Economics at Nebraska Wesleyan University

An economics degree typically positions graduates for solid early earnings, but with only limited data available, Nebraska Wesleyan's outcomes remain uncertain. Similar economics programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $52,000—respectable for a bachelor's degree—though this sits below the $55,000 median among Nebraska's seven economics programs. Creighton, the only in-state program with reported data, posts earnings at that higher benchmark, raising questions about whether Nebraska Wesleyan's liberal arts focus translates similarly to Nebraska's employment market.

The estimated debt of $24,000 aligns closely with what comparable private institutions typically produce for economics majors, and the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.47 suggests manageable repayment under normal circumstances. This would typically translate to monthly payments around $275 on a standard plan—roughly 6% of gross monthly income at the estimated salary level. That's workable, though not especially comfortable for a recent graduate establishing themselves financially.

The real challenge here is that you're making this decision largely in the dark. With no program-specific outcomes data and only one peer school in Nebraska reporting results, you're essentially betting that Nebraska Wesleyan's economics program performs at least as well as the national average. If your child has admission offers from programs with actual reported data—particularly if those numbers exceed $55,000—those provide far more certainty about return on investment.