Median Earnings (1yr)
$60,923
77th percentile
60th percentile in Nebraska
Est. Median Debt
$26,893
Est. from NE median (3 programs)

Analysis

Nebraska Wesleyan's accounting graduates earn $60,923 in their first yearβ€”a strong showing that beats three-quarters of accounting programs nationally and sits comfortably above the state median of $54,785. While debt figures here are estimated from peer programs at similar Nebraska private schools (around $26,893), the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 suggests reasonable leverage: graduates would need roughly five months of gross income to cover their loans, a manageable burden for an accounting career where early earnings tend to be stable and predictable.

The earnings premium is real but modest. Nebraska Wesleyan places between mid-tier state options like Bellevue and Doane ($52-54k) and larger programs like Creighton ($68k). For context, the national accounting median sits at $53,694, so this program delivers a tangible $7,000 bump over what's typical elsewhere. That difference matters when you're servicing debt and building financial stability in your twenties.

The practical calculation: if similar private schools in Nebraska produce debt loads in the high $20,000s, your child would be borrowing strategically for above-average outcomes in a field with clear employment pathways. Accounting credentials translate directly to hiring demand, and starting above $60,000 provides breathing room. Just confirm actual financial aid packages align with these state-level debt estimates before committing.

Where Nebraska Wesleyan University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Nebraska Wesleyan University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska

Accounting bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (10 total in state)

Scroll to see more β†’

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Nebraska Wesleyan UniversityLincoln$41,658$60,923β€”$26,893*β€”
Creighton UniversityOmaha$47,000$68,070$79,988$26,893*0.40
University of Nebraska-LincolnLincoln$10,108$54,785$62,681$21,500*0.39
Bellevue UniversityBellevue$8,886$53,819$59,340$40,350*0.75
Doane UniversityCrete$40,491$52,160$59,830$26,324*0.50
National Medianβ€”$53,694β€”$25,000*0.47
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates

Financial Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate accounting, investing, banking, insurance, securities, and other financial activities of a branch, office, or department of an establishment.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Treasurers and Controllers

Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Investment Fund Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate investment strategy or operations for a large pool of liquid assets supplied by institutional investors or individual investors.

$161,700/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial and Investment Analysts

Conduct quantitative analyses of information involving investment programs or financial data of public or private institutions, including valuation of businesses.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Financial Examiners

Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.

$90,400/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Budget Analysts

Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.

$87,930/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

$81,680/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

$59,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.

$49,210/yrJobs growth:Some college, no degree

Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks

Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.

$48,650/yrJobs growth:High school diploma or equivalent
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 Nebraska Wesleyan University, approximately 30% 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 16 graduates with reported earnings and 16 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.