Accounting at University of Alaska Anchorage

UAA's accounting program punches above its weight nationally, placing graduates in the 89th percentile for earnings while keeping debt remarkably low at just $16,700—less than one semester's worth of the starting salary. That combination is rare: most accounting programs either deliver strong earnings with crushing debt, or manageable debt with mediocre prospects.

Within Alaska, the picture is more competitive. This program sits at the 60th percentile statewide, meaning it's solid but not exceptional by local standards. Still, the $67,685 median salary four years out represents real earning power in Alaska's economy, and the minimal 3% earnings growth suggests graduates quickly reach their earning plateau rather than starting at depressed wages. The comparison to UAF—whose accounting grads earn $17,000 less annually—shows this program's edge for students staying in-state.

The 0.25 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in about three months of gross income. That's financial breathing room most college graduates don't get. For Alaska residents considering accounting, this program offers a clear path to stable, above-average earnings without the debt burden that typically comes with professional credentials.