Architectural Engineering at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

With an estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34, this program appears to position graduates for manageable loan repayment. Architectural engineering programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $73,400, while debt loads for similar programs at University of Nebraska-Lincoln typically fall near $25,000—meaning graduates could theoretically pay off loans in about four months of gross income. That's a favorable financial setup compared to many bachelor's programs.

The limited data for this specific program (too few graduates for the DOE to report outcomes publicly) means we're relying on what peer programs produce. Architectural engineering is a specialized field with relatively few programs nationwide—just 29 offer this degree—which could work in graduates' favor through reduced competition. However, Nebraska's other architectural engineering program shows lower estimated debt around $19,600, suggesting UNL's costs run slightly higher than the state alternative.

The practical question is whether this particular combination of engineering rigor and architectural focus aligns with your child's career goals. If they're committed to this niche over broader mechanical or civil engineering paths, the debt picture looks reasonable. But given the estimation uncertainty and the availability of a potentially less expensive in-state alternative, connecting with current students or recent graduates about actual outcomes and job placement would be especially valuable here.