Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at University of Nebraska at Kearney

With first-year earnings of just $29,471, UNK's liberal arts graduates start significantly behind the curve—landing in the bottom quartile nationally and trailing the Nebraska median by nearly $6,000. This is concerning when you consider that graduates carry $20,675 in debt, which represents 70% of that first year's salary. The program ranks in the 84th percentile for debt nationally, meaning most comparable programs burden students with less. Even within Nebraska's relatively modest liberal arts landscape, this program underperforms: University of Nebraska at Omaha's graduates earn nearly $12,000 more right out of the gate.

The saving grace here is strong earnings growth—graduates see income jump 46% by year four, reaching $43,055. That's a meaningful recovery that eventually brings earnings closer to national norms. Still, that requires four years of financial struggle with below-average pay while servicing above-average debt. For a family concerned about immediate post-graduation financial stability, this creates real risk.

Bottom line: If your child is set on liberal arts at a Nebraska public university, UNK presents the weakest early-career outcomes in the state system. The earnings rebound by year four softens the blow, but those first few years will be financially tight. Unless there are compelling personal reasons to attend UNK specifically, other Nebraska options offer a stronger financial start.