Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Creighton University

A $27,000 debt load for a credential that typically produces first-year earnings around $36,340 creates a manageable but tight financial situation. The estimated 0.74 debt-to-earnings ratio—derived from national benchmarks for similar liberal arts bachelor's programs—falls within reasonable bounds, though it leaves little cushion for graduates entering fields where starting salaries hover in the mid-$30,000s.

What complicates the picture is Creighton's position among Nebraska liberal arts programs. The University of Nebraska at Omaha reports actual earnings of $40,892 for its liberal arts graduates—about $4,500 more than what peer programs nationally suggest for Creighton. That's a meaningful gap when you're managing $27,000 in loans. Meanwhile, the student body composition (just 5% receiving Pell grants) points to a relatively affluent cohort, which often correlates with better networking opportunities and family support that can offset modest starting salaries.

The core question is whether Creighton's private institution premium—you're likely paying more than you would at UNO—translates into outcomes that justify the investment for a general liberal arts degree. Based on comparable programs, the answer isn't clearly yes. If your child has specific graduate school plans or career pathways where Creighton's name and network matter, the estimated debt load is workable. But if they're uncertain about post-graduation direction, the combination of moderate estimated earnings and higher private school costs deserves serious scrutiny against Nebraska's public alternatives.