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

Public, Fairbanks AK · vs · Private nonprofit, Anchorage AK

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

The verdict

Alaska Pacific University has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $43,232 in 7.3 years versus 86.1 years at University of Alaska Fairbanks, on median earnings of $54,271 vs $48,866 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Alaska FairbanksAlaska Pacific University
Net price / yr$10,892$21,616
Total net cost$43,568$43,232
Median earnings, 10 yrs$48,866$54,271
Median debt$20,291$23,500
Payback86.1 yrs7.3 yrs
20-year net return-$33,448$74,988

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

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

University of Alaska Fairbanks, at $10,892 a year after aid versus $21,616 — a gap of $10,724 a year, or $336 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 Pacific University graduates earn more?

Alaska Pacific University graduates report a median $54,271 ten years after entry, $5,405 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 Fairbanks or Alaska Pacific University?

University of Alaska Fairbanks: its completers carry a median $20,291 in federal loans versus $23,500 at Alaska Pacific University, a difference of $3,209. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

47% of students finish at Alaska Pacific University, 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 Pacific University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Alaska Fairbanks or Alaska Pacific University a better value?
Alaska Pacific University. It clears its $43,232 net cost in about 7.3 years versus 86.1 years at University of Alaska Fairbanks, on median earnings of $54,271 vs $48,866 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Alaska Fairbanks or Alaska Pacific University?
University of Alaska Fairbanks: $10,892/yr net price after aid versus $21,616/yr at Alaska Pacific University — a difference of $10,724 a year, or about $336 over four years.
Do University of Alaska Fairbanks or Alaska Pacific University graduates earn more?
Alaska Pacific University graduates earn a median $54,271 ten years after entry, versus $48,866 at University of Alaska Fairbanks — a $5,405 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.