Students at the University of Alaska Southeast benefit from exceptionally low costs and manageable debt levels, making college accessible regardless of family income.
The university's 0% default rate and strong support for first-generation students demonstrate its commitment to helping non-traditional learners succeed without financial hardship.
The University of Alaska Southeast serves as an accessible regional institution that prioritizes affordability over premium earnings outcomes. While UAS ranks in the lower tier nationally for long-term financial returns, it delivers exceptional value through very low net prices and strong support for non-traditional students. Nearly 40% of students are first-generation college attendees, and the university maintains a welcoming environment for adult learners and career changers seeking practical, locally-relevant education.
UAS graduates earn a median of $48,475 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution below national averages but reflects the realities of Alaska's unique economy and the university's focus on fields like education, business administration, and public service. The university's strength lies not in maximizing earnings but in providing affordable access to higher education in a state where geographic isolation makes college attendance challenging for many residents.
As a small public university in Juneau, UAS fills an important niche by serving students who might not otherwise attend college. The combination of very low net prices for all income levels, flexible programming for working adults, and strong connections to local employers makes it a practical choice for Alaskans seeking career advancement without taking on substantial debt or relocating to pursue their education.
The University of Alaska Southeast offers a focused program portfolio that aligns with Alaska's workforce needs and the university's mission to serve local communities. Business Administration and Management stands out as both the most popular and highest-earning program, graduating 35 students annually with median earnings of $55,383 ten years after graduation. This program provides the strongest financial returns and represents the university's most successful pathway to middle-class earnings in Alaska's economy.
Adult and Continuing Education represents UAS's commitment to serving non-traditional learners, graduating 31 students who earn $42,682 in careers focused on educational support, community development, and public service roles. While earnings are more modest, this program reflects the university's distinctive mission to provide flexible, accessible education for working adults and career changers who might not otherwise have opportunities for degree completion.
The university's program mix emphasizes practical, locally-relevant fields rather than high-earning technical or professional programs. This approach serves Alaska's unique needs, where careers in education, government, and community services provide stability and meaningful work, even if absolute earnings remain below what graduates might achieve in more competitive metropolitan markets outside the state.
Graduates of the University of Alaska Southeast see modest but stable long-term earnings, with a median income of $48,475 ten years after enrollment. This places UAS below national averages for public universities, reflecting both the institution's focus on fields like education and public service, and Alaska's unique economic landscape where many careers center on government, education, and local industries rather than high-paying private sector roles.
The university's program mix centers on practical, locally-relevant fields. Business Administration and Management is the strongest performer financially, with 35 graduates earning a median of $55,383 ten years out, making it both the most popular major and the highest aggregate return program. Adult and Continuing Education represents the largest program by enrollment with 31 graduates, though earnings are more moderate at $42,682, reflecting the field's focus on public service and educational roles.
While UAS graduates don't achieve the earnings premiums seen at larger research universities, they enter careers that provide stability and community impact in Alaska's economy. The university's emphasis on adult education, business administration, and other practical fields aligns with local workforce needs, even if absolute earnings remain below what graduates might achieve in more competitive metropolitan markets outside Alaska.
The University of Alaska Southeast stands out for exceptional affordability across all income levels. Low-income students pay just $4,340 annually in net price, placing UAS among the most affordable public universities in the country. Middle-income families see costs of $12,084 per year, while even high-income families pay only $11,405 annually, making UAS accessible regardless of family financial circumstances.
Debt levels remain very manageable for most students. Typical graduates leave with $19,111 in federal student loan debt, a reasonable amount given the low sticker prices and generous financial aid. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $14,401, reflecting the university's success in keeping family borrowing modest. The institution maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations despite more modest earnings.
UAS's affordability model works particularly well for students who want to minimize educational debt while still earning a bachelor's degree. The combination of low net prices and manageable debt loads means that even with below-average earnings, graduates can comfortably service their loans and avoid the financial stress that burdens students at more expensive institutions.
University Of Alaska Southeast Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
