Analysis
University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Interior Architecture program produces graduates who earn about $46,300 in their first year—performing in the 79th percentile nationally but around the middle of Nebraska programs. The caveat: there's only one other Interior Architecture program in Nebraska to compare against, so state rankings mean less here. More telling is how this compares to the broader national landscape, where UNL graduates substantially outpace the typical $44,800 median and even beat the 75th percentile benchmark of $45,780.
The debt burden of $26,900 translates to a 0.58 debt-to-earnings ratio—manageable by most standards—and graduates see solid 21% income growth by year four, reaching $55,800. That trajectory suggests this isn't just a good starting point but a foundation for genuine career progression. The relatively low admission selectivity and modest debt load make this accessible to Nebraska families without requiring enormous financial risk.
One important warning: these figures come from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary more than usual. Still, the combination of above-average starting salaries, reasonable debt, and meaningful earnings growth makes this look like a solid choice for students genuinely interested in the field. The numbers suggest employers value UNL's preparation—graduates aren't just finding jobs, they're finding ones that pay better than most competing programs nationwide.
Where University of Nebraska-Lincoln Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all interior architecture bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | $46,293 | $55,806 | +21% |
| Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | $44,511 | $57,174 | +28% |
| University of North Texas | $50,681 | $56,839 | +12% |
| California State University-Sacramento | $50,108 | $56,590 | +13% |
| Thomas Jefferson University | $44,696 | $56,048 | +25% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Interior Architecture bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10,108 | $46,293 | $55,806 | $26,876 | 0.58 | |
| $11,164 | $50,681 | $56,839 | $18,250 | 0.36 | |
| $7,602 | $50,108 | $56,590 | $16,500 | 0.33 | |
| $43,810 | $45,785 | — | — | — | |
| $12,896 | $45,774 | — | $22,417 | 0.49 | |
| $13,484 | $45,448 | — | $27,000 | 0.59 | |
| National Median | — | $44,811 | — | $23,250 | 0.52 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with interior architecture graduates
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.
Sample Size: Based on 29 graduates with reported earnings and 30 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.