History at Bellevue University

In Nebraska, history bachelor's programs show first-year earnings clustering in the mid-$30,000s, and Bellevue's estimated $36,401 falls right in line with this statewide pattern—matching what graduates from the University of Nebraska at Omaha typically earn and exceeding the national median for history majors by over $5,000. The estimated debt load of roughly $26,000 sits somewhat above the state median but below what many private institutions charge, resulting in a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71—manageable territory where graduates could theoretically dedicate one year's salary to clearing their loans.

The real uncertainty here is whether Bellevue's actual outcomes align with these peer-program estimates. History degrees don't typically command high starting salaries regardless of where you earn them, so families should expect modest initial earnings even if these figures prove accurate. The field often requires additional credentials or pivoting into adjacent careers (teaching, nonprofit management, public history) where the trajectory matters more than the starting point. For a student genuinely drawn to history and planning strategically for what comes after graduation, this debt level won't be crushing, but it does mean entering the job market with a monthly payment that will feel significant on a sub-$40,000 salary. The key question isn't just the numbers—it's whether your student has a realistic plan for turning a history degree into stable employment.