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Doane University vs Union Adventist University: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Crete NE · vs · Private nonprofit, Lincoln NE

The verdict

Union Adventist University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $94,864 in 14.2 years versus 21.3 years at Doane University, on median earnings of $55,045 vs $53,316 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureDoane UniversityUnion Adventist University
Net price / yr$26,364$23,716
Total net cost$105,456$94,864
Median earnings, 10 yrs$53,316$55,045
Median debt$25,000$27,000
Payback21.3 yrs14.2 yrs
20-year net return-$6,336$38,836

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

Which is cheaper, Doane University or Union Adventist University?

Union Adventist University, at $23,716 a year after aid versus $26,364 — a gap of $2,648 a year, or $10,592 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 Union Adventist University graduates earn more?

Union Adventist University graduates report a median $55,045 ten years after entry, $1,729 more than the $53,316 at Doane University. 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 Union Adventist University?

Doane University: its completers carry a median $25,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Union Adventist University, 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 52% at Union Adventist University. 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 Union Adventist University: frequently asked questions

Is Doane University or Union Adventist University a better value?
Union Adventist University. It clears its $94,864 net cost in about 14.2 years versus 21.3 years at Doane University, on median earnings of $55,045 vs $53,316 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Doane University or Union Adventist University?
Union Adventist University: $23,716/yr net price after aid versus $26,364/yr at Doane University — a difference of $2,648 a year, or about $10,592 over four years.
Do Doane University or Union Adventist University graduates earn more?
Union Adventist University graduates earn a median $55,045 ten years after entry, versus $53,316 at Doane University — a $1,729 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.