Creighton University

Omaha, NE 68178 — Private Nonprofit

Value Score: 85/100 | ROI Score: -62 | Affordability Score: 55/100

Tuition (In-State): $48,856 | Out-of-State: $48,856

Acceptance Rate: 79.8% | Graduation Rate: 82.0% | Retention Rate: 94.2%

Median Earnings (10yr): $73,911 | Median Debt: $25,000

SAT Average: 1321 | ACT Midpoint: 28

Student Body Size: 4,348 (medium)

Pell Grant Recipients: 11.5% | Federal Loan Rate: 41.9%

Average Faculty Salary: $10,809/month

Tuition & Affordability Analysis

In-state tuition at Creighton University is $48,856 per year, which is 24% above the national average for private institutions.

Out-of-state students pay $48,856/year — a premium of $0 over in-state rates. Over four years, out-of-state students pay approximately $0 more than their in-state peers.

Estimated four-year tuition cost: $195,424 (tuition only, not including room, board, and fees).

What You Actually Pay: Net Price by Family Income

The sticker price rarely reflects what families actually pay. After grants and scholarships, here is the average net price by family income bracket at Creighton University:

Families earning $0–$30,000: $20,472/year
Families earning $30,001–$48,000: $22,095/year
Families earning $48,001–$75,000: $23,405/year
Families earning $75,001–$110,000: $28,113/year
Families earning $110,000+: $35,090/year

Low-income families receive an average discount of $28,384/year, paying just 42% of the sticker price.

Admissions Snapshot

Creighton University has an acceptance rate of 79.8%, placing it in the Less Selective (70–85%) category. This means roughly 1,363 students apply each year.

The average SAT score of admitted students is 1321, 25% above the national average. This reflects a strong academic student body.

The ACT midpoint is 28, 33% above the national average.

Graduate Outcomes & Return on Investment

82.0% of students at Creighton University complete their degree, 32% above the national average. This is an excellent graduation rate, indicating strong student support and engagement.

First-year retention rate: 94.2% (16% above the national average). A retention rate above 90% signals high student satisfaction and strong first-year experience programs.

Graduates of Creighton University earn a median salary of $73,911 ten years after enrollment, 81% above the national average. This represents a $38,911/year earnings premium over the average high school diploma holder, or $1,167,330 in additional lifetime earnings over a 30-year career.

The median student debt at graduation is $25,000, 16% above the national average. On a standard 10-year repayment plan at 5.5% interest, this translates to approximately $271/month, with a total repayment of $32,520 (including $7,520 in interest).

Debt-to-Earnings Ratio: 0.34x. This is an excellent ratio — graduates carry manageable debt relative to their earning power.

Breakeven Point: Based on the earnings premium over high school graduates, a degree from Creighton University pays for itself in approximately 6 years. This is a reasonable investment timeline.

Financial Aid Profile

11.5% of students at Creighton University receive Pell Grants (federal need-based aid for families earning under ~$60,000), 65% below the national average. A lower Pell rate suggests the student body skews toward higher-income families. Merit aid may be more prevalent than need-based aid.

41.9% of students take federal loans, 11% below the national average. This is a moderate borrowing rate.

Average faculty salary: $10,809/month, 24% above the national average. Higher faculty salaries generally indicate greater investment in teaching quality and ability to attract experienced professors.

Student Body & Campus Diversity

Creighton University enrolls 4,348 undergraduate students. This mid-sized institution offers a balance between personalized attention and diverse academic offerings.

Diversity Index: 50/100 (higher = more diverse). The campus has moderate diversity.

Student body composition: White 69%, Hispanic 10%, Black 3%, Asian 8%.

Creighton University: Strong Academic Programs and Good Career Outcomes

Creighton University: A Solid Midwestern Launchpad for Healthcare and Finance Careers
Is Creighton Worth the Investment? Analyzing Your Return After Graduation
Beyond the Classroom: Experiencing Jesuit Education and Career Success at Creighton

Report Card: Overall Grade C-

Creighton University receives an overall grade of C- based on six dimensions:

Academics: C+
Value: F
Outcomes: B+
Affordability: C-

College Analysis

Creighton University is a Private Nonprofit institution in Omaha, NE with approximately 4,348 students. Strong focus on healthcare and business programs, with high graduation and earnings rates. Moderate tuition with relatively low debt upon graduation, offering good value. Graduates enjoy strong career prospects with median earnings above the national average.

The Verdict: Is Creighton University Worth It?

Creighton University presents a complex value proposition. With an out-of-state tuition of $48,856 and a median 10-year earning of $73,911, the initial cost is substantial. The median debt of $25,000 is moderate, but the ROI score of -62 suggests a significant gap between the cost of education and early-to-mid career earnings. The payback period for the median debt, assuming a portion of the median salary is allocated to repayment, could be around 5-7 years, which is not unreasonable in itself. However, the negative ROI indicates that, on average, graduates are not recouping their investment quickly enough compared to the national average. While Creighton offers a strong education and good career placement, particularly in specific fields like healthcare, the sticker price, especially for out-of-state students, makes it a considerable financial commitment. It's not an outright bad deal, but it's certainly not a hidden gem. For students who can secure significant financial aid or scholarships, the value proposition improves dramatically. For others, it may be overpriced relative to the median earnings.

Return on Investment

While the degree is worth the cost given the strong academic programs and high earnings potential, the high tuition may be a concern for some students.

Debt Reality Check

Median student debt at Creighton University: $25,000. Monthly payment on a standard 10-year plan: $284/month. Total repaid: $34,080 ($9,080 in interest).

Breakeven vs high school diploma: 0.6 years. Debt burden: Low. Salary needed for comfortable repayment: $34,080.

Strengths

Strong focus on healthcare and business programs
High graduation and earnings rates

Weaknesses

Moderate size, which may limit certain resources and opportunities
Higher tuition compared to some public institutions

Academic Profile

SAT Average: 1321. ACT Midpoint: 28. Retention Rate: 94.2%.

Creighton University is renowned for its strong pre-professional programs, particularly in the health sciences, which is a significant draw for many students. The School of Medicine, School of Pharmacy and Health Professions, and the College of Nursing consistently rank highly and offer exceptional hands-on learning experiences. Beyond health sciences, the College of Arts and Sciences offers robust programs in fields like business analytics, economics, psychology, and political science, all benefiting from a student-faculty ratio of approximately 13:1, which facilitates close interaction with professors. Faculty quality is a cornerstone of the Creighton experience, with dedicated educators who are often leaders in their fields. While specific faculty salary data isn't publicly available, the university's commitment to attracting and retaining top talent is evident in its academic offerings. Research opportunities are plentiful, especially for undergraduates, who can engage in faculty-led projects across various disciplines, often culminating in presentations at undergraduate research symposia. The Honors Program provides a challenging academic path for high-achieving students, offering smaller class sizes, interdisciplinary seminars, and priority registration. Creighton also encourages global perspectives through its study abroad programs, with popular destinations and faculty-led trips. Academic support is comprehensive, including the Reinert Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning, tutoring services, writing centers, and dedicated academic advisors who guide students through their course selection and career planning.

Financial Aid Guide for Creighton University

Pell Grant recipients: 11.5%. Students taking federal loans: 41.9%.

Navigating financial aid at Creighton University involves understanding both merit-based and need-based aid opportunities. The university is committed to making its education accessible and offers a substantial amount of institutional aid. For the incoming class of 2023, approximately 99% of students received some form of financial aid, with the average grant and scholarship award totaling around $32,000. Merit scholarships are awarded automatically based on academic achievement (GPA and standardized test scores, if submitted) and are often renewable. Need-based aid, determined by the FAFSA and the CSS Profile, is also a significant component, with Creighton aiming to meet a substantial portion of demonstrated financial need through a combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. For families with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) below $10,000, Creighton aims to cover a larger percentage of need. Work-study opportunities are available for students who qualify, providing part-time employment on campus to help offset living expenses. Scholarship tips include applying early, completing the FAFSA and CSS Profile by the priority deadlines (typically February 1st), and exploring external scholarships. While Creighton is generally not known for aggressive aid negotiation, students with significant changes in financial circumstances or competing offers from similarly ranked institutions may find some room for discussion, particularly if they have strong academic profiles.

Hidden Costs at Creighton University

Room and board costs can range from approximately $15,000 to $17,000 annually, depending on the chosen housing and meal plan.
Textbooks and course materials can add an estimated $1,000 to $1,500 per academic year.
Student fees, including technology and activity fees, typically amount to around $1,000 per year.
Transportation costs, especially for students commuting or traveling home, can vary widely but budget at least $500-$1,000 annually.
Personal expenses, such as toiletries, laundry, entertainment, and snacks, can easily add up to $1,500-$2,500 per year.
Health insurance is required for all students; if not covered by a parent's plan, the university's student health insurance plan costs approximately $2,500-$3,000 annually.
Parking permits for students with cars on campus can cost between $200 and $500 per academic year.

Alumni Outcomes & Career Paths

Creighton University graduates are well-positioned for success, particularly within the Midwest. Major employers actively recruiting from Creighton include healthcare giants like CHI Health, Nebraska Medicine, and Children's Hospital & Medical Center Omaha, reflecting the university's strong pre-health and nursing programs. In the business and finance sectors, companies such as Deloitte, PwC, and Wells Fargo frequently hire Creighton alumni. The financial services industry, particularly in Omaha, is a significant cluster for graduates. Beyond healthcare and finance, alumni also find roles in technology, education, and consulting. Graduate school placement is robust, with many students pursuing advanced degrees in medicine, law, and business at prestigious institutions nationwide. While specific notable alumni are numerous, the university consistently produces leaders in healthcare and business. Creighton's career services are highly regarded, offering personalized guidance, resume workshops, and mock interviews. The university boasts strong internship pipelines, especially with local and regional healthcare systems and financial institutions, providing students with invaluable hands-on experience. Geographic hiring patterns show a strong concentration of alumni in Nebraska and surrounding states like Iowa, Kansas, and Missouri, though graduates also secure positions in larger hubs such as Chicago, Denver, and Minneapolis.

Campus Life & Culture at Creighton University

Creighton's student body is a diverse mix, drawing students from across Nebraska, the Midwest, and nationally, with a growing international presence. Students who thrive here are typically engaged, community-minded individuals who appreciate a challenging academic environment grounded in ethical principles and a desire to make a positive impact on the world.

Creighton University, a Jesuit Catholic institution in Omaha, Nebraska, cultivates a campus culture that blends academic rigor with a strong sense of community and service. The 'Bluejay' spirit is palpable, especially on game days at the CHI Health Center Omaha, where students rally behind the university's NCAA Division I athletics programs. Social life often revolves around campus events, intramural sports, and the numerous student organizations – over 150 of them – covering everything from academic clubs and cultural groups to service-oriented initiatives like the Creighton Students Union for Social Justice. While Greek life exists with a few fraternities and sororities, it's not the dominant social force, allowing for a broader range of student interactions. Many students live on campus for their first two years, with traditional residence halls like Kenefick Hall and Davis Hall offering a classic college living experience. Upperclassmen often move into apartment-style living on campus or explore nearby neighborhoods like the Old Market or Midtown, which offer a vibrant mix of restaurants, shops, and entertainment, easily accessible via walking or the campus shuttle. Dining options include the main dining hall, Cudahy Campus Center, along with various retail eateries and coffee shops providing convenient fuel for busy schedules. The overall vibe is one of engaged learning, mutual respect, and a commitment to 'Cura Personalis' – care for the whole person – fostering an environment where students are encouraged to grow intellectually, socially, and spiritually.

Campus Highlights

The iconic St. John's Chapel, a spiritual and architectural centerpiece of campus.
A strong emphasis on Jesuit values and service-learning integrated into the curriculum.
Exceptional health sciences programs with state-of-the-art facilities and clinical opportunities.
The vibrant Old Market district, just a short walk from campus, offering unique dining and entertainment.
Active NCAA Division I athletics program, fostering school spirit and community engagement.
The Reinert Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning, supporting innovative pedagogy.
A commitment to 'Cura Personalis' (care for the whole person) evident in student support services and campus culture.

Location & Regional Advantages

Creighton University's location in Omaha, Nebraska, offers a unique set of advantages for its students. Omaha boasts a surprisingly robust and diverse job market, particularly strong in the finance, insurance, and healthcare sectors. Major companies like Mutual of Omaha, Berkshire Hathaway, and the aforementioned healthcare systems provide ample local opportunities for internships and post-graduation employment. The cost of living in Omaha is significantly lower than the national average, making the overall financial burden of attending Creighton more manageable, especially when considering post-graduation earnings. While not a major coastal hub, Omaha is within a reasonable driving distance of other significant Midwestern cities like Kansas City and Des Moines, offering broader regional career prospects. The city itself offers a good quality of life with a growing culinary scene, cultural attractions, and numerous parks. Safety is generally good, with Omaha being a relatively secure urban environment. This Midwestern location fosters strong regional networks, and employers in the area often have a deep appreciation for Creighton graduates, creating a distinct advantage for those seeking careers within the heartland.

How to Get Into Creighton University

Creighton University employs a holistic review process, meaning they look beyond just grades and test scores. While the admission rate hovers around 80%, indicating a moderately selective environment, a strong application is still crucial. Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA) are available, with ED offering a slight advantage as it signals a strong commitment to Creighton. The admissions committee values academic preparation, demonstrated interest, leadership potential, and a commitment to service, aligning with the university's Jesuit values. Successful applicants typically present a strong high school GPA, often in the B+ to A- range, and while SAT/ACT scores are not a primary focus (and are often optional), admitted students who submit them tend to score in the mid-range of their respective tests. Essays are a key component; focus on topics that showcase your personality, your 'why Creighton,' and how you align with the university's mission of service and cura personalis. Demonstrating interest through campus visits (virtual or in-person), attending information sessions, and engaging with admissions counselors can positively impact your application. The application deadline for regular decision is typically around January 15th, with ED/EA deadlines in November.

How Creighton University Compares to Similar Schools

Similar schools: Marquette University, Saint Louis University, University of St. Thomas (MN), Drake University

Advantages

Stronger regional presence and employer recognition in the Omaha/Midwest market, particularly in healthcare and finance.
Lower cost of living in Omaha compared to Milwaukee, St. Louis, or Minneapolis, potentially easing post-graduation financial pressures.
A more focused, Jesuit-centric liberal arts and pre-professional education model that appeals to a specific student demographic.

Disadvantages

Smaller alumni network and less national brand recognition compared to larger universities.
Fewer diverse internship and job opportunities outside of the immediate Midwest region.
Potentially less robust research infrastructure and fewer graduate program options compared to larger, more research-intensive peers.

Best For

Best for students interested in healthcare and business fields
Best for students seeking a strong academic and career-focused education

Avoid If

Avoid if you are looking for a lower-cost alternative
Avoid if you prioritize a large university environment

Frequently Asked Questions about Creighton University

How much does it cost to attend Creighton University?

In-state tuition at Creighton University is $48,856 per year, and out-of-state tuition is $48,856 per year. The median student debt at graduation is $25,000.

What is the acceptance rate at Creighton University?

Creighton University has an acceptance rate of 79.8%.

What is the graduation rate at Creighton University?

Creighton University has a graduation rate of 82.0%.

How much do Creighton University graduates earn?

The median earnings for Creighton University graduates 10 years after enrollment is $73,911. With median debt of $25,000, graduates earn roughly 3.0x their debt level annually.

How big is Creighton University?

Creighton University has approximately 4,348 students and is classified as a medium institution. It is located in Omaha, NE and is a Private Nonprofit institution.

Is Creighton University worth the cost?

Creighton University has an ROI score of -62 out of 100. With in-state tuition of $48,856 per year and median post-graduation earnings of $73,911, the data suggests the return on investment may be below average.

Where is Creighton University located?

Creighton University is located in Omaha, NE. It is a Private Nonprofit institution with approximately 4,348 students.

How much student debt do Creighton University graduates have?

The median student debt for Creighton University graduates is $25,000. With median earnings of $73,911 ten years after enrollment, graduates can expect a debt-to-income ratio of 34%.

Is Creighton University a good college?

Creighton University has a graduation rate of 82.0% and median post-graduation earnings of $73,911. High graduation rate of 81.96%

How does Creighton University compare to similar colleges?

Strong focus on healthcare and business fields Compared to peer institutions, Creighton University offers a strong academic focus with high graduation and earnings rates, making it a valuable choice for students.

What career prospects do Creighton University graduates have?

Graduates from Creighton University are well-positioned for careers in healthcare and business, with strong earning potential.

What should prospective students know about Creighton University?

Creighton University holds a strong market position in the mid-sized private non-profit sector, offering a blend of academic rigor and career readiness.

What makes Creighton University stand out?

Median earnings of $73,911 after 10 years

What are the pros and cons of attending Creighton University?

Moderate tuition with low debt upon graduation

Explore More

Colleges in Nebraska

Browse all colleges in Nebraska

Similar Schools

College Rankings

Research Tools

H-1B Visa Salary Data

H-1B Salaries in Nebraska — Visa sponsorship salary data for Nebraska
Top H-1B Sponsors — Companies sponsoring work visas
H-1B Salary Calculator

Visit Creighton University official website

View on College Scorecard (Dept. of Education)

Analysis based on U.S. Department of Education data. Not enrollment advice. Verify information with the institution directly.