Analysis
Based on similar history programs in Nebraska, graduates here might expect first-year earnings around $36,400—slightly above the national median for history majors and in line with what larger state universities report. The estimated debt load of roughly $26,000 translates to a manageable 0.71 debt-to-earnings ratio, suggesting monthly payments shouldn't overwhelm an entry-level salary in museum work, education, or public history.
The caveat matters, though: these figures come from comparable programs because Union Adventist's history cohort is too small for the government to publish actual outcomes. That small size could be a strength—more personalized attention, closer faculty relationships—or a limitation in terms of alumni networks and career services resources. Nebraska's history job market is stable but not expansive, and many graduates end up needing additional credentials for teaching or professional roles.
For families comfortable with the uncertainty of estimated data, the financial picture here looks reasonable compared to liberal arts degrees nationally. The real question is whether Union Adventist's specific environment—its Adventist mission, Lincoln location, and intimate scale—aligns with your student's goals. If they're drawn to this particular community and understand they may need grad school or certification down the road, the estimated debt burden won't lock them into years of financial stress.
Where Union Adventist University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $27,990 | $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 Union Adventist University, approximately 24% 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.