Physiology, Pathology at Creighton University

Creighton's Physiology and Pathology program produces first-year earnings of $23,926—nearly $7,000 below the national median for this degree. While that places it in just the 5th percentile nationally, it's actually the 60th percentile in Nebraska, which tells you more about the state's limited opportunities in this field than it does about Creighton's quality. The $27,000 debt load is slightly above the national median, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.13.

The real question for parents: is this degree designed as a stepping stone to graduate school? These earnings suggest most graduates either pursue additional education or work in entry-level healthcare roles while completing prerequisites for professional programs. If your student is planning on medical school, pharmacy, or another advanced degree, the relatively manageable debt makes sense. But if they expect this bachelor's degree to launch a career immediately, the numbers are sobering—$24,000 annually doesn't provide much financial independence.

For families committed to Creighton and interested in healthcare, this could work as part of a longer educational path. Just recognize you're essentially paying for the first chapter of a multi-volume story. Make sure your student has a clear plan for chapter two before investing in chapter one.