Analysis
A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 tells a straightforward story: graduates from similar insurance programs nationally typically earn enough to manage their debt load without excessive strain. While we're working with estimates here—UNL's small cohort size means the Department of Education suppresses actual outcomes—comparable bachelor's programs in insurance across the country suggest first-year earnings around $56,000 against roughly $22,000 in debt. That's less than half a year's salary in borrowing, which puts this well within the range financial advisors consider manageable.
Insurance as a field rewards credentials without demanding crushing debt to enter it. The national landscape shows these programs cluster tightly around the median, meaning there's less variation in outcomes than you'd see in fields like liberal arts or business. UNL's position as Nebraska's sole bachelor's-level insurance program gives it a local advantage for students who want to stay in-state, particularly in Omaha's insurance hub. The field itself offers steady employment prospects, though first-year earnings don't suggest explosive growth potential.
The practical takeaway: if your child is genuinely interested in risk management and insurance, the estimated debt burden appears reasonable relative to likely starting salaries. Just recognize these figures come from peer programs, not UNL's own track record, so there's more uncertainty than you'd have with hard data from this specific school.
Where University of Nebraska-Lincoln Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all insurance bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Insurance bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,108 | $55,819* | — | $22,394* | — | |
| $11,205 | $78,796* | $96,327 | $20,500* | 0.26 | |
| $50,110 | $70,752* | $85,642 | $24,125* | 0.34 | |
| $51,340 | $66,523* | $78,262 | $23,016* | 0.35 | |
| $22,082 | $66,080* | $78,623 | $26,000* | 0.39 | |
| $11,180 | $64,131* | $76,315 | $22,394* | 0.35 | |
| National Median | — | $55,819* | — | $22,728* | 0.41 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with insurance graduates
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Insurance Underwriters
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage
Insurance Sales Agents
Appraisers of Personal and Business Property
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-Lincoln, approximately 22% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 20 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.