University of Oregon vs University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Side-by-side ROI comparison using U.S. Department of Education data. Which school delivers a better financial return?
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
University of Oregon and University of Nebraska-Lincoln are closely matched on financial return. University of Oregon scores 68/100 while University of Nebraska-Lincoln scores 68/100 - a gap small enough that individual circumstances (major choice, financial aid package, in-state vs out-of-state status) will likely matter more than the overall score difference.
On cost, University of Nebraska-Lincoln comes in at $17,747 per year (net price after aid) versus $22,182 at University of Oregon - a difference of $4,435 annually, or roughly $17,740 over four years.
Ten years after enrollment, University of Oregon graduates earn a median of $61,324 compared to $56,887 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The payback period is 8.7 years at University of Oregon versus 9.6 years at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Graduates leave University of Oregon with a median $20,139 in debt versus $21,000 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.51 and 0.53 respectively - financial advisors generally recommend staying below 1.0.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | University of Oregon | University of Nebraska-Li... |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $16,137 | $10,434 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $44,598 | $28,584 |
| Net Price (avg) | $22,182 | $17,747 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $88,728 | $70,988 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $39,800 | $39,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $61,324 | $56,887 |
| Graduation Rate | 71.7% | 67.0% |
| Payback Period | 8.7 yr | 9.6 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $20,139 | $21,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $214 | $223 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.51 | 0.53 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 69.7% | 82.2% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 67.8% | 77.3% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | 88.3% | 87.5% |
| Enrollment | 20,497 | 19,178 |
| SAT Range | 1130-1360 | 1098-1330 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | University of Oregon | University of Nebras... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $15,909 | $12,751 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $15,760 | $13,054 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $18,364 | $14,699 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $24,704 | $18,975 |
| $110,001+ | $31,021 | $22,346 |
Earnings by Major - Head to Head
Median earnings for majors offered at both schools. Green highlights the higher figure.
| Major | University of Oregon | University of Nebras... |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences | $100,540 | $116,221 |
| Accounting | $85,438 | $78,760 |
| Mathematics | $82,191 | $79,251 |
| Economics | $75,695 | $75,784 |
| Physics | $75,160 | $71,752 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $73,410 | $61,145 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $70,532 | $59,017 |
| Architecture | $67,425 | $62,700 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $65,573 | $38,585 |
| Biology | $51,459 | $64,930 |
| International Relations | $62,408 | $63,466 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences | $60,504 | $60,420 |
| Romance Languages | $57,106 | $60,001 |
| Journalism | $55,615 | $53,618 |
| Sociology | $55,204 | $45,674 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | University of Oregon | University of Nebras... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 66 | 68 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 71 | 63 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 72 | 68 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 81 | 72 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 39 | 77 |
| Overall ROI Score | 68 | 68 |
The Verdict
These two schools are closely matched on financial outcomes. University of Oregon edges out University of Nebraska-Lincoln by 0 points (68 vs 68), but the difference is small enough that major choice and individual circumstances will matter more than the school-level ROI difference. Run the numbers for your specific situation using the calculator below.
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University of Oregon
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Fair Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.