Civil Engineering at University of Alaska Fairbanks

University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates its civil engineering students with remarkably low debt—$13,750, well below both the national median ($24,500) and Alaska's median ($22,375). This creates an exceptionally favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.19, meaning graduates owe less than three months of their starting salary. Students begin at $71,312 and see solid growth to $82,560 by year four. While UAA's program edges slightly higher at $72,140 in starting earnings, the difference is negligible—and UAF's debt advantage is substantial.

The caveat here matters: fewer than 30 graduates in the dataset means these numbers could shift significantly year to year. Alaska's limited engineering market (only two schools offer this degree) also means less competition but fewer options if you need to transfer or want alternatives.

For families weighing Alaska's two civil engineering programs, UAF offers the clearer value proposition. The minimal debt burden gives graduates flexibility to pursue entry-level positions without financial pressure, and Alaska's infrastructure needs suggest steady demand for civil engineers. Just understand you're looking at a snapshot from a small graduating class rather than a well-established pattern.