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

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

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

Union Adventist University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $94,864 in 14.2 years versus 37.2 years at University of Nebraska at Kearney, on median earnings of $55,045 vs $50,105 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Nebraska at KearneyUnion Adventist University
Net price / yr$16,242$23,716
Total net cost$64,968$94,864
Median earnings, 10 yrs$50,105$55,045
Median debt$19,500$27,000
Payback37.2 yrs14.2 yrs
20-year net return-$30,068$38,836

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

Which is cheaper, University of Nebraska at Kearney or Union Adventist University?

University of Nebraska at Kearney, at $16,242 a year after aid versus $23,716 — a gap of $7,474 a year, or $29,896 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 Union Adventist University graduates earn more?

Union Adventist University graduates report a median $55,045 ten years after entry, $4,940 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 Union Adventist University?

University of Nebraska at Kearney: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Union Adventist University, a difference of $7,500. 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 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.

University of Nebraska at Kearney vs Union Adventist University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Nebraska at Kearney or Union Adventist University a better value?
Union Adventist University. It clears its $94,864 net cost in about 14.2 years versus 37.2 years at University of Nebraska at Kearney, on median earnings of $55,045 vs $50,105 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Nebraska at Kearney or Union Adventist University?
University of Nebraska at Kearney: $16,242/yr net price after aid versus $23,716/yr at Union Adventist University — a difference of $7,474 a year, or about $29,896 over four years.
Do University of Nebraska at Kearney or Union Adventist University graduates earn more?
Union Adventist University graduates earn a median $55,045 ten years after entry, versus $50,105 at University of Nebraska at Kearney — a $4,940 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.