Business Administration, Management and Operations at Bellevue University

Bellevue University's Business Administration program commands a significant premium—$28,380 in median debt versus Nebraska's $25,815 median—but delivers exceptional returns that justify the extra cost. Graduates earn $60,931 in their first year, ranking in the 95th percentile nationally and 80th percentile within Nebraska, substantially outperforming both the national median of $45,703 and Nebraska's $47,476. This puts Bellevue ahead of prominent state universities like UNL and UNK, despite being a smaller private institution.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 is quite reasonable, meaning graduates can expect to earn back their total debt in less than six months of work. Strong earnings growth of 14% by year four brings median pay to nearly $70,000, suggesting solid career advancement potential. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates gives confidence these outcomes are reliable rather than statistical noise.

For parents weighing options, this program represents premium pricing with premium results. While you'll pay more than at state schools, your child will likely earn $10,000-20,000 more annually than graduates from Nebraska's public universities. The relatively modest debt load makes this a manageable investment with clear upside potential.