Alaska also ranked below the national average in high school graduation and college attendance rates.
The research shows college graduation rates ranged from 19 percent to 44 percent between 1997 and 2009. Rates relate to the percentage of first-time, full-time students who earn bachelor's degrees within six years.
It quotes Mike Earnest, director of admissions for the University of Alaska, saying an open admissions policy and need for many freshmen to take remedial classes, adding to their time in school and debt, contribute to the rates.
Earnest says UA is working to address the situation.
Alaska students ranked at or above the national average on the ACT between 2001 and 2011.
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