lies within its boundaries and serves as its core.[1]
| Population (2020) | 11,332 (12,964 in 2010) |
|---|---|
| Area | 19.12 sq mi |
| Elevation | 449 ft |
| ZIP code | 99709 |
| First census | 1930 (61 residents) |
| Record low | −66°F, 28 December 1961 |
Location and history
College is part of the Fairbanks Metropolitan Statistical Area and covers 19.12 square miles. It first appeared on the 1930 census as an unincorporated village with 61 residents and became a census-designated place in 1980. Its population grew from 234 in 1940 to 11,249 in 1990, and fell 12.6 percent between 2010 and 2020.[1]
University of Alaska Fairbanks
The university lies within the community’s boundaries and serves as its core. It provides fire protection and ambulance service, and police protection is shared between the university police department and the Alaska State Troopers. University Park Elementary, the oldest local school, opened in 1958.[1]
Climate
The climate is subarctic. The record high is 94°F, reached in June 1969, 1983 and 1991, and the record low is −66°F on 28 December 1961. Average annual precipitation is 13.34 inches and annual snowfall 64.3 inches, with mean daily highs of 2.2°F in January and 71.3°F in July.[1]
FAQs
Where is College, Alaska? Next to Fairbanks in the Fairbanks North Star Borough.
What is its core institution? The University of Alaska Fairbanks.
How cold does it get? A record low of −66°F in 1961.
Sources
Key facts
- 11,332 residents (2020)
- Record low −66°F
In the news
Quick checkWhich university is in College, Alaska?Show answer
The University of Alaska Fairbanks
Sources
- Wikipedia. College, Alaska. 2026 (accessed 2026-11-14)
Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 14, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue