At $28,071/yr net price, Doane University graduates earn $53,316/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $19,316/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $28,071 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $112,284 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $53,316/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$19,316/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 55.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $24,496/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,092/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,256/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,691/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,980/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,020 | $20,180 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Master | $58,221 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $57,072 | $15,343 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $50,022 | $23,702 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $46,087 | $9,930 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $44,077 | $23,250 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $35,772 | $43,266 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $34,348 | $26,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Human Services, General. | Bachelor | $31,314 | $23,484 |
The Risk Factor
55.9% of students at Doane University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Doane University delivers weak ROI for most students, with median earnings of $53,316 barely justifying the $28,071 annual net price. The 55.9% graduation rate means nearly half of students leave without a degree, making the investment particularly risky.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner, generating $61,020 in median earnings with just $20,180 in debt. Educational administration and curriculum instruction also show solid returns, but these graduate-level programs primarily serve working teachers seeking advancement. Management sciences offers strong earnings potential at $58,221, though debt data isn't available.
Accounting graduates face a concerning mismatch between $50,022 earnings and $23,702 debt, producing weak returns in Nebraska's modest accounting market. Most other majors likely perform worse given the overall median earnings figure.
The 72.4% retention rate signals student satisfaction problems, while only 28% of students receive need-based aid, suggesting limited financial support for middle-income families. This creates particular risk for families stretching to afford the net price without substantial merit aid.
You should consider Doane only if you're pursuing nursing or already work in education seeking administrative credentials. The school works best for Nebraska residents who can leverage local connections and plan to stay in-state after graduation. Students from outside Nebraska or those unsure about their major should look elsewhere, as the combination of high costs, low graduation rates, and modest regional job market creates significant financial risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Doane University worth the cost?
Doane University's return on investment is mixed, with graduates earning $53,316 ten years after enrollment against a net price of $28,071 annually. The nursing programs offer better value with starting salaries around $61,020, but other majors may not justify the cost.
What are the best paying majors at Doane University?
Registered nursing leads Doane University's salary outcomes at $61,020, followed by management sciences at $58,221 and educational administration at $57,072. Liberal arts and education majors typically see lower returns on their investment.
How much debt do Doane University graduates have?
Doane University graduates carry a median debt of $25,000, which is manageable for nursing and business majors but may be problematic for education majors earning around $46,087. The 56% graduation rate means many students leave with debt but no degree.
Does Doane University provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $28,071 after aid, Doane University's financial assistance brings costs down from the full sticker price. However, this still represents a significant investment for a regional university with moderate earning outcomes.