Analysis
Creighton's finance program commands a premiumβ$26,975 in median debt versus $23,312 for Nebraska programsβbut that higher investment translates into stronger career outcomes. First-year earnings of $60,605 put graduates above the 75th percentile nationally and ahead of the state median, with the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.45 comparing favorably to typical finance programs. The robust sample size of 100+ graduates makes these numbers reliable, not statistical noise.
The trajectory here matters as much as the starting point. By year four, median earnings jump to $78,827βa 30% increase that significantly outpaces typical career growth. That's $5,000 more than in-state rivals like University of Nebraska-Lincoln after just one year, and the gap likely widens over time. Among Nebraska's six finance programs, Creighton ranks at the 60th percentile for earnings, suggesting it's competitive within the state while drawing more national-caliber students (evidenced by the 1296 average SAT).
For families, this looks like a solid if not spectacular investment. The moderate debt load gets paid down quickly with these earnings, and the program's strong national ranking (76th percentile) suggests Creighton's brand and network deliver value beyond the Omaha metro. The catch: only 5% of students receive Pell grants, signaling this program primarily serves affluent families who may have other financial resources. If your student needs to borrow the full cost of attendance, verify what total debt looks likeβthis $26,975 figure only captures federal loans.
Where Creighton University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all finance and financial management services bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Creighton University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creighton University | $60,605 | $78,827 | +30% |
| University of Pennsylvania | $122,698 | $206,646 | +68% |
| Washington University in St Louis | $102,814 | $152,625 | +48% |
| Georgetown University | $106,218 | $126,672 | +19% |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | $55,979 | $69,641 | +24% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska
Finance and Financial Management Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (6 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $47,000 | $60,605 | $78,827 | $26,975 | 0.45 | |
| $10,108 | $55,979 | $69,641 | $19,650 | 0.35 | |
| National Median | β | $53,590 | β | $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 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 105 graduates with reported earnings and 105 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.