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
The math at University of Alaska Fairbanks depends almost entirely on your major. A net price under $10,000 a year keeps costs low, and median debt of about $20,000 is manageable against a median 10-year salary near $49,000. But that median hides a wide split between the engineering programs that pay and everything else.
Engineering is where this school earns its keep. Petroleum engineering graduates clear $75,000, which tracks directly with Alaska's oil economy and gives you a regional job market that actually rewards the degree. Mechanical and civil engineering both land in the mid-$60,000s, and civil grads carry only $14,500 in debt on average. If you can finish one of these programs, the return is strong.
Outside engineering, the picture flattens. Accounting pays under $44,000 and teacher education under $43,000. Those are real careers, but they sit close to the school's overall median, so the low sticker price is doing most of the work, not the earnings bump.
The biggest financial risk here is finishing at all. The graduation rate is 36.7%, meaning most of the people who start do not graduate on time, and 72% retention says a chunk leave after year one. Cheap tuition stops helping if you leave with debt and no degree. That risk hits hardest in the demanding engineering tracks that carry the best payoff.
The net price tiers stay affordable up to about $48,000 in family income, then climb. Above $110,000 you pay roughly $16,000 a year, more than double the lowest bracket. This school fits you best if you come from a lower or middle income household and commit to engineering. If you're aiming at a lower-paying major or unsure you'll finish, weigh that low price against the odds of walking away without the degree.
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.