Biology at Concordia University-Nebraska

Concordia University-Nebraska's biology program shows both the promise and uncertainty common with smaller graduating classes. While initial earnings of $27,785 lag both the state median ($32,538) and national average, graduates see impressive 64% earnings growth by year four, reaching $45,664—well above what peers at larger Nebraska programs like Bellevue or UNO earn at that stage. The $27,000 debt load, though nearly equal to first-year income, is actually below both state and national norms.

The challenge is interpretation: with fewer than 30 graduates in the data, these numbers could easily shift with the next cohort. The 40th percentile ranking among Nebraska biology programs places it solidly middle-of-the-pack in-state, though the 23rd percentile nationally suggests this isn't a program competing for research-track students headed to competitive graduate schools. The strong four-year earnings, however, hint that graduates may be successfully entering healthcare-adjacent fields or pursuing additional credentials that boost their market value.

For families considering this program, the key question is career path. If your student plans to pursue medical school, pharmacy, or similar post-grad work, the initial earnings matter less than the foundation provided. If they're planning to work immediately after graduation, understand that the first year will be financially tight, but prospects improve substantially. The reasonable debt load at least ensures they won't be buried while working through those early career years.