Analysis
A history degree from a selective-access Nebraska institution carries estimated debt of nearly $26,000—about $5,500 above what similar programs in the state typically require. That premium matters when comparing outcomes across Nebraska's history programs, where first-year earnings cluster tightly. The three public universities with reported data all land within a $6,300 range, suggesting that program choice may matter less than credential acquisition in this field within the state.
The estimated earnings figure of $36,401 aligns with Nebraska's median for history programs and exceeds the national benchmark by about $5,000, reflecting the state's relatively strong outcomes in this major. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.71 sits in reasonable territory—graduates would dedicate roughly nine months of first-year income to repaying loans under standard terms. However, these estimates come from peer institutions rather than Concordia's actual graduate outcomes, making them suggestive rather than definitive of what this specific program delivers.
For families considering this path, the key question becomes whether Concordia's educational environment justifies borrowing 25% more than the state's typical history graduate. Without program-specific outcome data, you're essentially betting that this school's particular approach will produce results comparable to or better than the state average. If your student values Concordia's setting or mission, the financial picture isn't prohibitive, but the estimated debt load deserves serious scrutiny given the limited earning potential typical of humanities degrees.
Where Concordia University-Nebraska 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,330 | $36,401* | — | $25,946* | — | |
| $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 Concordia University-Nebraska, approximately 11% 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.