Analysis
Based on similar History bachelor's programs in Nebraska, graduates from Chadron State typically face estimated first-year earnings around $36,400—a figure that outpaces the national median for History majors by over $5,000. The estimated debt load of $20,500 creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56, meaning graduates would need to dedicate roughly seven months of their first-year salary to pay off loans. That's a more manageable position than many humanities programs achieve nationally, where debt frequently exceeds $24,000.
What's encouraging is that Nebraska's History programs cluster within a relatively tight earnings range, with peer institutions like UNO reporting similar outcomes. The state appears to offer more consistent employment opportunities for History graduates than many regions. With over a third of Chadron State students receiving Pell grants, the combination of lower debt and competitive earnings suggests the program provides reasonable access for first-generation and lower-income students seeking humanities degrees.
The key limitation here: these figures come from statewide medians, not Chadron State's actual graduate outcomes. For a small-town campus serving a different student population than Nebraska's urban universities, results could vary. Still, the estimated numbers suggest a History degree from Chadron State could deliver better value than the typical program nationally—if the peer-program projections hold true.
Where Chadron State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (15 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $8,078 | $36,401* | — | $20,500* | — | |
| $8,302 | $39,340* | — | $18,250* | 0.46 | |
| $8,370 | $36,401* | $44,840 | $21,500* | 0.59 | |
| $10,108 | $33,013* | $40,161 | $20,500* | 0.62 | |
| National Median | — | $31,220* | — | $24,000* | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with history graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
History Teachers, Postsecondary
Historians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Archivists
Curators
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Chadron State College, approximately 36% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 3 similar programs in NE. Actual outcomes may vary.