Doane University
Doane University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Doane University at a Glance
Doane University is a private university in Crete, Nebraska, United States. It has additional campuses in Lincoln, Omaha, North Platte, and Bellevue. The oldest private institution in the State of Nebraska, the university was established in 1872 as Doane College following a donation from Thomas Doane. It is historically affiliated with the United Church of Christ.
1872
154 years old
$107M
$107.4 million (2025)
1,985
1,315 undergrad
Identity
Is Doane University Worth It?
At a value score of 29/100, Doane University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $53,316 — 1% below average — while paying $26,364/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 2 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
A 56% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 6 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With a 98% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Doane University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Doane University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #51 of 109 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 | Albizu University-San Juan | 73 | $9,732 | $41,544 |
| #3 | Trinity Washington University | 67 | $9,302 | $53,804 |
| #4 | Waynesburg University | 50 | $18,235 | $58,537 |
| #5 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #6 | Loras College | 48 | $20,716 | $58,289 |
| #51 | Doane University | 29 | $26,364 | $53,316 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Doane 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 Doane University
The highest-earning program at Doane University is Accounting and Related Services at $47,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Biology, General at $27,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Accounting and Related Services graduate from Doane University earns $47,500, while a Biology, General graduate earns $27,500. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Accounting and Related Services graduates carry $21,964 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Biology, General.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $26,364/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting and Related Services | $47,500 | $47,500 | $21,964 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $40,300 | $40,300 | $22,884 |
| Sociology | $34,400 | $34,400 | $27,000 |
| Human Services, General | $31,500 | $31,500 | $26,065 |
| Biology, General | $27,500 | $27,500 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in NE
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Crete, NE
- Student Body
- 978 students
- Admission Rate
- 98%
- Graduation Rate
- 56%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $26,364
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $53,316
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000