Analysis
Based on comparable business programs nationwide, Nebraska Wesleyan's estimated first-year earnings of $50,740 align precisely with the national median—a reassuring sign that the program likely delivers typical outcomes for this field. The estimated $26,500 in debt is slightly above the national median of $26,000, but the resulting debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52 suggests manageable repayment: graduates would owe roughly half their first-year salary, which most financial advisors consider reasonable for a bachelor's degree.
What complicates the picture is that both figures are estimates derived from peer institutions rather than Nebraska Wesleyan's actual graduate outcomes. The school's 30% Pell grant population and broad 84% admission rate indicate they serve a diverse student body, but without program-specific data, parents can't assess how effectively this particular program converts that access into career success. The lack of reported data—caused by small cohort sizes, not institutional failure—means you're essentially betting on Nebraska Wesleyan performing similarly to the median business program nationwide.
For families comfortable with that uncertainty, the estimated numbers suggest a defensible investment, particularly if your student values the smaller private college experience. But if you need concrete evidence of employment outcomes or salary ranges, you'll want direct conversations with the career services office about recent graduate placements—something the available data simply can't answer.
Where Nebraska Wesleyan University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business, management, marketing, bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Business, Management, Marketing, bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $41,658 | $50,740* | — | $26,500* | — | |
| $13,120 | $82,115* | — | $29,062* | 0.35 | |
| $16,450 | $80,842* | — | $15,697* | 0.19 | |
| $41,010 | $73,382* | $78,432 | $27,000* | 0.37 | |
| $59,070 | $72,850* | $89,485 | $26,500* | 0.36 | |
| $58,150 | $70,365* | $89,440 | $26,000* | 0.37 | |
| National Median | — | $50,740* | — | $26,000* | 0.51 |
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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 31 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.