Concordia University-Nebraska
Concordia University-Nebraska — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Concordia University-Nebraska at a Glance
Concordia University, Nebraska is a private Lutheran university in Seward, Nebraska. It was established in 1894 and is affiliated with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod as one of seven schools in the Concordia University System. The university is organized into three schools: the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education, and the College of Graduate Studies.
1894
132 years old
$71M
$70,806,731 (2026)
2,300
1,951 undergrad · 768 grad
85 acres
Identity
Is Concordia University-Nebraska Worth It?
At a value score of 35/100, Concordia University-Nebraska is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $52,415 — 3% below average — while paying $23,965/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.8 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 64% graduation rate means roughly 36% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Concordia University-Nebraska has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Concordia University-Nebraska compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #92 of 204 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 Mary's University of Minnesota | 83 | $11,704 | $58,170 |
| #2 | Christian Brothers University | 81 | $9,854 | $57,478 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #5 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #6 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #92 | Concordia University-Nebraska | 35 | $23,965 | $52,415 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Concordia University-Nebraska's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in NE.
Best Programs at Concordia University-Nebraska
The highest-earning program at Concordia University-Nebraska is Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods at $37,800/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Psychology, General at $23,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduate from Concordia University-Nebraska earns $37,800, while a Psychology, General graduate earns $23,700. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods graduates carry $25,347 in median debt vs. $22,375 for Psychology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $23,965/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $37,800 | $37,800 | $25,347 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $36,700 | $36,700 | $25,049 |
| Psychology, General | $23,700 | $23,700 | $22,375 |
Similar Colleges in NE
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Seward, NE
- Student Body
- 1,283 students
- Admission Rate
- 86%
- Graduation Rate
- 64%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $23,965
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $52,415
- Median Student Debt
- $25,750