University of Alaska Fairbanks
Fairbanks, Alaska · Public
ROI Score: 52/100 · Below Average Value
University of Alaska Fairbanks, the state's flagship research university and a doctoral-level institution, scores 52 out of 100 -- a Below Average Value rating that masks meaningful program-level strength, particularly in engineering. The dominant drag is completion: just 38% finish in six years, partly because UAF serves a geographically dispersed Alaska population with significant non-traditional, part-time, and Alaska Native student enrollment. Median earnings six years after entry are $36,500, climbing to $48,866 at year ten -- a function of Alaska's wage premium for skilled labor. Median debt is a moderate $20,291 against a 0.556 debt-to-earnings ratio. Payback period is 13.2 years. In-state tuition is $8,736, net price $10,892, four-year total $43,568 -- a competitive public price. The 0.318 earnings premium is solid. UAF's standout strength is engineering (mechanical and civil both earn A grades with very low debt), driven by Alaska's resource-extraction economy. Outside engineering, outcomes are mixed.
The data raises concerns about University of Alaska Fairbanks
These metrics fall below the thresholds most financial advisors recommend for a sound college investment. Review them carefully before committing.
- 6-year graduation rate38.0% - Well below the 60% national average. Non-completion is the fastest route to negative ROI.
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $8,736/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $22,320/yr |
| Average net price | $10,892/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $43,568 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,866 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $36,500 |
| Median debt at graduation | $20,291 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $215 |
| Estimated payback period | 13.2 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 38.0% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 4,207 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Alaska Fairbanks is $8,736/year ($22,320/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $10,892/year, or roughly $43,568 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $7,992/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $17,512/year.
The median graduate leaves with $20,291 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $215 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $48,866 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.56 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $7,992 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $6,065 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $11,323 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $15,526 |
| $110,001+ | $17,512 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families under $30,000 pay $7,992 net annually -- one of the lower low-income net prices in the dataset for a flagship public. Pell + state and tribal aid does meaningful work. Four-year exposure of about $32,000 against $36,500 median earnings is workable. UAF is a genuine affordability play for low-income Alaska students.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The $30,001-$48,000 bracket pays just $6,065 -- LOWER than the lowest-income bracket. This is a real inversion, likely reflecting the way UA Scholars Award and other state-specific aid stack with Pell. The $48,001-$75,000 bracket jumps to $11,323, and $75,001-$110,000 to $15,526. Four-year cost runs $24,000-$62,000 across mid brackets, depending on tier. The lower-middle-income sweet spot is genuinely exceptional.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Households above $110,000 pay $17,512 net per year -- four-year cost of about $70,000. Still very competitive for a flagship public. At this tier UAF makes sense for Alaska families who want their student close to home and especially for those targeting engineering or natural-resources careers within the state.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Alaska Fairbanks with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $70,539 | D |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other | $59,348 | D |
| Psychology | $43,764 | D |
| Biology | $41,862 | B |
| Social Work | $53,559 | C |
| Teacher Education | $54,423 | C+ |
| Accounting | $50,581 | - |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $60,306 | C |
| Mechanical Engineering | $91,522 | A |
| Civil Engineering | $86,819 | A |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering is UAF's flagship ROI program: 16 graduates with $79,438 first-year earnings rising to $91,522 by year four, just $18,250 in median debt, and an exceptional 0.23 debt-to-earnings ratio earning an A grade. Alaska's resource-extraction industries (oil, mining, energy) absorb engineering graduates at premium wages. This is one of the strongest ROI tracks in the entire dataset.
Civil Engineering
Civil Engineering produces 10 graduates with $71,312 first-year earnings, $86,819 by year four, just $13,750 in median debt -- the lowest of any program on file -- and a 0.193 debt-to-earnings ratio earning an A grade. State and federal infrastructure spending in Alaska drives demand. Like mechanical engineering, this is a top-tier ROI choice.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business admin produces 51 graduates -- the largest cohort -- with $46,949 first-year earnings, $70,539 by year four, $35,000 median debt (notably high for UAF), and a 0.745 ratio for a D grade. Earnings ramp is meaningful; the debt level is the binding constraint. Students should pressure-test net-price-calculator output and aggressively avoid private-loan supplements.
Teacher Education
Teacher Education produces 21 graduates with $51,619 first-year earnings, $54,423 by year four, $24,573 median debt, and a 0.476 ratio for a C+ grade. Alaska teacher salaries are higher than mainland norms thanks to the state's wage premium and rural-incentive pay structures. Better ROI than teacher education at most schools in this dataset.
Biology
Biology produces 28 graduates with $31,392 first-year earnings, $41,862 by year four, but just $13,125 median debt -- producing a 0.418 ratio and a B grade. The low debt is the redeeming factor; first-year earnings are modest as expected for bachelor's biology. UAF biology connects strongly to Alaska's wildlife, fisheries, and Arctic-research employers, which can lift outcomes for the right student.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 67.9% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 74.4% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 55.5% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 63.2% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Enrollment | 4,207 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 22.4% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $10,444 |
Admission rate is not reported in current Scorecard data, and SAT/ACT mid-ranges are also missing. UAF historically operates with broadly accessible admissions consistent with its land-grant mission to serve Alaskans. The 38% completion rate reflects both academic-prep distribution and the practical challenges of finishing a four-year degree from rural Alaska, including significant non-traditional enrollment and stop-out patterns.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
UAF's peer set includes University of Alaska Anchorage, University of Southern Maine, University of Massachusetts Global, Eastern Illinois University, and Texas A&M University-Kingsville. UAA is the closest peer (the system's other major campus). Southern Maine, EIU, and A&M-Kingsville are mid-pack regional publics with similar profiles. UMass Global is an online-focused institution with different dynamics. Within this peer set UAF benefits from Alaska's wage premium and earns somewhat higher earnings for graduates than mainland peers at similar net price.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alaska Fairbanks (this school) | 52 | $10,892 | $48,866 |
| University of Alaska Anchorage | 54 | $15,301 | $51,871 |
| Eastern Illinois University | 54 | $12,786 | $51,989 |
| University of Southern Maine | 52 | $13,596 | $49,958 |
| Texas A&M University-Kingsville | 52 | $12,090 | $51,450 |
| University of Massachusetts Global | 52 | $32,654 | $65,703 |
Who Thrives Here
UAF fits Alaska students -- particularly those targeting engineering, natural resources, fisheries, and Arctic-science programs unique to the institution. Pell rate is 22.43% -- middle-class skew with meaningful working-class enrollment. Total enrollment of 4,207 supports a real flagship-research-university experience despite the small size. Non-traditional and Alaska Native students are well-represented. The student profile that captures the strongest ROI: someone targeting an engineering or natural-resources track and willing to navigate Alaska's specific labor market post-graduation.
The Verdict: Proceed With Caution
The financial case for University of Alaska Fairbanks is mixed. At $10,892 per year net cost, graduates earn a median of $48,866 ten years after entry - a payback period of 13.2 years. That's below the average return for four-year institutions, and prospective students should carefully consider whether the investment aligns with their financial goals.
Areas of concern include a 38.0% graduation rate and a long payback period.
Median debt of $20,291 against $48,866 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.