Students at the University of Nebraska at Kearney benefit from higher-than-expected earnings that exceed those of similar students at other institutions by nearly $5,000 annually.
The university combines this earnings advantage with strong affordability and effective support for first-generation and Pell-eligible students seeking reliable career preparation.
Azimuth ranks the University of Nebraska at Kearney among the middle tier of public four-year institutions nationwide, reflecting its balanced approach to affordability, access, and outcomes. What distinguishes UNK is its consistent delivery of solid results for a diverse student body, with about one-third of students receiving Pell Grants and 34% being first-generation college students. The university maintains reasonable costs across all income levels while helping graduates achieve median earnings of $50,105 ten years after enrollment.
UNK operates as a regional comprehensive university that serves Nebraska and the broader Midwest effectively. Its graduates earn about $4,920 more than expected compared with similar students at other institutions, demonstrating the university's ability to add meaningful value to student outcomes. The institution's strength lies in providing accessible, affordable education that translates into stable career prospects, particularly in business, education, and allied health fields.
As a medium-sized public university in central Nebraska, UNK offers the personal attention of a smaller institution while maintaining the resources and program breadth of a larger university. For many families, this combination of affordability, accessibility, and reliable outcomes makes UNK a practical choice for building a solid foundation for long-term career success.
The University of Nebraska at Kearney's program portfolio emphasizes practical, career-oriented fields that align well with regional employment opportunities and student success. Business Administration leads both in scale and aggregate return, graduating 152 students annually with solid median earnings of $45,618, making it a cornerstone program that combines high enrollment with reliable financial outcomes. Adult and Continuing Education represents another major pathway with 105 graduates, reflecting the university's commitment to serving working adults and career changers, though at more moderate earnings of $35,149.
Allied Health programs deliver some of the strongest individual outcomes despite smaller cohort sizes, with graduates earning $48,641 and entering high-demand healthcare fields. Even programs with lower median earnings, such as Parks and Recreation at $35,416, provide stable foundations in growing service sectors that offer steady employment and advancement opportunities.
The university's strength lies in its focus on applied learning and regional workforce alignment. Business and education programs form the academic core, both linked to consistent hiring demand and predictable career progression in Nebraska and the broader Midwest. This practical approach helps explain why UNK graduates consistently achieve higher-than-expected earnings, as the university prioritizes program quality and employer relationships over prestige, creating reliable pathways to middle-class careers for students from diverse backgrounds.
Graduates of the University of Nebraska at Kearney achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that exceed expectations. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $50,105, with the university delivering about $4,920 in higher-than-expected earnings compared with similar students at other institutions. This earnings advantage reflects UNK's focus on practical, career-oriented programs that prepare students for stable employment in the regional economy.
Business Administration stands out as both the most popular major and highest aggregate return program, graduating 152 students annually with median earnings of $45,618. Adult and Continuing Education represents another significant pathway with 105 graduates, though at more moderate earnings of $35,149. Allied Health programs deliver some of the strongest individual outcomes, with graduates earning $48,641 despite smaller cohort sizes of about 25 students. Even programs with lower median earnings, such as Parks and Recreation at $35,416, provide stable career foundations in growing service sectors.
The university's program mix emphasizes practical fields that align well with regional employment opportunities. Business and education programs form the core of UNK's offerings, both linked to steady hiring demand and predictable career advancement. This focus on applied learning and regional workforce needs helps explain why UNK graduates consistently outperform earnings expectations, even in a moderate cost-of-living environment where dollars stretch further than in major metropolitan areas.
The University of Nebraska at Kearney maintains strong affordability across all income levels, making it accessible to families throughout the economic spectrum. Low-income students pay about $13,187 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $14,549 per year, both well below national averages for public universities. Even high-income families pay a reasonable $20,731, reflecting the university's commitment to keeping education accessible regardless of family financial circumstances.
Debt levels remain manageable for most UNK students. Typical graduates leave with about $19,500 in federal student loan debt, a moderate amount that aligns well with the university's solid earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $13,000, indicating that many families can cover substantial costs through grants, work, and savings rather than relying heavily on borrowing. The university's 0% federal loan default rate demonstrates that graduates can successfully manage their debt obligations.
What makes UNK particularly sustainable financially is the alignment between borrowing levels and post-graduation earning capacity. With median earnings of $50,105 ten years out, most graduates can comfortably handle standard loan repayment while building financial stability. The university's loan repayment data shows that borrowers make steady progress paying down balances, with performance consistently above national medians for balance reduction and borrower success rates.
University Of Nebraska At Kearney Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
