At $18,976/yr net price, Alaska Pacific University graduates earn $54,271/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,271/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $18,976 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $75,904 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,271/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,271/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.7 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 46.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $18,371/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,564/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,313/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $23,460/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $81,333 | |
| Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology. | Bachelor | $26,353 |
The Risk Factor
46.9% of students at Alaska Pacific University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Alaska Pacific University delivers weak returns for most students, with median earnings of $54,271 barely justifying the $18,976 annual cost. The 46.9% graduation rate means you face significant odds of leaving with debt but no degree.
Business Administration stands out as the clear financial winner at $81,333 in median earnings, making it one of the few programs that justify your investment. Ecology programs tell a different story at just $26,353, creating a major mismatch between cost and career prospects in Alaska's limited environmental job market.
Your biggest risk is the low graduation rate combined with Alaska's geographic isolation limiting job opportunities. With only 68.2% of students returning for sophomore year, the school struggles to retain students through degree completion. The $23,500 median debt load becomes particularly problematic if you join the 53% who don't graduate.
This university works best if you're pursuing business studies and plan to stay in Alaska, where APU's local connections matter more than national rankings. The small class sizes and regional focus benefit students who need personalized attention and want to build networks within Alaska's business community.
Skip APU if you're studying anything outside business or if you need strong alumni networks in the lower 48 states. The limited program options and weak outcomes in most majors make it a poor choice for career flexibility. Only 34.4% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited merit scholarship opportunities for most applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alaska Pacific University worth the cost for the ROI?
Alaska Pacific University has mixed ROI depending on your major. Business graduates earn $81,333 after 10 years, which justifies the cost, but ecology graduates average only $26,353. The low graduation rate of 47% adds significant risk to your investment.
What is the job market like for Alaska Pacific University graduates?
APU graduates earn an average of $54,271 ten years after graduation, which is below the national average for college graduates. The remote Alaska location limits job opportunities, though business program graduates see better outcomes than those in environmental sciences.
How much debt do Alaska Pacific University students typically graduate with?
APU graduates have a median debt of $23,500, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with nearly half of students not graduating and average earnings of $54,271, the debt-to-income ratio creates financial stress for many graduates.
Which programs at Alaska Pacific University offer the best value?
Business Administration at Alaska Pacific University provides the strongest ROI with graduates earning $81,333 after 10 years. Avoid ecology and environmental science programs where graduates average only $26,353, making debt repayment difficult.