Nebraska Wesleyan University
Nebraska Wesleyan University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Nebraska Wesleyan University at a Glance
Nebraska Wesleyan University (NWU) is a private Methodist-affiliated university in Lincoln, Nebraska, United States. It was founded in 1887 by Nebraska Methodists. As of 2017, it had approximately 2,100 students, including 1,500 full-time students and 300 faculty and staff. The university offers 119 undergraduate majors, minors, and pre-professional programs in addition to three graduate programs.
1887
139 years old
$56M
$56.35 million
1,688
1,545 undergrad · 143 grad
107
50 acres
Identity
Is Nebraska Wesleyan University Worth It?
Nebraska Wesleyan University offers moderate value at $18,327/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $56,405, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.3 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 67% graduation rate means roughly 33% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Nebraska Wesleyan University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in NE
Ranked #7 of 165 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 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #2 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #3 | Valparaiso University | 58 | $18,578 | $63,191 |
| #4 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #5 | Clarkson College | 57 | $19,241 | $64,876 |
| #6 | Goldey-Beacom College | 56 | $15,554 | $59,892 |
| #7 | Nebraska Wesleyan University | 52 | $18,327 | $56,405 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Nebraska Wesleyan University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in NE.
Best Programs at Nebraska Wesleyan University
The highest-earning program at Nebraska Wesleyan University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $64,500/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Social Work at $35,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Nebraska Wesleyan University earns $64,500, while a Social Work graduate earns $35,900. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $13,886 in median debt vs. $26,086 for Social Work.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $18,327/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $64,500 | $64,500 | $13,886 |
| Business/Commerce, General | $45,400 | $45,400 | $20,250 |
| Social Work | $35,900 | $35,900 | $26,086 |
Similar Colleges in NE
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Lincoln, NE
- Student Body
- 1,453 students
- Admission Rate
- 80%
- Graduation Rate
- 67%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $18,327
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $56,405
- Median Student Debt
- $26,970