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Doane University vs Hastings College: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Crete NE · vs · Private nonprofit, Hastings NE

The verdict

Doane University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $105,456 in 21.3 years versus 33.2 years at Hastings College, on median earnings of $53,316 vs $51,303 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureDoane UniversityHastings College
Net price / yr$26,364$24,452
Total net cost$105,456$97,808
Median earnings, 10 yrs$53,316$51,303
Median debt$25,000$27,000
Payback21.3 yrs33.2 yrs
20-year net return-$6,336-$38,948

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Doane University or Hastings College?

Hastings College, at $24,452 a year after aid versus $26,364 — a gap of $1,912 a year, or $7,648 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Doane University or Hastings College graduates earn more?

Doane University graduates report a median $53,316 ten years after entry, $2,013 more than the $51,303 at Hastings College. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, Doane University or Hastings College?

Doane University: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Hastings College, a difference of $2,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

57% of students finish at Doane University, against 49% at Hastings College. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

Doane University vs Hastings College: frequently asked questions

Is Doane University or Hastings College a better value?
Doane University. It clears its $105,456 net cost in about 21.3 years versus 33.2 years at Hastings College, on median earnings of $53,316 vs $51,303 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Doane University or Hastings College?
Hastings College: $24,452/yr net price after aid versus $26,364/yr at Doane University — a difference of $1,912 a year, or about $7,648 over four years.
Do Doane University or Hastings College graduates earn more?
Doane University graduates earn a median $53,316 ten years after entry, versus $51,303 at Hastings College — a $2,013 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.