Est. Earnings (1yr)
$36,401
Est. from NE median (3 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$20,500
Est. from NE median (3 programs)

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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Chadron State CollegeChadron$8,078$36,401*$20,500*
University of Nebraska at KearneyKearney$8,302$39,340*$18,250*0.46
University of Nebraska at OmahaOmaha$8,370$36,401*$44,840$21,500*0.59
University of Nebraska-LincolnLincoln$10,108$33,013*$40,161$20,500*0.62
National Median$31,220*$24,000*0.77
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with history graduates

Natural Sciences Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, statistics, and research and development in these fields.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Clinical Research Coordinators

Plan, direct, or coordinate clinical research projects. Direct the activities of workers engaged in clinical research projects to ensure compliance with protocols and overall clinical objectives. May evaluate and analyze clinical data.

$161,180/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

History Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in human history and historiography. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Historians

Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.

$74,050/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.

$64,580/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Archivists

Appraise, edit, and direct safekeeping of permanent records and historically valuable documents. Participate in research activities based on archival materials.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Curators

Administer collections, such as artwork, collectibles, historic items, or scientific specimens of museums or other institutions. May conduct instructional, research, or public service activities of institution.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Museum Technicians and Conservators

Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit. May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art. May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits. Includes book or document conservators.

$57,100/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

Regulatory Affairs Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

Compliance Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

Loss Prevention Managers

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

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.