Analysis
UNK's fine arts program punches well above its weight class. Graduates earn $40,501 in their first year—nearly 40% more than Nebraska's median for this degree and roughly $12,000 more than top programs at UNO and UNL. Nationally, this program sits in the 95th percentile among 1,110 schools offering studio arts degrees, a remarkable position for an accessible regional campus with an 86% admission rate.
The financial picture strengthens the case. At just $16,101 in median debt—25% less than Nebraska's typical fine arts graduate—students carry a debt load equal to only 40% of their first-year salary. That's manageable even on an artist's income. While earnings growth remains modest at 3% over four years, the strong starting point matters more here than dramatic increases.
The major caveat: this data comes from a small sample of graduates, so individual outcomes could vary significantly. Still, the pattern is compelling. For Nebraska families considering an arts degree, UNK offers something rare—solid earning potential without crushing debt. If your child is serious about studio practice and wants to stay in-state, this program delivers tangible value that most fine arts degrees simply don't provide.
Where University of Nebraska at Kearney Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all fine and studio arts bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Nebraska at Kearney 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nebraska at Kearney | $40,501 | $41,622 | +3% |
| Williams College | $34,560 | $72,010 | +108% |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $36,006 | $67,430 | +87% |
| University of Nebraska at Omaha | $28,942 | $38,202 | +32% |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | $28,783 | $35,926 | +25% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska
Fine and Studio Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (14 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Nebraska at KearneyKearney | $8,302 | $40,501 | $41,622 | $16,101 | 0.40 |
 University of Nebraska at OmahaOmaha | $8,370 | $28,942 | $38,202 | $26,202 | 0.91 |
 University of Nebraska-LincolnLincoln | $10,108 | $28,783 | $35,926 | $21,500 | 0.75 |
| National Median | — | $24,742 | — | $25,295 | 1.02 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with fine and studio arts graduates
Art Directors
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Archivists
Curators
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Craft Artists
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
Artists and Related Workers, All Other
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
Gem and Diamond Workers
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 University of Nebraska at Kearney, 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.
Sample Size: Based on 27 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.