At $24,016/yr net price, Concordia University-Nebraska graduates earn $52,415/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $18,415/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $24,016 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $96,064 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $52,415/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$18,415/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 64.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $19,320/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,192/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,880/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,197/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,363/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $60,094 | $33,972 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $57,137 | $33,610 |
| Public Health. | Master | $48,935 | |
| Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. | Certificate | $48,265 | |
| Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. | Master | $47,930 | |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $46,999 | $33,454 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $45,696 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $45,696 | $33,454 |
| Religious Education. | Bachelor | $41,937 | $28,500 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $40,458 | $23,000 |
The Risk Factor
64.1% of students at Concordia University-Nebraska graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Concordia University-Nebraska delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The school's $52,415 median earnings after ten years barely justify its $24,016 annual net price, especially when you factor in the 36% of students who don't graduate within six years.
Business majors see the strongest payoff at $60,094 annually, though they carry higher debt loads at $33,972. Educational Administration also performs well at $57,137, positioning graduates for Nebraska's stable education market. However, multiple teaching programs cluster around $48,000, creating tight budgets when servicing the typical $25,750 debt load.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in its 77% retention rate, suggesting many students transfer or drop out before completing degrees. This pattern particularly hurts families stretching to afford the private tuition without strong merit aid opportunities.
Concordia works best financially if you're pursuing business or educational leadership and can graduate on time. The small class sizes and Lutheran network provide career advantages in Nebraska's tight-knit professional circles. However, you should look elsewhere if you need substantial financial aid, as only 11% of students receive assistance, or if you're considering lower-paying teaching specialties that struggle to service private school debt.
The school offers no standout merit scholarship programs, making it a tough sell for middle-income families who earn too much for need-based aid but lack resources for full-price attendance. Your best cost strategy involves completing your degree in four years and leveraging alumni connections in Nebraska's business and education sectors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Concordia University-Nebraska worth the cost?
With graduates earning $52,415 ten years after enrollment and median debt of $25,750, Concordia University-Nebraska offers a reasonable return on investment. The debt-to-income ratio is manageable, though earnings lag behind many four-year colleges.
What are the highest paying majors at Concordia University-Nebraska?
Business/Commerce graduates earn the most at $60,094 annually, followed by Educational Administration at $57,137. Most other programs hover around $48,000, which is modest for college graduates.
How much debt do Concordia University-Nebraska students typically graduate with?
The median debt load is $25,750, which is below the national average. However, with a 64% graduation rate, about one in three students leave without completing their degree.
Does Concordia University-Nebraska provide good financial aid?
The net price of $24,016 per year suggests decent financial aid for a private college. Students should compare this carefully against potential earnings in their chosen field before enrolling.