Students at Nebraska Wesleyan University achieve above-average earnings that place them in the top 30% nationally, with particularly strong outcomes for low-income graduates who rank in the top 25% for earnings performance.
The university's 0% default rate reflects graduates' ability to manage debt successfully and secure stable employment after graduation.
Nebraska Wesleyan University is a small private nonprofit institution in Lincoln that delivers solid long-term outcomes within the context of personalized liberal arts education. While it doesn't rank among the top tier nationally for overall value, the university performs well above average for earnings, with graduates earning a median of $56,405 ten years after enrollment. This places the institution in the 69th percentile nationally for long-term financial outcomes, reflecting its strength in professional programs like nursing and business.
The university serves a moderately selective student body, with about 30% of students receiving Pell Grants and 26% being first-generation college students. As a "Selective Achievers" institution, Nebraska Wesleyan provides strong outcomes for the students it enrolls, though access remains more limited compared to larger public universities. The 69% six-year graduation rate demonstrates the university's ability to support students through degree completion.
What distinguishes Nebraska Wesleyan is its focus on professional preparation within a small college environment. The combination of nursing, business, and social work programs creates clear pathways to stable careers, while the intimate campus setting provides the mentorship and support that many students need to succeed in their chosen fields.
Nebraska Wesleyan University's program portfolio reflects a focused approach to professional preparation, with clear strengths in healthcare and business fields. The Adult Health Nursing program stands out as both the highest-earning and highest-return major, graduating 45 students annually with median earnings of $67,395. This program represents the university's strongest connection to Nebraska's healthcare job market and provides graduates with immediate access to stable, well-paying careers.
Business programs form the largest enrollment area with 46 graduates earning a median of $48,432, offering reliable preparation for management and professional roles across the region. The university's business curriculum appears well-aligned with regional employer needs, providing graduates with practical skills that translate into steady employment and middle-class earnings.
Other programs show the university's commitment to service-oriented fields, with Forensic Social Work representing specialized preparation for students interested in criminal justice and social services. While these graduates earn more modest salaries around $34,526, they enter fields that prioritize social impact and community service. The concentrated program mix allows Nebraska Wesleyan to focus resources effectively, though the smaller scale means fewer total graduates compared to comprehensive universities.
Graduates of Nebraska Wesleyan University achieve solid long-term earnings that reflect the institution's focus on professional programs. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $56,405, placing the university in the 69th percentile nationally for graduate earnings. While graduates don't significantly outperform expectations compared with similar students at other institutions, the earnings levels provide a foundation for middle-class financial security.
The university's strongest financial outcomes come from its nursing program, which graduates about 45 students annually with median earnings of $67,395 ten years out. This Adult Health Nursing program represents the highest aggregate return among all majors, combining solid enrollment with strong pay in Nebraska's healthcare market. Business majors, the largest program with 46 graduates, earn a median of $48,432, providing reliable entry into management and professional roles across the region.
Other programs show more modest outcomes, with Forensic Social Work graduates earning around $34,526 early in their careers. This variation reflects the university's mix of high-return professional programs alongside fields that prioritize service and social impact over maximum earnings. The concentrated program portfolio allows Nebraska Wesleyan to focus resources on areas where graduates consistently find employment, though the smaller scale means fewer total graduates entering the workforce each year compared to larger institutions.
Affordability at Nebraska Wesleyan University presents a mixed picture, with relatively high net prices that may challenge many families despite some financial aid support. Low-income students pay about $20,377 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $19,482 per year. High-income families face significantly higher expenses at $27,670 annually, reflecting the institution's private college pricing structure that places it well above typical public university costs.
The university's affordability challenges become more apparent when considering debt levels. Typical graduates leave with about $26,970 in federal student loan debt, a substantial amount that requires careful financial planning. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $20,547, adding to the total family investment in a Nebraska Wesleyan education. However, the institution maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, suggesting that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully.
What helps make the investment more sustainable is the university's strong loan repayment patterns. Borrowers pay down their balances faster than national averages, with about 13% of the debt paid off by year four compared to much lower rates at many institutions. This accelerated repayment reflects both the career preparation students receive and their ability to secure stable employment that supports debt service, though families should carefully consider whether the higher upfront costs align with their financial capacity and career goals.
Nebraska Wesleyan University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
