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The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is a four-year, public university located in Lincoln, Nebraska. It is the state’s oldest university, established as a land-grant research institution in 1869. The school offers those enrolled a chance to work closely with professors and other students to engage in unique, hands-on learning opportunities. In addition to a challenging and fulfilling curriculum, other options include internships, work study, and participation in pre-professional clubs.


Overview of University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL)


As a top public institution, the University of Nebraska Lincoln is Big Ten affiliated, but still offers students a close-knit community atmosphere in which to thrive. Those enrolled enjoy access to the latest technology, as well as one-on-one assistance from professors and staff.

Accreditation is retained with the regional accrediting agency Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The university’s status has been continuous since 1913. In addition to this institution-wide accreditation, the University of Nebraska Lincoln has many programs that maintain their own specialized accreditation. Some prominent accrediting agencies associated with the university include the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians, National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB), American Psychological Association (APA), Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB International), and National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).

General Information


School Type Public
Campus Setting City: Large
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio 17:1
Graduation Rate 66%
Year Founded 1869

Student Enrollment


Total Students25,390

Undergraduate
20,478
Graduate
4,912

Undergraduate Student

Male 10,853
10,853
Female 9,625
9,625

Graduate Student

Male 2,603
2,603
Female 2,309
2,309

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UNL Acceptance Rate and Admissions


APPLICATIONS16,829

Male 7,773
Female 9,056

ACCEPTANCE13,127

Male 6,063
Female 7,064

Acceptance Rate78%

Male 78%
Female 78%

Enrollment 4,726

Male 2,345
Female 2,381
Admissions
Application Fee $45
High School GPA Required
High School Rank Considered But Not Required
High School Transcripts Required
College Prep Courses Considered But Not Required
Recommendations NA
SAT/ACT Required
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Required
Application Deadline May 1
Common Application Accepted No

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


The University of Nebraska - Lincoln has among the lowest tuition in the Big Ten, making it an affordable option for many students. It’s also one of only 20 public universities to receive a “Best Buy” designation from the Fiske Guide to Colleges. Ultimately, the total cost of enrollment will depend on a few factors, including student residency, living arrangements, and the number of credits taken.

In 2021, the average cost per credit hour for full-time, undergraduate residents is $259, or $7,770 per academic year taking 15 credits a semester. With the additional fees, housing, and a meal plan, the total increases to $21,790. Non-residents pay more per credit hour; a full year with housing and a meal plan will cost students $38,922.

The cost for attending a graduate or professional program varies significantly depending on the field of study and whether or not the classes are offered online. Individual credits can cost as little as $341 per credit or as much as $12,500 for the entire semester. Notably, the University of Nebraska – Lincoln pays most of their graduate students while they are enrolled. Additionally, there are many financial aid opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. The institution is dedicated to being a more affordable option than many of its peer schools. As a result, approximately 91% of beginning students entering postsecondary education for the first time receive some form of financial aid.

Average net price 2018-2019
Net Price $17,093
Average Total Aid $8,863
Students Receiving Financial Aid 91%
Room & Board $12,186

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $9,690
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $26,820
  • Books and Supplies - $1,000
  • Room & Board - $12,186
  • Other - $3,374

Academics


The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a variety of academic opportunities at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. From day one, students can begin studying what they love. Bachelor’s degree-seekers are able to choose from nearly 150 different majors, or they can opt to enroll without choosing a major. Those who are undecided can work one-on-one with a professional advisor until finding the right academic pathway.

The total enrollment for undergraduate and graduate students is nearly 25,400, with the mass majority working towards bachelor’s degrees. Most attend classes on campus and are enrolled full-time. With around 1,330 full-time and 300+ part-time faculty members, as well as 800+ graduate assistants, providing instruction, the university has a student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1. This means students tend to have more opportunities for one-on-one interactions with their professors.

The retention rate for first-time students pursing bachelor’s degrees was 81% for full-time students in 2019. This statistic is significant because it indicates that the majority of students were satisfied enough with their experiences at the university to return for a second year of study. Part-time students pursuing a bachelor’s degree for the first time may have been less satisfied, as only 57% of them returned in the fall.

Graduation rates are also important. Commonly referred to as the “Student Right to Know”, this statistic is tracked to show how many students are able to graduate within a standard amount of time. At the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, the overall graduation rate for the class of 2013 was 66% and approximately 12% of students transferred out before graduating.

Student Population Total


Student Population 25,390

Undergraduate
20,478
Graduate
4,912
Evening Classes : No
Online Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


All Business Majors 980 Total Graduates / 23%
Business Administration and Management, General 244 Graduates
Finance, General 195 Graduates
Marketing/Marketing Management, General 179 Graduates
Accounting 131 Graduates
All Engineering Majors 505 Total Graduates / 12%
Mechanical Engineering 147 Graduates
Civil Engineering, General 109 Graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering 75 Graduates
Computer Engineering, General 40 Graduates
Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields 429 Total Graduates / 10%
Animal Sciences, General 74 Graduates
Food Science 70 Graduates
Agricultural Business and Management, General 46 Graduates
Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields, Other 44 Graduates
Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences 338 Total Graduates / 8%
Family and Consumer Economics and Related Services, Other 163 Graduates
Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies, General 146 Graduates
Apparel and Textile Marketing Management 15 Graduates
Apparel and Textiles, General 14 Graduates
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs 322 Total Graduates / 7%
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication 175 Graduates
Broadcast Journalism 49 Graduates
Speech Communication and Rhetoric 43 Graduates
Journalism, Other 35 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 40%

Outcome & Salary


The majority of students enrolled at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln graduate when they are expected to. Of the full-time, first-time, degree-seeking undergraduates who entered the institution for the 2011-2012 academic year, 64% of them received bachelor’s degrees. This number is slightly higher for non-first-time degree-seeking undergraduates, with 67% receiving undergraduate bachelor’s degrees. This is somewhat lower than other institutions, but still indicative of a positive academic experience. Part-time, degree-seeking undergraduates enrolled at the same time received bachelor’s degrees as a slightly lower rate. Of those enrolled, statistic was higher for non-first-time undergraduates. Only 53% of first-time and 52% of non-first-time students received bachelor’s degrees.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $54,300
College Grads Average Salary $67,340
College Grads Mid Career Salary $103,300
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $673,400
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $1,706,400
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $68,372
10 Year Projected ROI $605,028
20 Year Projected ROI $1,638,028
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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