Head-to-head · 2026
Alaska Pacific University vs University of Alaska Fairbanks
Compare average net price ($21,616 at Alaska Pacific University; $10,892 at University of Alaska Fairbanks), ROI score (6.28 vs 11.22), ten-year median earnings ($54,271 vs $48,866), and admissions context (96.5% at Alaska Pacific University; Open / not reported at University of Alaska Fairbanks) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Alaska Fairbanks has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. University of Alaska Fairbanks leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | Alaska Pacific University | University of Alaska Fairbanks |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 6.28 | 11.22 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $21,616 | $10,892 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $54,271 ✓ | $48,866 |
| Acceptance rate | 96.5% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 47.2% ✓ | 38% |
| Median debt | $23,500 | $20,291 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 457 | 4,207 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | — | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
Alaska Pacific University costs $10,724 more per year than University of Alaska Fairbanks ($21,616 vs $10,892). Alaska Pacific University graduates report $5,405 higher median earnings after ten years ($54,271 vs $48,866). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Alaska Fairbanks ahead on projected ROI (11.22 vs 6.28, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (University of Alaska Fairbanks) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, Alaska Pacific University reports 96.5% acceptance; University of Alaska Fairbanks does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
Alaska Pacific University vs University of Alaska Fairbanks, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is Alaska Pacific University or University of Alaska Fairbanks the better value?
University of Alaska Fairbanks has the higher EduGradify ROI score (11.22 vs 6.28), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Alaska Fairbanks is cheaper — average net price $10,892 per year vs $21,616 at Alaska Pacific University. The annual difference of $10,724 adds up to about $42,896 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Alaska Pacific University reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $54,271 vs $48,866 at University of Alaska Fairbanks. The annual gap in the federal data is $5,405.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. Alaska Pacific University reports a C value grade; University of Alaska Fairbanks reports A.