University of Alaska Southeast
University of Alaska Southeast — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
University of Alaska Southeast at a Glance
The University of Alaska Southeast is a public university with its main campus in Juneau, Alaska, United States, and extended campuses in Sitka and Ketchikan.
1972
54 years old
$375M
$375 million (system-wide) (2021)
2,279
198 acres
Identity
Is University of Alaska Southeast Worth It?
At a value score of 29/100, University of Alaska Southeast is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $48,475 — 10% below average — while paying $12,357/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1 year — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 29% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 3 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at University of Alaska Southeast has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How University of Alaska Southeast compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #31 of 44 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 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | Alpena Community College | 100 | $3,320 | $36,442 |
| #3 | New College of Florida | 100 | $7,195 | $48,082 |
| #4 | Grays Harbor College | 75 | $4,783 | $40,865 |
| #5 | North Central State College | 71 | $4,687 | $38,158 |
| #6 | University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma | 64 | $6,624 | $41,913 |
| #31 | University of Alaska Southeast | 29 | $12,357 | $48,475 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of University of Alaska Southeast's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at University of Alaska Southeast
The highest-earning program at University of Alaska Southeast is Business Administration, Management and Operations at $53,000/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate from University of Alaska Southeast earns $53,000, while a Business Administration, Management and Operations graduate earns $53,000. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Business Administration, Management and Operations graduates carry $22,160 in median debt vs. $22,160 for Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $12,357/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
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $53,000 | $53,000 | $22,160 |
Similar Colleges in AK
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Juneau, AK
- Student Body
- 907 students
- Admission Rate
- 63%
- Graduation Rate
- 29%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $12,357
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $48,475
- Median Student Debt
- $19,111