Head-to-head · 2026
Nebraska Wesleyan University vs Western Nebraska Community College
Compare average net price ($18,327 at Nebraska Wesleyan University; $5,474 at Western Nebraska Community College), ROI score (7.69 vs 17.69), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($56,405 vs $38,729), and admissions context (79.8% at Nebraska Wesleyan University; Open / not reported at Western Nebraska Community College) 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 | Nebraska Wesleyan University | Western Nebraska Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 7.69 | 17.69 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $18,327 | $5,474 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $73,308 | $21,896 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $43,572 | $3,840 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $43,572 | $4,410 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $56,405 ✓ | $38,729 |
| Acceptance rate | 79.8% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 66.1% ✓ | 36.6% |
| Retention rate | 75% ✓ | 52.8% |
| Median debt | $26,970 | $9,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,453 | 893 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| 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 | Nebraska Wesleyan University | Western Nebraska Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $14,925 | $4,420 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $16,974 | $3,808 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $14,594 | $7,099 ✓ |
| Family income $75–110k | $18,244 | $9,904 ✓ |
| Family income $110k+ | $23,652 | $11,714 ✓ |
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 | Nebraska Wesleyan University | Western Nebraska Community College |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | 10.6% | 4.4% |
| Biology, General | 9.8% | 0.6% |
| Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness | 8.4% | 1.5% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 4.7% | 3.6% |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | 2.5% | 4.9% |
| Psychology, General | 5.9% | 1.3% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 1.8% | 2.4% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 1.6% | 1.8% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
Western Nebraska Community College reports the lower average net price by $12,853 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $51,412 difference over four years ($21,896 vs $73,308).
Nebraska Wesleyan University reports $17,676 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($56,405 vs $38,729). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 75% at Nebraska Wesleyan University and 52.8% at Western Nebraska Community College. Median federal debt among completers is $26,970 vs $9,000, 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
Related college comparisons
Promoted matchups involving the same colleges or other leading schools in their states.
Frequently asked
Nebraska Wesleyan University vs Western Nebraska Community College, answered
3 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
Western Nebraska Community College is cheaper — average net price $5,474 per year vs $18,327 at Nebraska Wesleyan University. The annual difference of $12,853 adds up to about $51,412 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
Nebraska Wesleyan University reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $56,405 vs $38,729 at Western Nebraska Community College. The gap in the federal data is $17,676. 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.