Analysis
Nebraska Wesleyan's accounting graduates earn $60,923 in their first yearβa 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)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $41,658 | $60,923 | β | $26,893* | β | |
| $47,000 | $68,070 | $79,988 | $26,893* | 0.40 | |
| $10,108 | $54,785 | $62,681 | $21,500* | 0.39 | |
| $8,886 | $53,819 | $59,340 | $40,350* | 0.75 | |
| $40,491 | $52,160 | $59,830 | $26,324* | 0.50 | |
| National Median | β | $53,694 | β | $25,000* | 0.47 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with accounting graduates
Financial Managers
Treasurers and Controllers
Investment Fund Managers
Financial and Investment Analysts
Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Examiners
Budget Analysts
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Accountants and Auditors
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
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.