Accounting at Bellevue University

Bellevue University's accounting program faces a significant debt problem that overshadows otherwise solid earnings. With graduates carrying $40,350 in debt—roughly $14,000 above both the state and national medians—this program ranks in the 95th percentile for debt burden among accounting programs nationwide. That's a substantial financial anchor for graduates earning close to the Nebraska median of $54,785, placing them in the 40th percentile statewide.

The earnings trajectory offers some reassurance: graduates see steady 10% growth from year one to year four, reaching $59,340. They're earning on par with national accounting graduates and keeping pace with peers from higher-ranked Nebraska programs like Nebraska Wesleyan ($60,923) and UNL ($54,785). The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.75 isn't catastrophic, but it means graduates will likely spend years managing substantial loan payments that peers at other Nebraska schools won't face as severely.

The core question is whether Bellevue's accessibility—serving a meaningful Pell-eligible population—justifies the debt premium. If your child qualifies for significant aid that closes that $14,000 gap, this becomes more viable. But at sticker price, paying 60% more debt for median Nebraska earnings makes other in-state options worth exploring first.