University of Nebraska at Kearney vs Concordia University-Nebraska: which has better ROI?
Concordia University-Nebraska has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $95,860 in 23.6 years versus 37.2 years at University of Nebraska at Kearney, on median earnings of $52,415 vs $50,105 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Nebraska at Kearney | Concordia University-Nebraska |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $16,242 | $23,965 |
| Total net cost | $64,968 | $95,860 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $50,105 | $52,415 |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $25,750 |
| Payback | 37.2 yrs | 23.6 yrs |
| 20-year net return | -$30,068 | -$14,760 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Nebraska at Kearney or Concordia University-Nebraska?
University of Nebraska at Kearney, at $16,242 a year after aid versus $23,965 — a gap of $7,723 a year, or $30,892 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Nebraska at Kearney or Concordia University-Nebraska graduates earn more?
Concordia University-Nebraska graduates report a median $52,415 ten years after entry, $2,310 more than the $50,105 at University of Nebraska at Kearney. 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, University of Nebraska at Kearney or Concordia University-Nebraska?
University of Nebraska at Kearney: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $25,750 at Concordia University-Nebraska, a difference of $6,250. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
65% of students finish at Concordia University-Nebraska, against 58% at University of Nebraska at Kearney. 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.