At $23,140/yr net price, Nebraska Wesleyan University graduates earn $56,405/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,405/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,140 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $92,560 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,405/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,405/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 68.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $26,970 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $20,377/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,737/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,482/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,859/yr |
| $110,001+ | $27,670/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 | $67,395 | $20,875 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Master | $61,177 | $27,304 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $57,318 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $48,432 | $24,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $39,909 | $27,000 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $34,526 | $24,125 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $32,569 | $27,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $29,685 | $27,000 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Bachelor | $23,113 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
68.9% of students at Nebraska Wesleyan University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 31% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Nebraska Wesleyan University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your major choice. The $23,140 annual net price paired with median post-graduation earnings of $56,405 creates a reasonable but not strong value proposition for a private college.
Your program selection makes or breaks the financial equation at Nebraska Wesleyan. Nursing graduates earn $67,395 annually with relatively low debt loads of $20,875, creating the strongest ROI on campus. Business majors also perform well, with general business graduates earning $61,177 annually. However, education majors face a concerning financial reality with earnings of just $39,909 against $27,000 in debt.
The school carries specific financial risks you should consider. The 68.90% graduation rate means roughly one in three students leave without a degree but potentially with debt. The 74.58% retention rate suggests students struggle more than at comparable institutions. Only 29.60% of students receive need-based aid, indicating limited financial assistance for middle-income families.
Nebraska Wesleyan works best financially for students pursuing nursing or business programs who can graduate on time. Students considering education or liberal arts majors should carefully weigh the debt-to-earnings ratio before enrolling. The school makes less sense for students needing significant financial aid or those unsure about their academic direction given the retention challenges.
Your best financial strategy involves targeting merit scholarships to reduce the sticker price and choosing a high-earning major. Students planning careers in social services, arts, or fields with lower starting salaries should look at more affordable in-state public options instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nebraska Wesleyan University worth the cost?
Nebraska Wesleyan's ROI depends heavily on your major. Nursing graduates earn $67,395 annually, making the $23,140 net price reasonable, but education majors start at $39,909 with similar debt levels.
What is the average debt for Nebraska Wesleyan University graduates?
Nebraska Wesleyan graduates carry a median debt of $26,970. With average earnings of $56,405 ten years after graduation, this creates a manageable debt-to-income ratio for most programs.
Which programs at Nebraska Wesleyan University have the best ROI?
Nursing programs offer the strongest return at Nebraska Wesleyan, with graduates earning $67,395 annually. Business and accounting majors also see solid returns, while education graduates face lower starting salaries around $39,909.
How does Nebraska Wesleyan University's financial aid affect the actual cost?
Nebraska Wesleyan's net price of $23,140 reflects financial aid, making it more affordable than the sticker price. However, with a 69% graduation rate, about one-third of students don't complete their degree.