Students at the University of Alaska Fairbanks benefit from some of the most affordable net prices in public higher education, with costs well below national averages across all income brackets.
The university's zero default rate and manageable debt levels create a financially sustainable path to a bachelor's degree.
Azimuth ranks the University of Alaska Fairbanks 261st out of 406 public four-year institutions nationwide, placing it in the 36th percentile nationally. While UAF doesn't rank among the top performers for long-term earnings, it offers compelling value through exceptionally affordable net prices and a focused academic environment that serves Alaska's unique educational needs. The university combines broad access with specialized programs that align with the state's economic priorities, particularly in engineering and natural resources.
UAF's strength lies in its affordability rather than its earnings outcomes. With net prices well below national averages across all income levels and modest debt burdens, the university provides a financially sustainable path to a bachelor's degree. Nearly 40% of students are first-generation college attendees, and about 22% receive Pell Grants, reflecting the institution's role in serving Alaska's diverse population.
As Alaska's flagship research university, UAF offers the infrastructure and resources of a major institution while maintaining the accessibility and affordability that many families need. For students who want to stay in Alaska or pursue careers aligned with the state's economy, UAF provides a solid foundation without the financial burden typical of many four-year institutions.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers a focused program portfolio that reflects both Alaska's economic priorities and the diverse interests of its student body. Mechanical Engineering represents the university's strongest financial outcomes, with 23 graduates earning around $68,219 early in their careers, demonstrating UAF's capacity to prepare students for high-demand technical fields. Business Administration, while showing more moderate earnings around $30,771, serves as the university's largest economic engine with 55 graduates contributing significantly to the institution's overall impact.
The university's program mix reflects its dual mission of serving both technical workforce needs and providing broad educational access. Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, with 52 graduates earning about $20,682, represents UAF's commitment to flexible, student-centered education that allows for customized academic paths. This program, along with the business offerings, provides options for students seeking practical skills and broad knowledge rather than specialized technical training.
UAF's program portfolio emphasizes practical, career-focused education aligned with Alaska's unique economic landscape. The concentration in engineering, business, and interdisciplinary studies creates pathways into both high-skill technical careers and the diverse professional opportunities available in Alaska's economy. While the overall earnings outcomes are moderate, the programs provide solid preparation for careers that match the state's workforce needs and economic realities.
Graduates of the University of Alaska Fairbanks earn a median of $48,866 ten years after enrollment, which places the university in the 35th percentile nationally for long-term earnings. While these outcomes are below the national average for public universities, they reflect both Alaska's unique economic landscape and the university's focus on serving local and regional workforce needs rather than maximizing earnings potential.
The university's strongest financial outcomes come from its engineering programs, particularly Mechanical Engineering, where graduates earn around $68,219 early in their careers. Business Administration graduates, the largest program by total economic impact, earn about $30,771 ten years out, while the university's interdisciplinary programs show more modest earnings around $20,682. This variation reflects UAF's diverse academic portfolio, which balances high-return technical fields with broader liberal arts and interdisciplinary options that serve different career paths and student interests.
While UAF's overall earnings lag behind many public universities, the institution's value proposition centers on affordability and accessibility rather than maximum financial returns. For students planning to work in Alaska or pursue careers in fields like education, public service, or natural resources, the combination of low debt and reasonable earnings can provide a sustainable financial foundation.
The University of Alaska Fairbanks stands out nationally for its exceptional affordability across all income levels. Low-income students pay just $7,494 per year in net price, placing UAF in the top 20% nationally for affordability. Middle-income families see annual costs of $9,719, and even high-income families pay only $16,203 annually, all well below typical public university pricing. This consistent affordability makes UAF accessible to families across the economic spectrum.
Debt levels at UAF are also manageable for most students. Typical graduates leave with about $20,291 in federal student loan debt, a moderate level that aligns with the university's affordable pricing structure. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $14,072, reflecting the fact that many families can cover a substantial portion of costs through the low net prices rather than relying heavily on additional borrowing. The university's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully.
What makes UAF particularly sustainable financially is the combination of low upfront costs and manageable debt levels. Even with earnings that are below the national average, the modest debt burden means that most graduates can handle standard repayment without significant financial strain. This creates a low-risk pathway to a bachelor's degree that prioritizes financial sustainability over maximum earnings potential.
University Of Alaska Fairbanks Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
