Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,883
95th percentile (60th in NE)
Median Debt
$27,000
6% above national median
Debt-to-Earnings
0.68
Manageable
Sample Size
28
Limited data

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

Concordia University-NebraskaOther psychology programs

Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.

Earnings Distribution

How Concordia University-Nebraska graduates compare to all programs nationally

Concordia University-Nebraska graduates earn $40k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all psychology bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska

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

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Concordia University-Nebraska$39,883$37,301$27,0000.68
Bellevue University$38,928—$28,8330.74
University of Nebraska at Omaha$36,094$40,143$21,7830.60
Nebraska Wesleyan University$35,540$40,348$27,0000.76
Doane University$34,896$36,610$27,0000.77
University of Nebraska at Kearney$34,055$44,525$24,0720.71
National Median$31,482—$25,5000.81

Other Psychology Programs in Nebraska

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Nebraska schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Bellevue University
Bellevue
$8,886$38,928$28,833
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Omaha
$8,370$36,094$21,783
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Lincoln
$41,658$35,540$27,000
Doane University
Crete
$40,491$34,896$27,000
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Kearney
$8,302$34,055$24,072

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.