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 gives you a low-cost path with a modest payoff. Net price runs about $5,542 a year, one of the cheapest you'll find at a four-year school, and median earnings ten years out sit at $39,541. That's a small tuition bill against wages that stay below the national median, so the return is real but limited.
The graduation rate is the number to watch. Only about 36 out of every 100 students finish, so the biggest financial risk here is paying for years you don't complete a credential in. A degree you don't earn still costs you time and any loans you took, and it doesn't move your earnings. Before you enroll, be honest about whether you'll finish, because the low price only pays off if you walk away with the credential.
No program-level salary data is listed here, so treat the $39,541 median as a whole-school figure, not a promise tied to any specific major. If a particular program's earnings matter to you, ask the college for that breakdown before committing.
On price, the picture is simple: if your family earns under $30,000, you pay the same $5,542 as everyone else, because that's the only income tier reported. There's no steeper bill for higher earners in this data, which makes the cost predictable across incomes.
This school fits you if you're rooted in the North Slope region, want to stay near Barrow, and value a low out-of-pocket cost over maximum earnings. If you're chasing high salaries or need strong odds of finishing on a set timeline, look elsewhere. The math works best when the low price and local connection outweigh the below-average wages and the coin-flip graduation rate.
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.