Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,883
95th percentile
60th percentile in Nebraska
Median Debt
$27,000
6% above national median

Analysis

Concordia University-Nebraska's psychology program shows earnings that significantly outpace national benchmarks—$39,883 versus the $31,482 national median—placing graduates in the 95th percentile nationally. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift considerably with more data. Within Nebraska, where the program ranks at the 60th percentile, it performs competitively, trailing only Bellevue and University of Nebraska at Omaha among the state's 16 psychology programs.

The concerning pattern here is the earnings decline: graduates actually earn less four years out ($37,301) than they do one year after graduation. This backward trajectory is unusual and could reflect career path challenges, though with such limited data, it might also capture just a few graduates changing industries or pursuing further education. The $27,000 debt load is slightly above state and national medians but remains manageable at 68% of first-year earnings—well below the threshold that typically signals repayment difficulties.

For parents weighing this program, recognize you're looking at a promising snapshot that may not tell the full story. The strong initial placement is encouraging, but the small graduate pool and declining earnings trend introduce meaningful uncertainty. If your student is considering Concordia specifically for other reasons (location, faith-based education, campus fit), the psychology program appears viable. If the program itself is the draw, schools like Bellevue or UNO offer similar or better outcomes with more robust track records.

Where Concordia University-Nebraska Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all psychology bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How Concordia University-Nebraska graduates compare to all programs nationally

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Concordia University-Nebraska$39,883$37,301-6%
University of Nebraska-Lincoln$33,034$45,176+37%
University of Nebraska at Kearney$34,055$44,525+31%
Peru State College$32,542$44,483+37%
Nebraska Wesleyan University$35,540$40,348+14%

Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska

Psychology bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (16 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Concordia University-NebraskaSeward$39,330$39,883$37,301$27,0000.68
Bellevue UniversityBellevue$8,886$38,928$28,8330.74
University of Nebraska at OmahaOmaha$8,370$36,094$40,143$21,7830.60
Nebraska Wesleyan UniversityLincoln$41,658$35,540$40,348$27,0000.76
Doane UniversityCrete$40,491$34,896$36,610$27,0000.77
University of Nebraska at KearneyKearney$8,302$34,055$44,525$24,0720.71
National Median$31,482$25,5000.81

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychologists, All Other

All psychologists not listed separately.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Neuropsychologists

Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

$94,310/yrJobs growth:

Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:

Managers, All Other

All managers not listed separately.

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.

Social Science Research Assistants

Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.

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.

Sample Size: Based on 28 graduates with reported earnings and 34 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.