Bellevue University
Bellevue University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Bellevue University at a Glance
Bellevue University is a private university in Bellevue, Nebraska, United States. It opened in 1966 as Bellevue College and re-branded to its current name in 1994. As of 2011, 80% of its undergraduates were aged 25 and over. The university has over 10,000 students enrolled in a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
1966
60 years old
$106M
$106,319,108 (2023)
13,841
6,828 undergrad · 3,476 grad
Identity
Is Bellevue University Worth It?
At a value score of 34/100, Bellevue University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $61,289 — 14% above average — while paying $17,550/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.1 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 39% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Bellevue University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Bellevue University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #25 of 50 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Louis University | 58 | $24,398 | $70,783 |
| #2 | University of Dayton | 52 | $29,533 | $75,537 |
| #3 | University of St Thomas | 48 | $29,155 | $73,739 |
| #4 | Maryville University of Saint Louis | 48 | $22,066 | $62,105 |
| #5 | Creighton University | 48 | $31,568 | $73,911 |
| #6 | Mercer University | 44 | $23,847 | $58,354 |
| #25 | Bellevue University | 34 | $17,550 | $61,289 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Bellevue University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in NE.
Best Programs at Bellevue University
The highest-earning program at Bellevue University is Management Information Systems and Services at $80,100/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Criminal Justice and Corrections at $33,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Management Information Systems and Services graduate from Bellevue University earns $80,100, while a Criminal Justice and Corrections graduate earns $33,700. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Management Information Systems and Services graduates carry $21,020 in median debt vs. $23,000 for Criminal Justice and Corrections.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $17,550/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Management Information Systems and Services | $80,100 | $80,100 | $21,020 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $57,900 | $57,900 | $24,605 |
| General Sales, Merchandising and Related Marketing Operations | $54,900 | $54,900 | $20,500 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | $50,700 | $50,700 | $23,438 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $49,200 | $49,200 | $21,303 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $47,400 | $47,400 | $22,550 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $45,800 | $45,800 | $23,141 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $43,700 | $43,700 | $23,438 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $40,100 | $40,100 | $20,832 |
| Social Sciences, General | $34,200 | $34,200 | $23,465 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $33,700 | $33,700 | $23,000 |
Similar Colleges in NE
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Bellevue, NE
- Student Body
- 10,220 students
- Graduation Rate
- 39%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $17,550
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $61,289
- Median Student Debt
- $20,000