Analysis
Based on comparable History bachelor's programs in Nebraska, Wayne State College appears to position graduates reasonably well financially. The estimated $36,401 first-year earnings align with the state median and actually exceed the national benchmark of $31,220 by more than $5,000. The estimated $20,500 in debt produces a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.56βmeaning graduates would owe about seven months of their first-year salary, which is below the concerning threshold of 1.0 that signals potential repayment struggles.
What's worth noting is that peer programs across Nebraska's public universities show similar outcomes, suggesting History graduates in the state find relatively consistent entry-level opportunities regardless of institution. The debt load estimate here is notably lower than the national median of $24,000, which matters for a field where salaries typically grow through additional credentials or career pivots rather than rapid advancement. For a small college serving a quarter of its students from Pell-eligible families, these estimates suggest Wayne State keeps costs controlled while producing outcomes comparable to larger state universities.
The caveat for your family: these figures are estimates based on a small handful of similar programs, not tracked outcomes from Wayne State's actual graduates. The program likely serves few students, which is why actual data isn't available. If your student is drawn to this path, confirm with the department what recent graduates are doing and whether the estimated financial picture reflects their reality.
Where Wayne State College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all history bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Nebraska
History bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Nebraska (15 total in state)
Scroll to see more β
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $7,970 | $36,401* | β | $20,500* | β | |
| $8,302 | $39,340* | β | $18,250* | 0.46 | |
| $8,370 | $36,401* | $44,840 | $21,500* | 0.59 | |
| $10,108 | $33,013* | $40,161 | $20,500* | 0.62 | |
| National Median | β | $31,220* | β | $24,000* | 0.77 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with history graduates
Natural Sciences Managers
Clinical Research Coordinators
History Teachers, Postsecondary
Historians
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Archivists
Curators
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Managers, All Other
Regulatory Affairs Managers
Compliance Managers
Loss Prevention Managers
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 Wayne State College, approximately 27% 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 median of 3 similar programs in NE. Actual outcomes may vary.