Analysis
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.
Where Creighton University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all physiology, pathology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Creighton University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Physiology, Pathology bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $47,000 | $23,926 | — | $27,000 | 1.13 | |
| $17,472 | $39,712 | $59,814 | $25,125 | 0.63 | |
| $17,462 | $39,712 | $59,814 | $25,125 | 0.63 | |
| $20,366 | $39,712 | $59,814 | $25,125 | 0.63 | |
| $17,462 | $39,712 | $59,814 | $25,125 | 0.63 | |
| $17,452 | $39,712 | $59,814 | $25,125 | 0.63 | |
| National Median | — | $30,962 | — | $23,384 | 0.76 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with physiology, pathology graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Biochemists and Biophysicists
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
Exercise Physiologists
Biological Scientists, All Other
Bioinformatics Scientists
Molecular and Cellular Biologists
Geneticists
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 31 graduates with reported earnings and 67 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.