Accounting at Creighton University
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
Creighton's accounting graduates earn substantially more than most—$68,070 in their first year ranks them in the 95th percentile nationally. However, that impressive national standing tells only part of the story. Within Nebraska, where this program sits at the 60th percentile, Creighton's outcomes are good but not exceptional, trailing Nebraska Wesleyan by about $7,000. The $26,893 median debt is reasonable, creating a manageable 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio that graduates can typically handle.
The 18% earnings growth to nearly $80,000 by year four suggests strong career trajectory, and the relatively low debt burden means graduates aren't sacrificing their early career financial flexibility. For Nebraska families, this represents solid value—significantly above the state median of $54,785, though at a similar debt level to other in-state options.
The major caveat: these figures come from a small sample of fewer than 30 graduates, which means individual circumstances could swing the numbers considerably. That said, the pattern is encouraging enough to warrant serious consideration, particularly if your student values Creighton's broader campus experience. They'll likely out-earn most accounting graduates without taking on burdensome debt, though they won't necessarily command a premium over other strong Nebraska programs.
Where Creighton University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Creighton University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Creighton University graduates earn $68k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all accounting bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska
Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (10 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creighton University | $68,070 | $79,988 | $26,893 | 0.40 |
| Nebraska Wesleyan University | $60,923 | — | — | — |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | $54,785 | $62,681 | $21,500 | 0.39 |
| Bellevue University | $53,819 | $59,340 | $40,350 | 0.75 |
| Doane University | $52,160 | $59,830 | $26,324 | 0.50 |
| National Median | $53,694 | — | $25,000 | 0.47 |
Other Accounting Programs in Nebraska
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Nebraska schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Wesleyan University Lincoln | $41,658 | $60,923 | — |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln | $10,108 | $54,785 | $21,500 |
| Bellevue University Bellevue | $8,886 | $53,819 | $40,350 |
| Doane University Crete | $40,491 | $52,160 | $26,324 |
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 Creighton University, approximately 5% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 27 graduates with reported earnings and 28 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.