Analysis
A debt load around $23,000 for an accounting degree is actually lighter than typicalβnational benchmarks show most accounting grads carry closer to $25,000, and Nebraska programs average $26,608. That's a meaningful advantage when you're starting your career, particularly for a field where first-year salaries are relatively predictable.
Based on comparable accounting programs in Nebraska, graduates typically earn around $54,785 in their first year, right in line with the national median for accounting bachelor's degrees. This puts UNO's program squarely in the middle of Nebraska's accounting landscapeβnot at Creighton's $68,000 level, but competitive with UN-Lincoln and ahead of several smaller private schools. The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 means you'd owe less than half your first year's salary, which is manageable territory for an accounting graduate who can expect fairly steady career progression and professional certification opportunities.
The real value here comes from the lower debt burden combined with solid earning potential. While we can't verify these specific figures for UNO graduates, similar Nebraska programs suggest you're looking at a practical path into accounting without the debt load that often accompanies private alternatives. For families focused on return on investment, that lighter debt obligation makes this program worth serious consideration.
Where University of Nebraska at Omaha Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all accounting bachelors's 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,370 | $54,785* | β | $23,054* | β | |
| $47,000 | $68,070* | $79,988 | $26,893* | 0.40 | |
| $41,658 | $60,923* | β | β* | β | |
| $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 University of Nebraska at Omaha, approximately 33% 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 median of 5 similar programs in NE. Actual outcomes may vary.