University of Oregon vs University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Good news if you're stuck between them: University of Oregon and University of Nebraska-Lincoln come out about even on financial return. University of Oregon scores 68/100 and University of Nebraska-Lincoln scores 68/100 - close enough that your own situation (your major, the aid package each one offers you, in-state vs out-of-state) will matter more than the score gap.

Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, University of Nebraska-Lincoln runs $17,747 a year against $22,182 at University of Oregon - $4,435 more a year, or about $17,740 across four years.

Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, University of Oregon graduates earn a median $61,324 against $56,887 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The cost earns itself back in 8.7 years at University of Oregon and 9.6 years at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave University of Oregon owing a median $20,139 versus $21,000 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.51 and 0.53 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.