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University of Nebraska at Kearney vs Midland University: which has better ROI?

Public, Kearney NE · vs · Private nonprofit, Fremont NE

The verdict

Midland University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $105,068 in 27.6 years versus 37.2 years at University of Nebraska at Kearney, on median earnings of $52,163 vs $50,105 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Nebraska at KearneyMidland University
Net price / yr$16,242$26,267
Total net cost$64,968$105,068
Median earnings, 10 yrs$50,105$52,163
Median debt$19,500$26,134
Payback37.2 yrs27.6 yrs
20-year net return-$30,068-$29,008

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

Which is cheaper, University of Nebraska at Kearney or Midland University?

University of Nebraska at Kearney, at $16,242 a year after aid versus $26,267 — a gap of $10,025 a year, or $40,100 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 Midland University graduates earn more?

Midland University graduates report a median $52,163 ten years after entry, $2,058 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 Midland University?

University of Nebraska at Kearney: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $26,134 at Midland University, a difference of $6,634. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

58% of students finish at University of Nebraska at Kearney, against 42% at Midland 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.

University of Nebraska at Kearney vs Midland University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Nebraska at Kearney or Midland University a better value?
Midland University. It clears its $105,068 net cost in about 27.6 years versus 37.2 years at University of Nebraska at Kearney, on median earnings of $52,163 vs $50,105 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Nebraska at Kearney or Midland University?
University of Nebraska at Kearney: $16,242/yr net price after aid versus $26,267/yr at Midland University — a difference of $10,025 a year, or about $40,100 over four years.
Do University of Nebraska at Kearney or Midland University graduates earn more?
Midland University graduates earn a median $52,163 ten years after entry, versus $50,105 at University of Nebraska at Kearney — a $2,058 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.