At $18,091/yr net price, Alaska Career College graduates earn $34,468/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $468/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,091 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $72,364 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,468/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$468/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 154.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 64.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,377 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,649/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $19,154/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Associate | $34,526 | |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $32,477 | $7,984 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Associate | $31,495 | $17,318 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $29,413 | $4,808 |
| Somatic Bodywork and Related Therapeutic Services. | Certificate | $26,739 | $9,493 |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Certificate | $25,194 |
The Risk Factor
64.8% of students at Alaska Career College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 35% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Alaska Career College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice and career goals in Alaska's unique job market. The $18,091 annual cost produces a median income of $34,468 after ten years, which creates a reasonable but not strong payoff for most graduates.
Business programs offer the strongest financial outcome at $34,526 annually, while allied health and medical assisting provide solid middle-ground earnings at $32,477. Accounting graduates face a concerning mismatch between debt and income, earning $31,495 while carrying $17,318 in debt. Health administrative services and somatic bodywork programs show weaker returns that may struggle to justify the investment.
Your biggest financial risk here is program selection. The school's 64.80% graduation rate means one in three students leave without completing their program, making debt without credentials a real possibility. Alaska's limited job market also means fewer opportunities to switch careers if your chosen field doesn't work out.
This school makes financial sense if you need healthcare or business training specifically for Alaska's job market and plan to stay in the state long-term. The relatively low median debt of $7,377 helps limit your downside risk. However, you should look elsewhere if you want maximum earning potential or career flexibility, as most programs here lead to modest-paying positions with limited growth prospects.
With 58.10% of students receiving aid, financial assistance is common but not universal. Focus on completing your program quickly to minimize costs, and avoid the accounting program unless you have specific job prospects lined up that justify the higher debt load.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alaska Career College worth the cost?
Alaska Career College graduates earn $34,468 annually after 10 years, which is low compared to the $18,091 yearly cost. The return on investment is weak, especially for programs earning under $30,000.
What are the best paying programs at Alaska Career College?
Business and management programs offer the highest earnings at $34,526 annually, followed by allied health at $32,477. Therapeutic services programs pay the least at $26,739, making them poor value choices.
How much debt do Alaska Career College students graduate with?
The median debt is $7,377, which is relatively low for a career college. However, with most programs leading to salaries under $35,000, even this modest debt burden may be difficult to repay.
What is Alaska Career College's graduation rate?
Alaska Career College has a 64.8% graduation rate. This means over one-third of students don't finish their programs, losing their investment without earning a credential.