At $13,780/yr net price, University of Alaska Anchorage graduates earn $51,871/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,871/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,780 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $55,120 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,871/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,871/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 28.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,210 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,436/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,993/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,543/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,947/yr |
| $110,001+ | $19,563/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $106,421 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $87,604 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $78,343 | |
| Engineering, Other. | Master | $76,460 | |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $74,017 | |
| Construction Management. | Bachelor | $72,274 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $72,101 | $20,834 |
| Health/Medical Preparatory Programs. | Associate | $68,033 | $19,952 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $66,728 | |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,325 | $23,500 |
The Risk Factor
28.9% of students at University of Alaska Anchorage 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
University of Alaska Anchorage offers mediocre returns with significant completion risks that make it a poor financial bet for most students. The $51,871 median earnings barely justify the investment when you factor in Alaska's high cost of living and the school's troubling 28.9% graduation rate.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, with graduates earning $106,421 annually in a state where healthcare workers command premium salaries due to geographic isolation. Educational administration and engineering also deliver solid returns above $75,000. However, these high-earning programs represent a small fraction of UAA's offerings, and most other majors struggle in Alaska's limited job market dominated by oil, tourism, and government work.
Your biggest risk at UAA is simply not graduating. With fewer than three in ten students completing their degrees, you face a high probability of accumulating debt without earning credentials. The 71.7% first-year retention rate signals early academic struggles for many students.
UAA works financially if you can secure admission to nursing or education programs and have strong academic preparation to beat the graduation odds. Alaska residents benefit from the low $13,780 net price, making this a reasonable option for in-state students pursuing high-demand local careers. The state's teacher shortage creates solid job prospects for education majors willing to work in rural communities.
Out-of-state students should look elsewhere unless pursuing nursing with guaranteed clinical placements. The combination of completion risk, limited job market, and geographic isolation makes UAA financially viable only for specific career paths with strong local demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Alaska Anchorage worth the cost?
University of Alaska Anchorage offers decent value with a low net price of $13,780 and moderate debt levels at $20,210. However, the 29% graduation rate is concerning and significantly impacts overall ROI.
What are the best paying majors at University of Alaska Anchorage?
Nursing programs at University of Alaska Anchorage lead in earnings, with registered nursing graduates earning over $106,000. Educational administration and engineering also show strong returns above $75,000.
How much student debt do University of Alaska Anchorage graduates have?
University of Alaska Anchorage graduates carry a median debt of $20,210, which is manageable compared to national averages. The low net price helps keep borrowing reasonable for most students.
What is the graduation rate at University of Alaska Anchorage?
University of Alaska Anchorage has a 29% graduation rate, which is well below national averages. This low completion rate represents a significant risk factor for students considering enrollment.