Biological and Physical Sciences at University of Alaska Anchorage

Anchorage, AK · Public · Bachelor's Degree
46 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
47
Optimistic
46
Base Case
52
Pessimistic
Earnings $32,699/yr (-11% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (28% exposed)
Job Market Large (88,200 openings/yr)
ROI 19.5x earnings multiple (6.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #8 of 26 Biological and Physical Sciences programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Biological and Physical Sciences graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $596K $589K $550K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.7x 19.5x 18.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.9x 6.8x 6.3x
Probability of Field Employment 53% 49% 43%
DegreeOutlook Score 47 46 52

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$30,264
Out-of-state: $86,772 (6.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$55,120
-82% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,258
6.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,636
79% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $32,699/yr, roughly in line with the $36,628 national median for Biological and Physical Sciences. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 19.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Biological and Physical Sciences programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Biological and Physical Sciences's typical career paths, with 28% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 8% gap from the optimistic case.

Median debt of $17,258 represents roughly 6 months of the $32,699 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.

At #8 of 26 Biological and Physical Sciences programs, University of Alaska Anchorage scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Five-year earnings of $58,636 show a 79% jump from the $32,699 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.

About University of Alaska Anchorage

A 67% admission rate makes University of Alaska Anchorage accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with a mid-sized student body of 6,916 in Anchorage, AK.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Alaska Anchorage →

Top Career Paths

Natural sciences managers $161,180/yr
Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education $64,580/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Biological and Physical Sciences at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Alaska Anchorage

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Biological and Physical Sciences at University of Alaska Anchorage?
A score of 46/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Biological and Physical Sciences. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →