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University of Alaska Anchorage vs University of Alaska Fairbanks: which has better ROI?

Public, Anchorage AK · vs · Public, Fairbanks AK

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

University of Alaska Anchorage has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $61,204 in 17.4 years versus 86.1 years at University of Alaska Fairbanks, on median earnings of $51,871 vs $48,866 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Alaska AnchorageUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks
Net price / yr$15,301$10,892
Total net cost$61,204$43,568
Median earnings, 10 yrs$51,871$48,866
Median debt$20,210$20,291
Payback17.4 yrs86.1 yrs
20-year net return$9,016-$33,448

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, University of Alaska Anchorage or University of Alaska Fairbanks?

University of Alaska Fairbanks, at $10,892 a year after aid versus $15,301 — a gap of $4,409 a year, or $17,636 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Alaska Anchorage or University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates earn more?

University of Alaska Anchorage graduates report a median $51,871 ten years after entry, $3,005 more than the $48,866 at University of Alaska Fairbanks. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Alaska Anchorage or University of Alaska Fairbanks?

University of Alaska Anchorage: its completers carry a median $20,210 in federal loans versus $20,291 at University of Alaska Fairbanks, a difference of $81. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

38% of students finish at University of Alaska Fairbanks, against 30% at University of Alaska Anchorage. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of Alaska Anchorage vs University of Alaska Fairbanks: frequently asked questions

Is University of Alaska Anchorage or University of Alaska Fairbanks a better value?
University of Alaska Anchorage. It clears its $61,204 net cost in about 17.4 years versus 86.1 years at University of Alaska Fairbanks, on median earnings of $51,871 vs $48,866 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Alaska Anchorage or University of Alaska Fairbanks?
University of Alaska Fairbanks: $10,892/yr net price after aid versus $15,301/yr at University of Alaska Anchorage — a difference of $4,409 a year, or about $17,636 over four years.
Do University of Alaska Anchorage or University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates earn more?
University of Alaska Anchorage graduates earn a median $51,871 ten years after entry, versus $48,866 at University of Alaska Fairbanks — a $3,005 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.