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University of Alaska Fairbanks vs Alaska Career College: which has better ROI?

Public, Fairbanks AK · vs · Private for-profit, Anchorage AK

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

The verdict

University of Alaska Fairbanks has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $43,568 in 86.1 years versus not at all at Alaska Career College, on median earnings of $48,866 vs $34,468 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Alaska FairbanksAlaska Career College
Net price / yr$10,892$20,150
Total net cost$43,568$80,600
Median earnings, 10 yrs$48,866$34,468
Median debt$20,291$7,377
Payback86.1 yrs—
20-year net return-$33,448-$358,440

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

Which is cheaper, University of Alaska Fairbanks or Alaska Career College?

University of Alaska Fairbanks, at $10,892 a year after aid versus $20,150 — a gap of $9,258 a year, or $37,032 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 Fairbanks or Alaska Career College graduates earn more?

University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates report a median $48,866 ten years after entry, $14,398 more than the $34,468 at Alaska Career College. 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 Fairbanks or Alaska Career College?

Alaska Career College: its completers carry a median $7,377 in federal loans versus $20,291 at University of Alaska Fairbanks, a difference of $12,914. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

69% of students finish at Alaska Career College, against 38% at University of Alaska Fairbanks. 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 Fairbanks vs Alaska Career College: frequently asked questions

Is University of Alaska Fairbanks or Alaska Career College a better value?
University of Alaska Fairbanks. It clears its $43,568 net cost in about 86.1 years versus no clear payback at Alaska Career College, on median earnings of $48,866 vs $34,468 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Alaska Fairbanks or Alaska Career College?
University of Alaska Fairbanks: $10,892/yr net price after aid versus $20,150/yr at Alaska Career College — a difference of $9,258 a year, or about $37,032 over four years.
Do University of Alaska Fairbanks or Alaska Career College graduates earn more?
University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates earn a median $48,866 ten years after entry, versus $34,468 at Alaska Career College — a $14,398 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.