University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska · Public · 87.5% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 68/100 · Fair Value
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), the flagship public research university of Nebraska, earns a Fair Value ROI score of 68. In-state tuition is $10,434 and the net price is $17,747. Earnings reach $39,900 at six years and $56,887 at ten years. The graduation rate of 67% is decent. The three-year loan repayment rate of 82% indicates that borrowers manage debt well after leaving. Median debt of $21,000 and a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.526 are reasonable. UNL's most distinctive program strength lies at the intersection of agriculture, engineering, and computer science. Computer engineering graduates earn $82,398 in year one, electrical engineering yields $78,101, and mechanical engineering produces $71,318. Agricultural programs add depth unique to the institution.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Quick 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 |
| Average 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).
The Full Financial Picture
The first number you'll see is the sticker price: $10,434/year ($28,584/year out-of-state), which covers tuition and fees only. The net price counts books, supplies, and average living costs on top of tuition and fees, then subtracts grants and scholarships. For the average student here it comes to $17,747/year, or roughly $70,988 over four years. That's the number to plan around.
What you actually pay depends a lot on what your family earns. Families making under $30,000/year pay an average of $12,751/year here, while families earning over $110,000 pay $22,346/year.
Among graduates who borrowed, the median federal loan debt from this school is $21,000, which works out to about $223 a month on the standard 10-year repayment plan. Our debt-to-earnings ratio divides that debt by average earnings six years after entry ($39,900) and comes to 0.53, under 1.0, meaning median debt is less than a full year of those earnings.
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 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Nebraska residents from families earning under $30,000 pay roughly $12,751 per year. Over four years, the total investment is approximately $51,000 - a manageable figure against engineering or business earnings that exceed $70,000 by year four. UNL's strong 82% repayment rate and low median debt of $21,000 suggest the institution does a reasonable job preparing graduates for post-graduation financial stability.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
Middle-income families pay between $13,054 and $18,975 annually. At these prices, even moderately-earning programs in marketing, communications, or education produce acceptable returns. Engineering and computer science graduates in this income band can expect payback periods well under 7 years. The 9.6-year institution-wide payback is skewed by lower-earning programs.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families paying closer to the $22,346 net price, or the $28,584 out-of-state tuition, should weight their major selection carefully. STEM and business programs remain excellent value even at higher cost levels.
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.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Computer Engineering
Computer Engineering is UNL's top ROI program. Year-one earnings of $82,398 reach $103,934 at four years, with an A grade and debt-to-earnings of 0.246. With 70 graduates annually and in-state tuition under $11,000, the total cost-to-earnings ratio is exceptional. Nebraska's growing tech sector and proximity to Omaha's financial services industry create strong placement pathways.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering produces 137 graduates annually earning $71,318 in year one and $88,972 at four years. The B+ grade and debt-to-earnings of 0.337 reflect strong value at in-state tuition. UNL's College of Engineering maintains close ties with regional manufacturing, energy, and agricultural equipment industries.
Finance and Financial Management
Finance graduates start at $55,979 and reach $77,504 at four years, with 237 graduates annually and a B grade. Debt-to-earnings of 0.351 is strong. The College of Business Administration's location between Lincoln and Omaha's substantial financial services industry provides robust placement infrastructure.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration is UNL's largest program with 371 graduates. Year-one earnings of $47,663 and a C+ grade reflect a broad program with variable outcomes by concentration. At UNL's low net price, even C+ returns represent strong absolute value. Students should focus their business coursework on accounting, finance, or supply chain to maximize earnings outcomes.
Biology
Biology graduates at UNL show year-one earnings of just $24,063 and an F grade, largely because the pre-professional pipeline suppresses near-term wages. The 10-year earnings of $64,930 are substantially higher, suggesting many biology graduates eventually enter health professions or graduate school. Students intending medical or graduate school should treat the near-term ROI data as a temporary signal, not a ceiling.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Median of schools we score |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 78.5% | 68.8% |
| 3-year repayment | 82.2% | 73.6% |
| 5-year repayment | 77.3% | 67.7% |
| 7-year repayment | 82.8% | 72.8% |
Completion Rate
Trends Over Time
How University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s cost and outcomes have moved across College Scorecard releases (2009-2024).
Average Net Price
Completion Rate
Median Earnings, 10 Years After Entry (as reported)
Earnings reflect borrowers measured 10 years after entry and publish on an irregular cadence with a multi-year reporting lag, so this series shows only the years the Department of Education reported - the data is never interpolated.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, release years shown. Net price and completion are reported annually.
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 |
UNL admits 87% of applicants with an ACT middle range of 22 - 28. Most applicants who meet basic academic requirements are admitted. Specific colleges - particularly engineering and business - may have additional requirements or limited enrollment caps that effectively raise the bar. Students who apply directly to their major early will have the strongest placement options.
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 |
Head-to-Head ROI Comparisons
See University of Nebraska-Lincoln side by side with similar schools on ROI, cost, earnings, and debt.
Who Thrives Here
UNL is a strong fit for Nebraska residents and Midwest students seeking flagship research university quality at in-state tuition. ACT scores in the 22 - 28 range and an 87% admit rate make it accessible. Students in engineering, computer science, agriculture, and business will find the ROI data most compelling. Those interested in journalism (the J-school has a strong national reputation) or education will find adequate but not standout financial returns. Students who are drawn to Lincoln's mid-size city, strong athletics culture, and agricultural traditions will integrate well.
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a fair-value bet, but how well it pays off depends a lot on you. At $17,747 a year after aid ($70,988 over four years), with the typical graduate earning $56,887 a decade out, the cost takes about 9.6 years to earn back. For context, the median payback across the schools we score is about 12 years.
What it has going for it: high loan repayment success.
Median debt of $21,000 among graduates who borrowed, against average earnings of $39,900 six years after entry, gives a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53, under the 1.0 point at which debt would equal a full year of those earnings. Your major matters a lot here: graduates in higher-earning fields will see the better end of this.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Common Questions
Is University of Nebraska-Lincoln worth it?
In our view, it's a fair-value bet - whether University of Nebraska-Lincoln is worth it depends a lot on your major and aid package. It scores 68/100 on our ROI scale. At $17,747 a year after aid ($70,988 over four years) against $56,887 in typical earnings a decade out, the cost takes about 9.6 years to earn back. For context, the median payback across the schools we score is about 12 years.
How much does University of Nebraska-Lincoln cost after financial aid?
The average net price - the cost of attendance (tuition, fees, books, supplies and average living costs) minus grants and scholarships, for full-time, first-time students receiving federal aid - is about $17,747 a year, or roughly $70,988 over four years. Because it counts living costs, it can run above tuition alone. That is the number to plan around. Actual cost varies by family income, per the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.
What do University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduates earn?
The typical graduate earns about $56,887 ten years after enrolling, roughly $15,087 a year more than the median high-school graduate ($41,800, per NCES, 2022). That earnings gap is what has to cover the cost of the degree.
How long does it take to pay off University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
We estimate the payback period - the time it takes for the earnings bump over a high-school graduate to cover what you spent - at about 9.6 years for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The median across the schools we track is about 12 years.
How much debt do University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduates take on?
Among graduates who borrowed, median federal loan debt from this school is about $21,000, against average earnings of $39,900 six years after entry - a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53. In our view that is reasonable, though your major matters: higher-earning fields will see the better end of it.
What is the graduation rate at University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
The six-year graduation rate is 67.0%, at or above the 64% national average for four-year schools (NCES, 2022). Completion is 15% of our ROI score, since a degree you don't finish rarely pays back.
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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.