Economics at Creighton University

Creighton's economics program demonstrates something parents should find reassuring: steady earnings growth that significantly outpaces the modest debt load. Starting at $54,827, graduates see their income jump 40% to nearly $77,000 by year four—a trajectory that suggests strong career momentum rather than a ceiling effect. With debt representing just 48% of first-year earnings, this program offers one of the more manageable financial starts among economics degrees nationally.

The comparative picture adds confidence. Creighton ranks solidly in the 60th percentile for earnings both nationally and within Nebraska, while keeping debt in the 15th percentile—meaning 85% of economics programs saddle graduates with more debt. In a state with only seven economics programs, Creighton positions itself as neither the bargain option nor the luxury choice, but rather the steady middle ground that delivers on earnings without requiring outsized borrowing.

For parents weighing cost against outcomes, this program makes financial sense. The debt level is reasonable enough that a graduate could aggressively pay it down during those strong earning years between graduation and age 30. The 40% earnings growth suggests employers value what students learn here, and the relatively low debt load means your child won't spend their late twenties financially hamstrung. It's not a flashy value proposition, but it's a sound one.