Alaska Pacific University
Alaska Pacific University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Alaska Pacific University at a Glance
Alaska Pacific University (APU) is a private university in Anchorage, Alaska, United States. It was established as Alaska Methodist University in 1957. Although it was renamed to Alaska Pacific University in 1978, it is still affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The main campus is located adjacent to the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) and the Alaska Native Medical Center.
1957
69 years old
578
437 undergrad · 141 grad
Is Alaska Pacific University Worth It?
At a value score of 30/100, Alaska Pacific University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $54,271 — 1% above average — while paying $21,616/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 47% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 96% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Alaska Pacific University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Alaska Pacific University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #12 of 41 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #2 | Southeast Missouri Hospital College of Nursing and Health Sciences | 59 | $19,390 | $60,918 |
| #3 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #4 | Monmouth College | 46 | $17,133 | $51,110 |
| #5 | Martin Luther College | 46 | $18,463 | $47,491 |
| #6 | Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology | 43 | $15,488 | $57,556 |
| #12 | Alaska Pacific University | 30 | $21,616 | $54,271 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Alaska Pacific University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Alaska Pacific University
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Alaska Pacific University. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $21,616/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Similar Colleges in AK
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Anchorage, AK
- Student Body
- 457 students
- Admission Rate
- 96%
- Graduation Rate
- 47%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $21,616
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $54,271
- Median Student Debt
- $23,500