Accounting at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

University of Nebraska-Lincoln's accounting program hits the sweet spot that parents shopping for value rarely find: earnings that beat most state competitors while keeping debt substantially below what students at peer schools typically carry. With graduates entering at $54,785 and reaching $62,681 by year four, earnings match the state median while coming in notably cheaper—$21,500 in debt versus $26,608 statewide. Among Nebraska's ten accounting programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings, meaning it outperforms most options while the flagship university's in-state tuition advantage shows up clearly in that below-average debt load.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 means graduates owe less than five months of their starting salary, giving them financial flexibility right out of the gate. Yes, Creighton's grads earn $13,000 more initially, but they're likely carrying significantly more debt to get there. The 14% earnings growth to year four signals steady career progression rather than spectacular jumps, which is actually typical for accounting—a profession built on predictable advancement rather than volatile compensation.

For Nebraska families, this is straightforward: their flagship delivers solid accounting credentials at a price point that makes the degree immediately workable. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) confirms this is an established program, not a small experiment. If your child wants to work in accounting and you're paying in-state tuition, you're getting market-rate career outcomes without the debt burden that makes so many degrees feel like a gamble.