Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at University of Alaska Anchorage

University of Alaska Anchorage nursing graduates earn $86,823 in their first year—nearly $12,000 above the national median for nursing programs and landing in the 88th percentile nationally. That's an impressive starting point, especially with manageable debt of $25,000 (a debt-to-earnings ratio of just 0.29). However, the state context tells a more nuanced story: this program sits at the 60th percentile among Alaska's five nursing programs, meaning it's solidly middle-of-the-pack locally despite its strong national standing. This likely reflects Alaska's generally elevated nursing wages rather than exceptional program performance.

The concern here is the earnings trajectory. By year four, median pay drops to $77,398—an 11% decline from the starting salary. While this could reflect career transitions, part-time work, or graduates leaving Alaska's high-cost market, it's worth investigating why earnings don't follow the typical upward curve seen in most nursing careers. That said, even at the four-year mark, graduates still earn above the national median.

For families, this remains a sound investment given the low debt burden and strong initial earning power. The first-year numbers create immediate financial stability, and the modest debt means graduates have flexibility if they need to adjust their career path. Just be aware that staying in Alaska may be key to maximizing the financial benefit—these wages reflect the state's premium for healthcare workers.