Business/Commerce at Creighton University

An undergraduate certificate in business from Creighton comes with an estimated $14,000 in debt—not a crushing burden, but noteworthy for a credential that peer programs nationally suggest produces around $35,000 in first-year earnings. That's a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40, meaning graduates would need to dedicate roughly 40% of their first year's salary to pay off their loans immediately. While that's far better than many bachelor's programs, it's a significant investment for what's essentially a stepping-stone credential rather than a full degree.

The challenge here is understanding what you're actually getting. Business certificates can serve different purposes—some are career launchers for students without bachelor's degrees, others are supplements to existing education. At a selective private university like Creighton (where only 5% of students receive Pell grants), this certificate might function differently than similar programs at community colleges or public institutions. The $35,000 earnings estimate is based on just six national programs, which means there's real uncertainty about what Creighton specifically delivers.

For parents, the key question is whether this certificate is part of a larger educational plan. If your student is working toward a bachelor's degree and this is a stopgap credential along the way, the debt might be justified. But if this is intended as a standalone qualification for entering the business world, the combination of estimated modest earnings and four-figure debt at a private institution warrants a conversation about whether cheaper alternatives might deliver similar outcomes.