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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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $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 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.