College Costs in Fairbanks, AK 2026
Compare tuition, housing, and financial aid across 2 colleges in Fairbanks, Alaska. Use our free calculator to estimate your total cost.
Avg Public Tuition
$8,100
per year
Avg Private Tuition
$55,160
per year
Avg Rent Near Campus
$1,085
per month
Colleges & Universities
2
institutions
Fairbanks Overview
Population
31,535
Student Population
2,033 (6.4%)
Cost of Living Index
120 (avg: 100)
Walk Score
45/100
Transit Score
22/100
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
College Cost Calculator for Fairbanks
Cost Inputs
Total Cost (4 Years, Public In-State)
$98,268
Total After Financial Aid
$98,268
Annual Cost
$24,567
Annual After Aid
$24,567
Cost Breakdown (4 Years)
If Financed (10-Year Loan at 6.5%)
| Loan Amount | $98,268 |
| Monthly Payment | $1,116 |
| Total Interest | $35,630 |
| Total Loan Cost | $133,898 |
Universities in Fairbanks
| University | Type | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|
| University of Alaska Fairbanks | Public | $8,100 |
| UAF Community and Technical College | Community | $4,300 |
Fairbanks has 2 total colleges and universities. Tuition figures are approximate annual in-state rates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Cost of Living in Fairbanks vs. National Average
| Category | Fairbanks | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Tuition (In-State) | $8,100 | $10,940 | -$2,840 |
| Monthly Rent Near Campus | $1,085 | $1,050 | +$35 |
| Cost of Living Index | 120 | 100 | +20 |
Fairbanks's cost of living is above the national average. Students should budget accordingly and consider off-campus housing options to reduce expenses.
Student Life in Fairbanks
Walk Score
Car-Dependent
Transit Score
Minimal Transit
Student Population
2,033 students
Fairbanks has a total population of 31,535, with approximately 2,033 college students (6.4% of the population). While not primarily a college town, Fairbanks offers students access to urban amenities, diverse employment opportunities, and a wide range of cultural experiences.
Post-Graduation Outlook in Fairbanks
$50,224
Starting Salary
3.2%
Unemployment Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
~6 yrs
ROI Payback Period
Return on Investment Analysis
Graduates from colleges in Fairbanks earn a median starting salary of $50,224, which is $15,224 more per year than the average high school graduate salary of $35,000. At a 4-year public university cost of $98,268 (including room and board), it would take approximately 6 years of the salary premium to recoup the investment. With average financial aid of $7,149 per student per year, the net cost and payback period can be significantly reduced.
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