Creighton University
Creighton University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Creighton University at a Glance
Creighton University is a private research university in Omaha, Nebraska, United States. Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1878, the university enrolled 8,838 undergraduate and graduate students as of fall 2024. In addition to the main 140-acre (57 ha) campus just outside of downtown Omaha, the university operates the Creighton University Medical Center and has a second campus focused on health sciences in Phoenix, Arizona. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is classified am…
1878
148 years old
$867M
$866.6 million (2025)
8,838
4,647 undergrad · 4,191 grad
692
132 acres
Identity
Is Creighton University Worth It?
Creighton University offers moderate value at $31,568/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $73,911, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 82% graduation rate means roughly 18% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Creighton University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #14 of 53 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 Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #2 | Ohio Northern University | 62 | $24,478 | $80,928 |
| #3 | University of Portland | 59 | $28,210 | $82,804 |
| #4 | Saint Joseph's University - Philadelphia | 58 | $29,689 | $86,881 |
| #5 | Clarkson University | 55 | $30,305 | $89,696 |
| #6 | Bradley University | 54 | $22,719 | $66,852 |
| #14 | Creighton University | 48 | $31,568 | $73,911 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Creighton University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%).
Best Programs at Creighton University
The highest-earning program at Creighton University is Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General at $108,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $15,100/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General graduate from Creighton University earns $108,400, while a Biology, General graduate earns $15,100. 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: Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General graduates carry $19,500 in median debt vs. $25,000 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $31,568/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General | $108,400 | $108,400 | $19,500 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $61,300 | $61,300 | $25,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $56,800 | $56,800 | $25,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | $55,400 | $55,400 | $25,730 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $53,600 | $53,600 | $24,968 |
| Economics | $52,200 | $52,200 | $22,231 |
| Marketing | $45,500 | $45,500 | $27,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $42,900 | $42,900 | $24,248 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $37,800 | $37,800 | $27,000 |
| Journalism | $29,800 | $29,800 | $25,722 |
| Psychology, General | $25,300 | $25,300 | $23,828 |
| Biology, General | $15,100 | $15,100 | $25,000 |
Similar Colleges in NE
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Omaha, NE
- Student Body
- 4,348 students
- Admission Rate
- 80%
- Graduation Rate
- 82%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $31,568
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $73,911
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000