Analysis
Nebraska-Lincoln's Business/Managerial Economics program delivers exactly what you'd expect from a solid state flagship: starting salaries around $55,400 that climb steadily to $59,400 by year four, paired with manageable debt of $20,000. That's roughly one-third of first-year earnings, which puts graduates in a comfortable position to handle their loans while building their careers. The numbers mirror Nebraska's median for this field, which makes sense given there are only two schools in the state offering it.
The program sits near the middle of the pack nationally—58th percentile for earnings—but that national comparison matters less than what graduates actually take home. A $55,000 starting salary in Lincoln goes significantly further than $60,000 in Boston or San Francisco. The 7% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates are advancing rather than stagnating, though this isn't a field where you'll see explosive salary jumps early on.
For Nebraska families, this is a straightforward value play: reasonable debt, predictable outcomes, and a degree from a well-regarded state university with a 77% acceptance rate. Your child won't be taking on crushing debt or gambling on uncertain returns. They'll graduate with marketable skills and clear career pathways in business analysis, market research, or corporate strategy roles that pay reliably from day one.
Where University of Nebraska-Lincoln Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all business/managerial economics bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Nebraska-Lincoln 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-Lincoln | $55,404 | $59,372 | +7% |
| Villanova University | $82,212 | $122,309 | +49% |
| Lehigh University | $81,796 | $101,741 | +24% |
| Brigham Young University | $75,227 | $97,349 | +29% |
| University of California-Los Angeles | $83,604 | $92,873 | +11% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Business/Managerial Economics bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,108 | $55,404 | $59,372 | $20,000 | 0.36 | |
| $62,982 | $106,701 | — | — | — | |
| $13,747 | $83,604 | $92,873 | $17,332 | 0.21 | |
| $64,701 | $82,212 | $122,309 | $27,000 | 0.33 | |
| $62,180 | $81,796 | $101,741 | $23,240 | 0.28 | |
| $6,496 | $75,227 | $97,349 | — | — | |
| National Median | — | $53,219 | — | $22,250 | 0.42 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with business/managerial economics graduates
Economists
Environmental Economists
Financial Risk Specialists
Management Analysts
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary
Survey Researchers
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-Lincoln, approximately 22% 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 38 graduates with reported earnings and 37 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.