University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska · Public · 87.5% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 68/100 · Fair Value
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $10,434/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $28,584/yr |
| Average net price | $17,747/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $70,988 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,887 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $39,900 |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,000 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $223 |
| Estimated payback period | 9.6 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 67.0% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 19,178 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,751 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $13,054 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,699 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,975 |
| $110,001+ | $22,346 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at University of Nebraska-Lincoln with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $67,918 | C+ |
| Psychology | $49,965 | C |
| Finance and Financial Management | $77,504 | B |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | $61,145 | C |
| Marketing | $74,165 | C+ |
| Teacher Education | $48,046 | C+ |
| Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies | $48,305 | C |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services | $61,092 | D |
| Accounting | $78,760 | B |
| Mechanical Engineering | $88,972 | B+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at University of Nebraska-Lincoln is $10,434/year ($28,584/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $17,747/year, or roughly $70,988 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $12,751/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $22,346/year.
The median graduate leaves with $21,000 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $223 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $56,887 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.53 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 78.5% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 82.2% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 77.3% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 82.8% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 87.5% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 538-660 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 560-670 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 22-28 |
| Enrollment | 19,178 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 22.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $12,658 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln (this school) | 68 | $17,747 | $56,887 |
| Illinois State University | 74 | $19,398 | $62,117 |
| Montclair State University | 71 | $15,566 | $61,415 |
| University of Oregon | 68 | $22,182 | $61,324 |
| University of Nebraska at Kearney | 55 | $16,242 | $50,105 |
| Chadron State College | 50 | $12,549 | $47,002 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $17,747 per year leads to $70,988 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $56,887 a decade out. The payback period of 9.6 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
The data highlights several strengths: high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $21,000 against $56,887 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.