Civil Engineering at University of Alaska Fairbanks

Fairbanks, AK · Public · Bachelor's Degree
75 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
77
Optimistic
75
Base Case
73
Pessimistic
Earnings $71,312/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Large (56,100 openings/yr)
ROI 24.6x earnings multiple (9.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #13 of 220 Civil Engineering programs Top 10%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Civil Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $894K $851K $737K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 25.9x 24.6x 21.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 9.8x 9.4x 8.1x
Probability of Field Employment 84% 75% 55%
DegreeOutlook Score 77 75 73

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$34,560
Out-of-state: $91,008 (9.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$38,536
-12% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,500
2.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$92,380
30% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $71,312 track close to the $69,097 national median for Civil Engineering programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 24.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 18% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Civil Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $14,500 in median debt against $71,312 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #13 of 220 programs, this Civil Engineering program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

A 30% earnings increase from $71,312 to $92,380 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Alaska Fairbanks

with a smaller student body of 4,027 in Fairbanks, AK.

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

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Petroleum engineers $141,280/yr
Engineers, all other $117,750/yr
View all 7 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 75/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Civil Engineering at University of Alaska Fairbanks?
At 75/100, this is a high-performing program. The DegreeOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Civil Engineering at University of Alaska Fairbanks?
The 49% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →