English Language and Literature at University of Nebraska at Kearney

At first glance, University of Nebraska at Kearney's English program appears to outperform most competitors—graduates earn $35,419 initially, placing them in the 79th percentile nationally and above Nebraska's state median of $31,749. The $24,422 in median debt is typical for the field and manageable relative to first-year earnings. However, the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these figures could shift considerably with more data, so treat them as suggestive rather than definitive.

The concerning pattern here is the earnings trajectory: graduates see their pay drop 10% by year four, falling to $31,922. This dip could reflect career exploration common among humanities graduates, or it might signal challenges in finding stable, well-paying work in the region. Among Nebraska's English programs, this ranks at the 60th percentile—solid but not exceptional—with UNL graduates earning similar amounts without the same decline.

For an anxious parent, the question is whether your child plans to stay in Nebraska or pursue graduate school. The initial earnings advantage suggests strong immediate placement, but if the career path requires additional credentials or relocation to grow, factor that into your calculation. The debt level won't be crushing either way, but the backward earnings trend deserves a conversation about career goals before committing.