Health/Medical Preparatory Programs at University of Alaska Fairbanks
Undergraduate Certificate or Diploma
uaf.eduAnalysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 suggests this certificate could be a reasonable financial proposition, though the estimates here deserve scrutiny. With both earnings and debt figures derived from national peer programs rather than actual UAF outcomes, there's meaningful uncertainty about what graduates of this specific program actually experience. The estimated $50,381 first-year salary aligns with the national median for health prep certificates, but Alaska's unique healthcare landscape and cost of living could push actual outcomes in either direction.
The estimated $14,740 debt load is modest for any credential, and if the earnings estimate holds true, graduates would be earning roughly $3.40 for every dollar borrowed—a workable ratio. However, preparatory programs are often stepping stones rather than terminal credentials, meaning this might represent just the first chapter of both education costs and career progression. The question is whether this certificate leads to immediate employment in healthcare support roles or primarily serves as a pathway to further education and additional debt.
Before committing, contact UAF directly to ask where recent certificate holders actually land—whether they're working, what they're earning, and how many continue into degree programs. With only three programs of this type in Alaska and no reported outcomes for comparison, you're operating with less information than ideal. If this certificate genuinely leads to healthcare employment at near the estimated salary, the debt level is manageable; if it's mainly a prerequisite for further study, factor in the total cost of your child's complete educational path.
Where University of Alaska Fairbanks Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health/medical preparatory programs certificate's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs certificate's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Alaska FairbanksFairbanks | $8,640 | $50,381* | — | $14,740* | — |
 Rappahannock Community CollegeGlenns | $4,958 | $65,362* | — | $10,837* | 0.17 |
 National Park CollegeHot Springs | $5,600 | $61,828* | — | $14,740* | 0.24 |
 Three Rivers CollegePoplar Bluff | $4,860 | $50,381* | $43,557 | $15,962* | 0.32 |
 Midlands Technical CollegeWest Columbia | $4,788 | $30,101* | $32,576 | $13,250* | 0.44 |
 Meredith CollegeRaleigh | $43,936 | $29,412* | — | $30,335* | 1.03 |
| National Median | — | $50,381* | — | $15,962* | 0.32 |
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 Fairbanks, approximately 22% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 5 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.