At $21,554/yr net price, Hastings College graduates earn $51,303/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $17,303/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,554 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $86,216 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $51,303/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$17,303/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 53.3% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,273/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,019/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $18,749/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $22,393/yr |
| $110,001+ | $25,685/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $48,041 | |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $42,728 | $19,375 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $37,568 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,992 | $25,609 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $32,382 |
The Risk Factor
53.3% of students at Hastings College 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
Hastings College delivers weak financial returns that place graduates at a significant earnings disadvantage. Your median salary of $51,303 after ten years barely justifies the debt load, especially when over half of students never graduate.
Business majors earn the highest salaries at $48,041, but this still falls short of what you could expect from stronger business programs elsewhere. Marketing graduates face particularly poor prospects with earnings of just $42,728. Education majors, despite the program's regional focus, earn in the mid-to-high $30,000s, which creates serious debt-to-income concerns given Nebraska's teaching salary limitations.
The 53% graduation rate represents a major financial risk. If you transfer or drop out, you carry debt without the degree needed to justify it. The 68% retention rate signals that many students quickly realize the school does not meet their needs.
You face additional risk from limited financial aid availability. With less than 30% of students receiving aid, most families pay close to the full net price. Merit scholarships exist but appear insufficient to offset the value gap.
This school might work financially if you secure substantial merit aid and plan to stay in Nebraska long-term, particularly in business roles where local connections matter more than credential prestige. However, most students should consider Nebraska public universities or stronger private colleges that offer better career placement and alumni networks.
The combination of modest earnings potential, high dropout risk, and limited aid makes Hastings College a poor financial investment for most students. Your money will likely generate better returns elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hastings College worth the cost?
With graduates earning $51,303 after 10 years and median debt of $27,000, Hastings College offers reasonable value for most students. The debt-to-income ratio is manageable, though the 53% graduation rate means many students don't finish.
What are the best paying majors at Hastings College?
Business graduates earn the most at $48,041 annually, followed by marketing majors at $42,728. Education and sociology majors earn significantly less, with sociology graduates making only $32,382.
How much debt do Hastings College graduates have?
The median debt is $27,000, which is reasonable given graduate earnings of $51,303. Most graduates can expect monthly payments around $300-400 after graduation.
What is the graduation rate at Hastings College?
Only 53% of students graduate from Hastings College. This low completion rate increases the risk of taking on debt without earning a degree.