At $5,542/yr net price, Ilisagvik College graduates earn $39,541/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,541/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $5,542 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $22,168 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,541/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,541/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 35.7% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $5,542/yr |
The Risk Factor
35.7% of students at Ilisagvik College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Ilisagvik College delivers a low-cost education at $5,542 annually, but the financial returns are concerning. With median earnings of $39,541 ten years after enrollment and a graduation rate below 36%, your investment faces significant risk of not paying off.
The college serves Alaska's North Slope region where job opportunities center heavily on oil industry support, government positions, and essential services. Your career prospects depend almost entirely on staying in this remote area or finding similar work elsewhere in Alaska. The limited program offerings mean you have fewer options to pivot if your chosen field doesn't work out financially.
The extremely low financial aid participation rate of just 10.69% suggests most students either qualify for very little aid or the college has limited resources to distribute. This could mean you'll pay close to the full net price regardless of your financial situation.
Ilisagvik makes financial sense if you're already connected to the North Slope community and plan to work locally after graduation. The low cost means your debt burden should be manageable even with modest earnings. However, if you need geographic mobility for career advancement or want access to higher-paying metropolitan job markets, this investment becomes much riskier.
The combination of limited program diversity, regional employment constraints, and below-average graduation rates creates multiple financial risks. You should have a clear local career path mapped out before enrolling, as the college's value proposition depends entirely on fitting into the specific economic ecosystem of northern Alaska.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ilisagvik College worth the cost?
Ilisagvik College has a low net price at $5,542 per year, but graduates earn just $39,541 annually after 10 years, which is below the national average. The 35.7% graduation rate means many students don't complete their programs.
What is the return on investment for Ilisagvik College graduates?
The ROI is modest given the relatively low post-graduation earnings of around $39,500. However, the affordable cost means students typically graduate with minimal debt compared to four-year institutions.
Which programs at Ilisagvik College have the best job prospects?
As Alaska's only tribal college, Ilisagvik focuses on programs that serve local Arctic communities, including business, education, and trades. Job prospects are often tied to opportunities within the North Slope Borough and regional organizations.
Should I attend Ilisagvik College or go somewhere else?
Ilisagvik College serves a specific geographic and cultural niche in northern Alaska. If you're committed to staying in the Arctic region or value Inupiat cultural education, it may be worth it despite lower earnings potential.