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
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,330 | $39,883 | $37,301 | $27,000 | 0.68 | |
| $8,886 | $38,928 | — | $28,833 | 0.74 | |
| $8,370 | $36,094 | $40,143 | $21,783 | 0.60 | |
| $41,658 | $35,540 | $40,348 | $27,000 | 0.76 | |
| $40,491 | $34,896 | $36,610 | $27,000 | 0.77 | |
| $8,302 | $34,055 | $44,525 | $24,072 | 0.71 | |
| National Median | — | $31,482 | — | $25,500 | 0.81 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with psychology graduates
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Psychologists, All Other
Neuropsychologists
Clinical Neuropsychologists
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Managers, All Other
Loss Prevention Managers
Social Science Research Assistants
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.