History (Bachelor's Degree) at Peru State College

Est. Earnings (1yr)

$36,401

Est. from NE median (3 programs)

Est. Median Debt

$20,500

Est. from NE median (3 programs)

Analysis

At $20,500 in estimated debt against first-year earnings around $36,400, Peru State's history program appears to operate within manageable financial parameters. Based on similar bachelor's programs at Nebraska public institutions, graduates would face debt equal to roughly half a year's earnings—a relatively modest burden that suggests reasonable affordability. The state's history graduates cluster tightly around this $36,000 mark, with even flagship University of Nebraska-Lincoln reporting slightly lower outcomes, which points to fairly consistent statewide employment patterns for history majors regardless of institution prestige.

The estimated earnings figure actually exceeds the national median for history graduates by about $5,000, reflecting Nebraska's lower cost of living and stable regional job market. However, these estimates come with significant uncertainty given the small graduate cohort. What matters more than the precise numbers is the fundamental economics: a debt load that shouldn't require more than a few years of focused repayment, paired with earnings that appear competitive for the field. For a school serving a substantial population of Pell-eligible students (34%), this accessibility combined with reasonable debt represents meaningful value.

The practical question is whether your child can secure employment that reaches these estimated earnings levels, since history degrees typically require additional strategy around internships, double majors, or graduate school plans. The financial foundation looks solid enough to allow that flexibility.

Where Peru 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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School	In-State Tuition	Earnings (1yr)*	Earnings (4yr)	Median Debt*	Debt/Earnings
Peru State CollegePeru	$8,280	$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 Peru State College, approximately 34% 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.