Median Earnings (1yr)
$39,340
88th percentile
60th percentile in Nebraska
Median Debt
$18,250
24% below national median

Analysis

History graduates from the University of Nebraska at Kearney earn $39,340 their first year out—nearly $8,000 above the national median and $3,000 above the state median for history majors. That 88th percentile national ranking is impressive, though keep in mind these figures come from a small sample of graduates. The debt load of $18,250 is notably lower than both state ($20,500) and national ($24,000) averages, creating a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.46.

Within Nebraska, this program sits at the 60th percentile, meaning graduates here earn more than the typical history major at other state schools like UNL, though the differences are modest. The real advantage is the below-average debt, which matters considerably for a humanities degree where students often pursue graduate school or enter fields with slower salary growth.

For parents weighing this option, the financial picture is cleaner than most history programs nationally. Your child would graduate with reasonable debt and first-year earnings that exceed expectations for the major. The small sample size means individual outcomes could vary more than usual, but the fundamentals—accessible admission, moderate debt, and solid initial earnings—suggest this program delivers practical value without the financial burden that often accompanies humanities degrees.

Where University of Nebraska at Kearney Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally

Earnings Distribution

How University of Nebraska at Kearney graduates compare to all 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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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of Nebraska at KearneyKearney$8,302$39,340—$18,2500.46
University of Nebraska at OmahaOmaha$8,370$36,401$44,840$21,5000.59
University of Nebraska-LincolnLincoln$10,108$33,013$40,161$20,5000.62
National Median—$31,220—$24,0000.77

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 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 16 graduates with reported earnings and 19 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.