Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 35.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 36.7%
- Retention Rate
- 72.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $48,866
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,291
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 54.7%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $215/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petroleum Engineering. | Bachelor | $75,889 | |
| Mechanical Engineering. | Bachelor | $68,219 | $18,000 |
| Civil Engineering. | Bachelor | $63,997 | $14,500 |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $63,997 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $58,221 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Certificate | $51,607 | |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $50,439 | |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $44,942 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $43,798 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $12,500 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $42,682 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $32,119 | |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $31,314 | $22,875 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $34,526 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $30,228 | $24,966 |
Outcomes Overview
Graduates earn a median of $48,866 ten years out, creating a debt-to-income ratio of 42% based on the typical $20,291 in loans. Monthly payments of $215 consume about 5.3% of gross income, which is manageable compared to the national average of 10-15%. The 91.2% employment rate reflects Alaska's demand for skilled workers in oil, mining, and government sectors. Many graduates find work with state agencies, energy companies, or continue in research roles tied to the university's Arctic specializations. The relatively low debt load helps offset modest starting salaries in Alaska's unique economy. This represents an average return on investment for students committed to working in Alaska.