International Business at Creighton University

Based on comparable programs nationwide, Creighton's International Business bachelor's produces estimated first-year earnings of $49,890—a figure that slightly exceeds both Nebraska's median for this field ($47,534) and the national benchmark. The estimated $25,000 debt load translates to a 0.50 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly half their first year's salary. This positions the program near national norms for both outcomes and affordability.

What complicates the picture is Creighton's profile as a moderately selective private institution (72% admission rate, 1296 SAT average) serving a predominantly affluent student body (just 5% receive Pell grants). Students from families without significant financial resources may face different debt realities than these estimates suggest. Meanwhile, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln reports actual earnings of $47,534 for its International Business graduates—about $2,400 less annually—while likely offering substantially lower tuition as a public university.

The modest premium in projected earnings may not justify the private school investment, particularly since international business roles often value work experience and networking as heavily as institutional prestige. If your child has strong financial aid from Creighton, the estimated debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageability. Without significant aid, the public alternative warrants serious consideration—the small earnings difference could easily be offset by graduating with less debt and greater financial flexibility early in a career.