Analysis
At $25,812 in estimated debt against anticipated first-year earnings of $53,590, this program's debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 sits in reasonable territory for a finance degree—manageable within typical repayment timelines. However, the fact that both figures are drawn from national benchmarks rather than Bellevue's actual outcomes means there's genuine uncertainty here. Similar finance programs nationally produce these numbers, but whether Bellevue's graduates match that pattern remains unclear due to insufficient data.
The comparison to Nebraska's other finance programs adds some concern. Peer programs in the state suggest higher earnings—around $58,292 at the median—and schools like Creighton and Nebraska-Lincoln report outcomes in the $56,000-$61,000 range. That $5,000-$8,000 gap, if real, could make a meaningful difference in how quickly debt gets cleared and early-career financial stability.
The practical question is whether you're comfortable with this level of uncertainty for a bachelor's degree investment. Finance degrees generally offer solid career pathways, and the estimated debt load isn't alarming. But without actual graduate outcomes from Bellevue, you're essentially betting that this program performs at least as well as the national average—and ideally closer to what other Nebraska schools achieve. If your child has admission offers from Creighton or UNL with comparable financial aid packages, those programs offer more certainty about what to expect.
Where Bellevue University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (6 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,886 | $53,590* | — | $25,812* | — | |
| $47,000 | $60,605* | $78,827 | $26,975* | 0.45 | |
| $10,108 | $55,979* | $69,641 | $19,650* | 0.35 | |
| National Median | — | $53,590* | — | $23,332* | 0.44 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with finance and financial management services graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Chief Executives
Chief Sustainability Officers
General and Operations Managers
Personal Financial Advisors
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Insurance Underwriters
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Bellevue University, approximately 29% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 431 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.