Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $76,833/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$42,833/yr |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,000 |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $118,210 | $201,388 |
| Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration. | Doctoral | $102,660 | $125,070 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $101,308 | $88,020 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $90,678 | $49,506 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $64,608 | $85,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $59,450 | $15,000 |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $57,205 | $187,596 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $55,286 | |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Bachelor | $53,358 | $15,000 |
| Public Health. | Master | $47,846 | $27,495 |
Analysis
University of Nebraska Medical Center delivers strong financial returns across most of its specialized healthcare programs, though the picture varies dramatically by field. Your career path choice here will largely determine whether you face manageable debt or a heavy financial burden.
Dentistry graduates earn the highest salaries but carry crushing debt loads that exceed $200,000. This creates a difficult payback period despite the strong earning potential. Pharmacy offers a better balance with solid six-figure salaries and more reasonable debt around $125,000. Allied health programs provide the sweet spot with strong earnings over $100,000 and moderate debt under $90,000.
Nursing represents your safest financial bet at UNMC. Graduates earn $90,000 annually with debt under $50,000, creating excellent debt-to-income ratios. Rehabilitation therapy programs present the weakest ROI with lower earnings relative to the $85,000 debt burden.
The Omaha healthcare job market supports these programs well, with Nebraska Methodist Health System, CHI Health, and the VA Medical Center providing steady employment opportunities. However, you face geographic limitations if you want to maximize your earning potential in competitive coastal markets.
Only 22% of students receive financial aid, which signals limited need-based support. Merit scholarships exist but competition is fierce given the school's specialized focus. Your best cost strategy involves completing prerequisite coursework at a community college before transferring, though this path requires careful academic planning.
UNMC works best if you're committed to healthcare careers and comfortable staying in the Midwest. Look elsewhere if you want broader academic options or plan to practice in high-cost metropolitan areas where these salaries may feel insufficient despite the strong regional numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Nebraska Medical Center worth the cost?
UNMC offers strong ROI with graduates earning $76,833 annually and relatively low debt at $15,000 median. The specialized health programs command high salaries, making the investment worthwhile for most students.
Which University of Nebraska Medical Center programs have the best job prospects?
Dentistry leads with $118,210 average earnings, followed by pharmacy at $102,660 and allied health at $101,308. Even the lower-paying rehabilitation programs still earn $64,608, well above national averages.
How much debt do University of Nebraska Medical Center graduates typically have?
UNMC graduates carry a median debt of $15,000, which is notably low for a medical school. This manageable debt load combined with high earning potential creates favorable financial outcomes.
Does University of Nebraska Medical Center provide good financial aid?
The low median debt of $15,000 suggests UNMC provides substantial financial support relative to other medical institutions. However, individual aid packages vary significantly by program and financial need.