Finance and Financial Management Services at Midland University

A projected debt load of $25,812 for a finance degree that estimates first-year earnings at $53,590 produces a 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio—manageable territory by conventional standards. However, the comparison to Nebraska's other finance programs reveals a significant gap. The six finance programs statewide typically produce median earnings of $58,292, with Creighton graduates starting near $60,605 and even Nebraska-Lincoln reaching $55,979.

That $5,000-plus difference between Midland's estimated outcomes and the state median compounds quickly over a career. For a field where networking, alumni connections, and institutional reputation often drive early opportunities, Midland's 67% admission rate and modest SAT profile may limit access to the most competitive finance positions that command higher starting salaries. The debt figure itself isn't alarming—it's roughly on par with state and national medians—but paired with below-average estimated earnings, it creates a less favorable value equation than neighboring programs offer.

Given the uncertainty inherent in these estimates and the measurable gaps with peer programs, parents should dig into actual placement outcomes: where do Midland finance graduates land their first jobs, and what firms recruit on campus? The numbers suggest you might be paying similar debt for notably different career trajectories.