Psychology at University of Alaska Anchorage

University of Alaska Anchorage's psychology program outperforms the national median by nearly $5,000 in first-year earnings and does so with notably lower debt—$16,432 compared to the $25,500 national median. That 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates owe less than half their first-year salary, putting them in a strong position to manage repayment while living in Alaska's higher cost-of-living environment. While this ranks in the 60th percentile among Alaska's three psychology programs, it significantly outpaces the typical psychology bachelor's nationwide (87th percentile nationally).

The earnings trajectory looks promising: graduates see 28% income growth by year four, reaching $46,809. This growth pattern suggests the local Anchorage market rewards psychology graduates with experience, whether they're entering adjacent fields like social services, healthcare support, or business roles. For families concerned about psychology degrees leading to low-paying dead ends, this data tells a different story.

The major advantage here is financial accessibility. At just $16,432 in median debt—ranking in the 95th percentile nationally for low debt—UAA makes this degree attainable without the crushing loan burden that plagues psychology programs elsewhere. For an Alaska family whose student wants to study psychology while staying in-state, this program delivers solid earnings outcomes without requiring the financial gamble typical of this major at higher-cost institutions.