At $7,233/yr net price, University of Alaska Southeast graduates earn $48,475/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,475/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,233 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,932 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,475/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,475/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 31.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,111 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,340/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,510/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,084/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $11,027/yr |
| $110,001+ | $11,405/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $76,460 | $26,860 |
| Public Administration. | Master | $63,749 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $55,383 | $22,698 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Certificate | $53,775 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $52,941 | $24,500 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $12,500 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Bachelor | $37,208 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $24,421 | $10,095 |
The Risk Factor
31.0% of students at University of Alaska Southeast 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 Southeast delivers weak overall returns despite its bargain-basement price. The median earnings of $48,475 after ten years barely justify the investment, even with the low $7,233 annual net cost.
Educational Administration stands out as the clear winner, generating $76,460 in median earnings that make the $26,860 debt load manageable. Public Administration also performs well at $63,749 annually. Business Administration offers modest returns at $55,383 with reasonable debt of $22,698. Education programs cluster around $53,000, which works for those committed to teaching but leaves little financial cushion.
The school's 31% graduation rate creates significant risk. Seven out of ten students either transfer or drop out, potentially leaving you with debt but no degree. This completion crisis undermines any cost advantage the school might offer.
Financial aid reaches only 14% of students, suggesting limited scholarship opportunities. With such low aid distribution, you'll likely pay the full net price unless you qualify for federal grants based on income.
UAS makes financial sense if you're pursuing Educational Administration or Public Administration and can handle the completion challenges. Alaska residents seeking affordable in-state education might consider it for business programs. However, the combination of low graduation rates and modest earning potential makes this a risky choice for most students. You should have a clear career plan and strong academic preparation before enrolling, or look at schools with better completion rates and earning outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Alaska Southeast worth the cost?
University of Alaska Southeast offers solid value with a low net price of $7,233 annually and manageable debt levels around $19,111. However, the 31% graduation rate is concerning, and median earnings of $48,475 ten years after enrollment lag behind national averages.
What are the best paying majors at University of Alaska Southeast?
Educational Administration graduates earn the highest at $76,460, followed by Public Administration at $63,749. Teaching-focused programs generally pay less, with Special Education at $53,775 and general Teacher Education around $52,941.
How much debt do University of Alaska Southeast graduates have?
The median debt for University of Alaska Southeast graduates is $19,111, which is relatively low compared to national averages. This manageable debt load helps offset the school's below-average post-graduation earnings.
What is the graduation rate at University of Alaska Southeast?
University of Alaska Southeast has a 31% graduation rate, which is well below the national average. This low completion rate presents a significant risk that students may accumulate debt without earning a degree.