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University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, Nebraska 68588-0419

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Data last updated: May 29, 2026

Campus Vibe

UrbanGreek lifeSports culture

Known for business — excellent value

University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a public institution in Lincoln with particular strength in business and engineering. With an average SAT of 1191, the school attracts a broad applicant pool.

A large campus of 18.9K undergraduates with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio. The urban location puts students at the center of city life.

66% of students graduate within four years, and graduates earn a median of $56,887 a decade after enrollment. Net price after aid averages $17,424.

Established
1869
Motto
Literis Dedicata et Omnibus Artibus
Mascot
Herbie HuskerLil' Red
Type
Public land-grant research university
Conference
Big Ten Conference and competes
Division
Division I

Campus Visits

44 upcoming visits · Next: Mon, Jun 1 · Campus Tour

Plan Your Visit

77%Acceptance
1191SAT Avg
18,887Students
16:1Student:Faculty
66%Grad Rate
$56,887Earnings 10yr
$17,424Net Price

Admissions

Acceptance Rate77.1%

SAT Score Ranges

Average: 1191

Reading & WritingMid: 605
550660
MathMid: 600
540670

ACT Score Range

CompositeMid: 25
2228

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard / IPEDS.

Cost & Financial Aid

Sticker Price

Tuition (in-state)$10,108
Tuition (out-of-state)$27,748
Room & Board$13,856
Books & Supplies$1,250
Total Cost of Attendance$25,341
Average Net Price$17,424
Median Debt at Graduation$21,000
Monthly Payment (10yr)$223

Net Price by Family Income

$0–30K$11,899
$30–48K$12,714
$48–75K$15,125
$75–110K$19,953
$110K+$22,012

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Net price reflects most recent cohort of federally-aided undergraduates.

Debt & Aid Detail

Graduate w/ Zero Debt

66.0%

Median Debt at Grad

$14,750

Campus Safety

Total Incidents (2024)

143

Peer Average

92

3-Year Trend

Emergency System

24/7 campus police department, blue-light phone network, emergency mass notification system

Incident Breakdown (2024)

37

Burglary

7

Aggravated Assault

5

Robbery

12

Motor Vehicle Theft

15

Sex Offenses

1

Arson

38

Drug Arrests

28

Liquor Arrests

Source: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety & Security data (Clery Act, 2024 reporting year).

Programs (273)

Student Life

Student Satisfaction

Retention Rate

84%

Mixed

Student Body

Undergrads
18,887
Gender Split
50% / 50%
Women / Men
First Generation
22%
Pell Grant Recipients
22%

Race & Ethnicity

White 76%
Black 3%
Hispanic 9%
Asian 4%
Two+ 4%
Int'l 3%

Outcomes

4-Year Graduation Rate65.8%
Freshman Retention84.3%

Median Earnings After Graduation

6 Years$47,692
10 Years$56,887

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Earnings reflect federally-aided students 6 and 10 years after entry.

Rankings

U.S. News
#17
vs 2024
Forbes
#191
vs 2024
Wall Street Journal
#29
vs 2024
Washington Monthly
#245
vs 2024

More About This School

Varsity Sports

GymnasticsTrack

History & Fun Facts

  • " The school received an initial federal land grant of about 130,000 acres (53,000 ha) through the Morrill Act of 1862.
  • Campus construction began in September 1869 when the cornerstone of University Hall was laid at the corner of 11th and S Streets.
  • By 1871, the university welcomed its inaugural class of twenty collegiate students and 110 preparatory students, and in 1873 offered its first degrees to graduating students.
  • The school's development was slowed by a mid-1870s grasshopper swarm that devastated the state's economy and caused NU's first chancellor, Allen R.

Source: Wikipedia

Location & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

105Above Average

Estimated from NE state average + large city premium

Climate (School Year)

Snowfall: 30"Sunny days: 200Rainy days: 125

Nearest Cities

Kansas Citypop. 500K
163 mi(283 min)
Minneapolispop. 430K
336 mi(582 min)
St. Louispop. 290K
377 mi(653 min)

Getting There

Nearest Airports

MCI Kansas City149 mi
MSP Minneapolis-St Paul331 mi
STL St Louis365 mi

Distance to Cities

Boston, MA1324 mi · ~38h 15m drive
New York, NY1184 mi · ~34h 12m drive
Hartford, CT1245 mi · ~35h 58m drive
Providence, RI1309 mi · ~37h 49m drive
Albany, NY1186 mi · ~34h 16m drive
Syracuse, NY1065 mi · ~30h 46m drive
Rochester, NY991 mi · ~28h 38m drive
Buffalo, NY927 mi · ~26h 47m drive
Philadelphia, PA1132 mi · ~32h 42m drive
Pittsburgh, PA875 mi · ~25h 17m drive
Harrisburg, PA1039 mi · ~30h 1m drive
Newark, NJ1175 mi · ~33h 57m drive
Washington, DC1049 mi · ~30h 18m drive
Baltimore, MD1065 mi · ~30h 46m drive
Atlanta, GA833 mi · ~24h 4m drive
Charlotte, NC944 mi · ~27h 16m drive
Raleigh, NC1037 mi · ~29h 57m drive
Miami, FL1406 mi · ~40h 37m drive
Orlando, FL1212 mi · ~35h 1m drive
Tampa, FL1201 mi · ~34h 42m drive
Nashville, TN625 mi · ~18h 3m drive
New Orleans, LA838 mi · ~24h 13m drive
Richmond, VA1054 mi · ~30h 27m drive
Chicago, IL476 mi · ~13h 45m drive
Detroit, MI713 mi · ~20h 36m drive
Minneapolis, MN336 mi · ~9h 42m drive
St. Louis, MO377 mi · ~10h 53m drive
Kansas City, MO163 mi · ~4h 43m drive
Indianapolis, IN560 mi · ~16h 11m drive
Columbus, OH723 mi · ~20h 53m drive
Cleveland, OH781 mi · ~22h 34m drive
Milwaukee, WI477 mi · ~13h 47m drive
Dallas, TX556 mi · ~16h 4m drive
Houston, TX768 mi · ~22h 11m drive
Austin, TX731 mi · ~21h 7m drive
San Antonio, TX794 mi · ~22h 56m drive
Los Angeles, CA1267 mi · ~36h 36m drive
San Francisco, CA1386 mi · ~40h 2m drive
San Diego, CA1259 mi · ~36h 22m drive
Seattle, WA1346 mi · ~38h 53m drive
Portland, OR1342 mi · ~38h 46m drive
Denver, CO443 mi · ~12h 48m drive
Phoenix, AZ986 mi · ~28h 29m drive
Salt Lake City, UT794 mi · ~22h 56m drive
Honolulu, HI3781 mi · ~109h 14m drive
Mid-Atlantic / Central (moderate winters, warm summers)

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