Analysis
A biology degree from UNO costs significantly less in debt than typical biology programs—about $4,000 below the national median and $5,000 less than Nebraska's average. Combined with starting salaries that beat 73% of biology programs nationally, this creates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59, meaning graduates can realistically pay off their loans in about a year's salary.
Within Nebraska, UNO ranks as the second-highest earner among biology programs, trailing only Bellevue University and notably ahead of more selective private schools like Creighton. The first-year salary of $35,831 jumps to $41,587 by year four—a 16% increase that suggests graduates are finding stable career paths, whether in healthcare, research, or other scientific fields. This trajectory matters for a field where many graduates pursue additional education or certification while working.
For families weighing the investment, UNO's combination of lower debt and above-average earnings makes this one of the stronger biology programs in the region. The 87% admission rate means access isn't a barrier, and graduates aren't saddled with the debt loads that plague biology majors at many institutions. If your student is considering pre-med or another graduate path, starting with less debt is a real advantage.
Where University of Nebraska at Omaha Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all biology bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Nebraska at Omaha graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nebraska at Omaha | $35,831 | $41,587 | +16% |
| Creighton University | $27,924 | $52,421 | +88% |
| Doane University | $35,302 | $50,459 | +43% |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | $24,063 | $47,674 | +98% |
| Concordia University-Nebraska | $27,785 | $45,664 | +64% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska
Biology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (17 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Nebraska at OmahaOmaha | $8,370 | $35,831 | $41,587 | $21,250 | 0.59 |
 Bellevue UniversityBellevue | $8,886 | $40,741 | — | $28,031 | 0.69 |
 Doane UniversityCrete | $40,491 | $35,302 | $50,459 | $27,000 | 0.76 |
 Wayne State CollegeWayne | $7,970 | $32,538 | — | $18,761 | 0.58 |
 Creighton UniversityOmaha | $47,000 | $27,924 | $52,421 | $26,959 | 0.97 |
 Concordia University-NebraskaSeward | $39,330 | $27,785 | $45,664 | $27,000 | 0.97 |
| National Median | — | $32,316 | — | $25,000 | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with biology graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
Water Resource Specialists
Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Forensic Science Technicians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Biological Technicians
Agricultural Technicians
Precision Agriculture Technicians
Food Science Technicians
Biological Scientists, All Other
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.
Sample Size: Based on 80 graduates with reported earnings and 115 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.