Family & Consumer Economics at University of Nebraska at Kearney

Kearney, NE · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
35
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,009/yr (-7% vs median)
AI Risk High (47% exposed)
Job Market Medium (25,400 openings/yr)
ROI 13.8x earnings multiple (8.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #10 of 16 Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies programs

Program Analysis

While this program consistently ranks among the nation's best, the earnings figures reflect the unique economic landscape of central Nebraska. You’ll find robust opportunities with regional employers like local banks, credit unions, cooperative extension offices, and K-12 schools, where compensation structures are typically aligned with a lower cost of living compared to major metropolitan hubs. The "high AI risk" for some career paths doesn't mean job elimination, but a transformation. Tasks like data analysis and information dissemination may be automated, but your role will increasingly focus on the irreplaceable human elements: empathy, complex problem-solving, building trust, and tailored guidance. Future success in financial advising or education will hinge on mastering these interpersonal skills and leveraging your deep understanding of community needs. Focus on developing strong communication and relationship-building abilities to complement your economic insights.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Family & Consumer Economics graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $456K $459K $439K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.7x 13.8x 13.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 8.0x 8.1x 7.7x
Probability of Field Employment 54% 49% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 36 35

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 (8.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$65,952
-99% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,751
5.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,817
10% growth from Year 1

About University of Nebraska at Kearney

A 86% acceptance rate means University of Nebraska at Kearney is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 4,130 students in Kearney, NE.

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

Top Career Paths

Personal financial advisors $102,140/yr
Family and consumer sciences teachers, postsecondary $77,280/yr
Farm and home management educators $58,120/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Family & Consumer Economics at Other Schools

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Family & Consumer Economics at University of Nebraska at Kearney?
A score of 36/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Family & Consumer Economics. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Family & Consumer Economics careers?
With 47% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $439,135 in decade earnings vs $455,622 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →