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 keeps costs low, and that is the strongest part of its financial picture. At $7,233 a year net price and $19,111 in median debt, you are borrowing less than most public four-year students carry, and median earnings of $48,475 a decade out clear that debt without trouble. The problem is what happens before graduation: only 31% of students finish, and just 71% return for a second year. A degree here pays off, but the odds of getting one are the real risk.
Business Administration is the clear winner. It pays about $55,000 and comes with roughly $22,700 in debt, so the earnings still outpace the loans. Teacher Education pays less at around $42,700 but leaves you with only about $12,500 in debt, which makes it the safest bet on the list if you want a Juneau-area teaching job. Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies is the weakest option at $37,200, close to the line where the degree stops justifying its cost.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families most. Under $30k, you pay about $4,340. between $48k and $75k, that jumps to over $12,000. If your family earns in that middle band, you pay the most in real dollars and get less help absorbing it, so run the aid numbers carefully before committing.
This school fits you if you are a cost-conscious Alaska resident aiming for business or teaching and you are confident you will finish. If you tend to stall out or need a program that guarantees a strong first-year support structure, the low completion and retention rates are a warning. The math works only if you graduate, so be honest with yourself about that before you enroll.
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.