Analysis
Alaska's infrastructure needs create strong demand for engineers, and UAA graduates enter this market earning $72,140—above the national median and competitive with the state's only other civil engineering program at UAF. By year four, earnings climb to nearly $85,000, representing solid 17% growth. Among Alaska's two civil engineering programs, UAA ranks at the 60th percentile, essentially splitting the middle with Fairbanks in a tight market.
The debt picture is notably favorable: $31,000 puts this program in the 5th percentile nationally for student debt, meaning 95% of civil engineering programs leave graduates with higher loans. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.43, graduates owe less than half their first-year salary—a manageable burden that allows for faster financial stability. This is particularly significant in Alaska, where cost of living is higher than most states.
The caveat here is sample size—fewer than 30 graduates in the cohort means these numbers could shift considerably year to year. However, the combination of below-average debt, above-average earnings, and steady income growth suggests this program delivers value. For families considering Alaska schools, UAA offers a practical path into a profession with consistent regional demand without excessive financial burden.
Where University of Alaska Anchorage Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all civil engineering bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Alaska Anchorage graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alaska Anchorage | $72,140 | $84,688 | +17% |
| University of Southern California | $85,262 | $106,533 | +25% |
| Santa Clara University | $84,883 | $100,598 | +19% |
| Cornell University | $80,261 | $95,056 | +18% |
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | $71,312 | $82,560 | +16% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Alaska
Civil Engineering bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alaska (2 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Alaska AnchorageAnchorage | $7,566 | $72,140 | $84,688 | $31,000 | 0.43 |
 University of Alaska FairbanksFairbanks | $8,640 | $71,312 | $82,560 | $13,750 | 0.19 |
| National Median | — | $69,574 | — | $24,500 | 0.35 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with civil engineering graduates
Architectural and Engineering Managers
Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers
Petroleum Engineers
Environmental Engineers
Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers
Civil Engineers
Transportation Engineers
Water/Wastewater Engineers
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary
Engineers, All Other
Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar
Mechatronics Engineers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At University of Alaska Anchorage, approximately 19% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 20 graduates with reported earnings and 19 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.