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Head-to-head comparison

University of Alaska Fairbanks vs Charter College: which has better ROI?

Public, Fairbanks AK · vs · Private for-profit, Anchorage AK

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

Option A Fairbanks, AK

University of Alaska Fairbanks

Net price / year
$10,892
Earnings, 10 years
$48,866
Payback
86.1 yrs

Option B Anchorage, AK

Charter College

Net price / year
$34,860
Earnings, 10 years
$35,504
Payback
No payback
The verdict

University of Alaska Fairbanks has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $43,568 in 86.1 years versus not at all at Charter College, on median earnings of $48,866 vs $35,504 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Alaska FairbanksCharter College
Net price / yr$10,892$34,860
Total net cost$43,568$139,440
Median earnings, 10 yrs$48,866$35,504
Median debt$20,291$14,176
Payback86.1 yrs—
20-year net return-$33,448-$396,560

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

The short answer

Which is cheaper, University of Alaska Fairbanks or Charter College?

University of Alaska Fairbanks, at $10,892 a year after aid versus $34,860 — a gap of $23,968 a year, or $95,872 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

The short answer

Do University of Alaska Fairbanks or Charter College graduates earn more?

University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates report a median $48,866 ten years after entry, $13,362 more than the $35,504 at Charter College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Alaska Fairbanks or Charter College?

Charter College: its completers carry a median $14,176 in federal loans versus $20,291 at University of Alaska Fairbanks, a difference of $6,115. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

The short answer

Which graduates more of its students?

56% of students finish at Charter College, against 38% at University of Alaska Fairbanks. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of Alaska Fairbanks vs Charter College: frequently asked questions

Is University of Alaska Fairbanks or Charter College a better value?
University of Alaska Fairbanks. It clears its $43,568 net cost in about 86.1 years versus no clear payback at Charter College, on median earnings of $48,866 vs $35,504 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Alaska Fairbanks or Charter College?
University of Alaska Fairbanks: $10,892/yr net price after aid versus $34,860/yr at Charter College — a difference of $23,968 a year, or about $95,872 over four years.
Do University of Alaska Fairbanks or Charter College graduates earn more?
University of Alaska Fairbanks graduates earn a median $48,866 ten years after entry, versus $35,504 at Charter College — a $13,362 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.