Students at Creighton University achieve remarkable earnings outcomes, with low-income graduates earning more than at 95% of institutions nationwide.
The university consistently delivers top-tier financial returns that place it among the highest-performing private institutions for long-term career success.
Creighton University delivers exceptional long-term financial outcomes that place it among the top-performing private institutions nationwide. With graduates earning a median of $73,911 ten years after enrollment, the university ranks in the 92nd percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. What makes Creighton distinctive is its ability to consistently prepare students for high-earning careers, particularly in healthcare, business, and professional services.
The university operates as a "Selective Achievers" institution, combining strong academic outcomes with moderate access levels. About 18% of students are first-generation college attendees, and while Pell Grant recipients represent a smaller share at roughly 5%, those who do attend see remarkable success. Low-income graduates earn a median of $76,400 ten years out, placing Creighton in the 96th percentile nationally for low-income student earnings.
As a medium-sized private nonprofit university in Omaha, Creighton offers the personalized attention of a smaller institution while maintaining the resources and professional connections of a major research university. The combination of strong career preparation, excellent graduation rates exceeding 80%, and consistently high earnings makes it a compelling choice for families who can manage the investment and want predictable, strong returns.
Creighton University's program portfolio emphasizes professional preparation and career-focused education that translates directly into strong earnings outcomes. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the largest program and highest aggregate return major, graduating 278 students annually with median earnings of $62,483. This reflects the growing demand for healthcare professionals and Creighton's reputation for nursing education excellence.
Business programs form another cornerstone of the university's offerings. Banking and Financial Support Services graduates 122 students per year with median earnings of $55,794, while Accounting programs produce graduates earning $57,811 in early career phases. These programs benefit from strong employer relationships throughout the Midwest and the university's extensive alumni networks in financial services.
Even programs that typically serve as preparation for graduate study maintain solid career pathways. Biology graduates, while earning $21,964 in the immediate post-graduation period, often use their Creighton education as a foundation for medical school, graduate programs, or other advanced professional training. The university's strong pre-professional advising and high acceptance rates to graduate programs help explain why families view these majors as worthwhile investments despite lower initial earnings.
Creighton University graduates achieve exceptional long-term earnings that consistently outperform national averages. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $73,911, placing the university in the 92nd percentile nationally for earnings outcomes. This strong performance reflects both the university's rigorous academic preparation and its extensive professional networks, particularly in healthcare, business, and other high-demand fields.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its nursing and business programs. Adult Health Nursing, the largest program with 278 graduates, produces median earnings of $62,483 and represents the highest aggregate return across all majors. Banking and Financial Support Services graduates 122 students annually with median earnings of $55,794, while Accounting programs show strong early-career outcomes at $57,811. Even programs like Biology, which typically lead to graduate school preparation, maintain solid career pathways with graduates earning $21,964 in early career phases before pursuing advanced degrees.
Creighton's program portfolio emphasizes professional preparation and career-focused education. The university's strength in nursing reflects the growing demand for healthcare professionals, while its business programs benefit from strong employer relationships throughout the Midwest. This combination of high-demand fields and excellent career services helps explain why Creighton graduates consistently achieve earnings that place the institution among the top tier of private universities nationwide.
Creighton University operates at a premium price point that reflects its private nonprofit status and high-quality educational offerings. Low-income families pay approximately $21,202 annually after aid, while middle-income families see net costs around $25,659, and higher-income families pay about $35,861. These prices place Creighton in the 13th percentile nationally for affordability, meaning it costs more than most comparable institutions.
Despite the higher sticker price, many families find the investment manageable given the strong earnings outcomes. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations. Typical federal student loan debt is $25,000, while Parent PLUS borrowing averages $27,414 for families who choose this option. The loan repayment trajectory shows that Creighton borrowers pay down their balances faster than national averages, with strong performance in early repayment milestones.
What makes the affordability equation work for many families is the predictable return on investment. With median earnings of nearly $74,000 ten years out, graduates typically have the financial capacity to manage their debt obligations comfortably. The university's excellent graduation rates of over 80% also mean that families are investing in a degree that students are very likely to complete successfully.
Creighton University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
