Biological & Physical Sciences at University of Alaska Anchorage

Anchorage, AK · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Biological and Physical Sciences
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%

Program Analysis

Your path in Biological and Physical Sciences at UAA is uniquely shaped by Alaska's unique environment and economy. This broad foundational degree prepares you for a range of roles, often in conservation, environmental management, education, or government agencies like the Department of Fish and Game or the National Park Service, which are significant employers in the region. Many graduates find rewarding careers addressing local ecological challenges or contributing to public science education. While these roles are critical, the regional labor market, with fewer large-scale biotech or pharmaceutical industries compared to the Lower 48, tends to offer compensation slightly below national averages for this versatile degree. To maximize your earning potential, consider specializing early through research experiences or pursuing a master's degree in a targeted field like marine biology or environmental engineering, leveraging UAA's strong connections to Alaskan research institutions.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Biological & 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

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 & Physical Sciences at Other Schools

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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 & Physical Sciences at University of Alaska Anchorage?
A score of 46/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Biological & 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 →