Head-to-head · 2026
Chadron State College vs Nebraska Wesleyan University
Compare average net price ($12,549 at Chadron State College; $18,327 at Nebraska Wesleyan University), ROI score (9.36 vs 7.69), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($47,002 vs $56,405), and admissions context (Open / not reported at Chadron State College; 79.8% at Nebraska Wesleyan University) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Chadron State College | Nebraska Wesleyan University |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 9.36 ✓ | 7.69 |
| Avg net price | $12,549 ✓ | $18,327 |
| 4-year avg net price | $50,196 ✓ | $73,308 |
| In-state tuition | $8,290 | $43,572 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $8,290 | $43,572 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $47,002 | $56,405 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | Open / not reported | 79.8% |
| Graduation rate | 50.4% | 66.1% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 63.2% | 75% ✓ |
| Median debt | $18,875 ✓ | $26,970 |
| Enrollment | 1,540 | 1,453 |
| Ownership | Public | Private Non-Profit |
| Avg SAT | — | 1189 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Chadron State College | Nebraska Wesleyan University |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $10,047 ✓ | $14,925 |
| Family income $30–48k | $10,090 ✓ | $16,974 |
| Family income $48–75k | $12,561 ✓ | $14,594 |
| Family income $75–110k | $14,674 ✓ | $18,244 |
| Family income $110k+ | $16,047 ✓ | $23,652 |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Chadron State College | Nebraska Wesleyan University |
|---|---|---|
| Biology, General | 2.5% | 9.8% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 7.1% | 4.7% |
| Psychology, General | 3.7% | 5.9% |
| Social Work | 1.3% | 5.5% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 4.8% | 1.6% |
| Special Education and Teaching | 4.4% | 1.6% |
| Curriculum and Instruction | 5.2% | 0.6% |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | 4% | 1.6% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Chadron State College reports the lower average net price by $5,778 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $23,112 difference over four years ($50,196 vs $73,308).
Nebraska Wesleyan University reports $9,403 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($56,405 vs $47,002). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 63.2% at Chadron State College and 75% at Nebraska Wesleyan University. Median federal debt among completers is $18,875 vs $26,970, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
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Frequently asked
Chadron State College vs Nebraska Wesleyan University, answered
3 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Chadron State College is cheaper — average net price $12,549 per year vs $18,327 at Nebraska Wesleyan University. The annual difference of $5,778 adds up to about $23,112 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Nebraska Wesleyan University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $56,405 vs $47,002 at Chadron State College. The gap in the federal data is $9,403. This is not major-specific earnings.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.