Liberal Arts & Humanities at University of Nebraska at Kearney

Kearney, NE · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
36
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,471/yr (-21% vs median)
AI Risk Low (0% exposed)
Job Market Medium (13,500 openings/yr)
ROI 14.7x earnings multiple (8.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #297 of 424 Liberal Arts and Sciences programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Liberal Arts & Humanities graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $488K $488K $464K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.7x 14.7x 14.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.6x 8.6x 8.1x
Probability of Field Employment 45% 45% 45%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 28 36

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,208
Out-of-state: $57,040 (8.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$65,952
-99% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,250
5.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,063
50% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $29,471 place University of Nebraska at Kearney below the $37,172 national median for Liberal Arts & Humanities — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.7x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Liberal Arts & Humanities programs nationally.

AI disruption models show minimal impact on this program's career paths. The gap between optimistic and pessimistic ten-year scenarios is just 5% — this field's hands-on core resists automation.

With first-year pay of $29,471 far exceeding the $13,250 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Ranked #297 of 424 Liberal Arts & Humanities programs, University of Nebraska at Kearney falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $29,471 to $44,063 over five years — a 50% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Nebraska at Kearney

University of Nebraska at Kearney accepts 86% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 4,130 students in Kearney, NE.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Nebraska at Kearney →

Top Career Paths

Postsecondary teachers, all other $78,490/yr
View all 1 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Liberal Arts & Humanities at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Nebraska at Kearney

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Liberal Arts & Humanities at University of Nebraska at Kearney?
A score of 28/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Liberal Arts & Humanities. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Can you still earn well with Liberal Arts & Humanities from University of Nebraska at Kearney?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →