Business Administration, Management and Operations at University of Alaska Anchorage

UAA's business program delivers something surprisingly rare: below-average debt paired with above-average earnings. At $21,157, graduates carry roughly $10,000 less debt than the state median and nearly $5,000 below the national average, while earning $51,451 in their first year—ahead of both state and national figures. Among Alaska's six business programs, this ranks solidly in the 60th percentile for earnings, essentially tying with the state's top programs while maintaining substantially lower debt loads.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.41 means graduates owe less than five months of their first-year salary, a manageable position that gives them financial flexibility early in their careers. Earnings grow steadily to $57,705 by year four, which may reflect Alaska's unique job market where business graduates can command premium salaries in industries like energy, logistics, and tourism. The moderate sample size suggests stable outcomes rather than outliers driving these numbers.

For families concerned about balancing quality and affordability—particularly those staying in-state for tuition benefits—this program offers a straightforward value equation: competitive earnings with meaningfully lower debt than alternatives. The 67% admission rate makes it accessible, and the financial outcomes suggest graduates enter Alaska's business sector on solid footing.