Architecture at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

University of Nebraska-Lincoln's architecture program sits in an unusual position: while it ranks in just the 23rd percentile nationally for earnings, it's actually the median performer among Nebraska programs—though that comparison means little since it appears to be the state's only option. First-year graduates earn $38,750, roughly $8,000 below the national median for architecture bachelor's degrees, but those earnings jump 42% to nearly $55,000 by year four, suggesting the program's networking or local market connections strengthen over time.

The $26,000 median debt load is reasonable and slightly below the national benchmark, translating to a manageable 0.67 debt-to-earnings ratio even with the lower starting salary. Architecture is notoriously challenging in the early career years, and this program at least keeps debt modest while graduates build their credentials. The strong earnings growth also indicates that many graduates stick with the field rather than pivoting to unrelated work.

The catch is sample size—with fewer than 30 graduates in the data, these numbers could shift significantly year to year. For Nebraska families planning to stay in-state (where UNL is the only architecture option), this represents a calculated risk: you're betting on local market access and a program that clearly helps graduates progress. Out-of-state students should seriously weigh whether stronger national programs justify higher costs, since UNL's architecture graduates start behind their peers elsewhere.