At $9,634/yr net price, University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates earn $48,866/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,866/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,634 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $38,536 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,866/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,866/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,291 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,494/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $8,206/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $9,719/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,515/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,203/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
36.7% of students at University of Alaska Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks delivers strong financial returns if you pick the right major, but the school's 37% graduation rate creates significant risk for your investment. Your net cost of under $10,000 annually makes this one of the cheapest options for quality STEM programs, particularly if you can land in petroleum or mechanical engineering.
Petroleum engineering graduates earn $75,889 annually, making it the clear financial winner at UAF. The program directly serves Alaska's oil industry, giving you geographic advantages for internships and job placement. Mechanical and civil engineering also deliver solid returns above $63,000, with manageable debt loads under $18,500. Business administration rounds out the financially viable options at $58,221.
The major risk is completion. More than 60% of students never graduate, turning your low-cost education into a total loss. Alaska's remote location and harsh climate contribute to high dropout rates, especially among out-of-state students unprepared for the isolation.
UAF makes financial sense if you're committed to engineering or natural resources careers in Alaska, have strong academic preparation, and can handle the physical and social challenges of Fairbanks. The combination of low costs and high-paying regional industries creates excellent ROI for graduates who stick with technical majors.
Avoid UAF if you want liberal arts programs, need extensive student support services, or plan to work in the lower 48 states. The school's limited merit aid means most students pay the full net price, but Alaska residents get additional state benefits that improve the deal further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Alaska Fairbanks worth the cost?
UAF offers decent value with a low net price of $9,634 annually, but the 37% graduation rate is concerning. Engineering programs provide strong returns, while the overall median earnings of $48,866 after 10 years may not justify attendance for weaker programs.
What are the best paying majors at University of Alaska Fairbanks?
Petroleum engineering leads at $75,889 annually, followed by mechanical engineering at $68,219. These technical programs significantly outperform the school's overall graduate earnings and justify the investment.
How much debt do University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates have?
The median debt is $20,291, which is manageable compared to national averages. However, with the low graduation rate, many students may accumulate debt without completing their degree.
Does University of Alaska Fairbanks have a good graduation rate?
No, UAF's 37% graduation rate is well below the national average. This means most students who enroll will not finish their degree, creating significant financial risk.