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
The financial picture at University of Alaska Anchorage is mixed, and the biggest risk is finishing at all. A 28.90% graduation rate means most people who enroll don't walk away with a degree, and if you drop out with debt, you get the cost without the earnings bump. That number should shape how you think about this school more than any salary figure.
If you finish, the debt load is manageable and the payoff depends heavily on your major. Construction management and nursing both clear $72,000 a year, and those fields track directly to Alaska's construction and healthcare demand. Engineering degrees,general, civil, and engineering-related technologies,all land in the mid-$60,000s, which pairs well with the state's infrastructure and resource economy. Nursing carries slightly more debt than the median but earns enough to cover it quickly. Civil engineering's higher debt is still reasonable against its salary.
The catch is that the school's median earnings sit well below its top programs. That gap tells you the strong outcomes are concentrated in a handful of technical and health fields. If you enroll without a clear path into construction, nursing, or engineering, your return looks a lot weaker than the top-program numbers suggest.
On price, families earning under $48,000 pay close to the same amount, and both tiers land below the sticker net price. The jump happens above $75,000, where your cost rises by roughly $5,000 a year. That's a modest increase, and even at the top tier the annual price stays under $20,000.
This school fits you if you're staying in Alaska and heading into a trade-linked technical or health career. If you're undecided or planning to leave the state, weigh the low graduation rate carefully before committing.
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.