Liberal Arts and Sciences 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 and Sciences 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 and Sciences — 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 and Sciences 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 and Sciences 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 and Sciences at Other Schools

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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 and Sciences at University of Nebraska at Kearney?
A score of 28/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Liberal Arts and Sciences. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Can you still earn well with Liberal Arts and Sciences 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 →