The cost of college in Alaska — and what it pays back
Across the 6 Alaska institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $17,726/yr, $820 above the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $48,671 ten years after entry (above the $43,552 national median), and 4 of the 6 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$17,726
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$48,671
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
51.8 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
4/6
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How Alaska's 6 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong0
Solid1
Slow1
Weak4
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Pacific University | $21,616 | $54,271 | 7.3 yrs |
| University of Alaska Anchorage | $15,301 | $51,871 | 17.4 yrs |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | $10,892 | $48,866 | 86.1 yrs |
| University of Alaska Southeast | $12,357 | $48,475 | 429.8 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | $10,892 | $48,866 | 86.1 yrs |
| University of Alaska Southeast | $12,357 | $48,475 | 429.8 yrs |
| University of Alaska Anchorage | $15,301 | $51,871 | 17.4 yrs |
| Alaska Career College | $20,150 | $34,468 | no payback |
| Alaska Pacific University | $21,616 | $54,271 | 7.3 yrs |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in Alaska?
The median net price across Alaska colleges is $17,726/yr after aid — above the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in Alaska cheaper than the national average?
No — the median Alaska net price of $17,726/yr runs about $820/yr above the $16,906 national median. Individual schools vary widely, so check each profile.
What do Alaska college graduates earn?
A median $48,671 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), above the $43,552 national median.
Which Alaska college pays for itself fastest?
Alaska Pacific University — about 7.3 years to clear its $43,232 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-alaska page.