University of Nebraska at Omaha logo

University of Nebraska at Omaha

Omaha, NE Public ยท Urban www.unomaha.edu
Accept Rate
86.9%
Grad Rate
48.3%
Enrollment
11,573
Avg SAT
1120
Tuition
$8,370
Median Salary
$53,909
Overall Grade
C
C
Academics
A-
Value
C
Admissions
B
Diversity
B
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

UNO feels like a dynamic urban campus where students are deeply connected to the pulse of the city. It's a place where practical, hands-on learning is the norm, and the atmosphere is more focused on career readiness than traditional collegiate seclusion. You'll find a diverse, non-traditional student body that is serious about their goals but still finds time for MavLife.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

86.9%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

SAT data not available

Average: 1120

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2275th Pctl
1826
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your involvement in community service or work experience in your application, as UNO values the non-traditional student profile. If your test scores are below the 1120 average, a strong GPA can compensate, as the acceptance rate is high. Be sure to apply early for the generous merit-based scholarships available to both in-state and out-of-state students.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1120
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

UNO is a powerhouse in career-focused fields like Business, Criminal Justice, and Computer Science, with strong ties to Omaha's corporate and public sectors. The university offers exceptional research opportunities for undergraduates through its centers for public affairs, cybersecurity, and biomedical research. Students benefit from accessible faculty and a curriculum designed for real-world application.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
16%
Criminal Justice
11.4%
Computer Science
10.2%
Education
8.1%
Biology & Biomedical
6.9%
Psychology
5.2%
Visual & Performing Arts
4.4%
Social Sciences
3.5%
Communications
2.9%
Health Professions
2.1%
Public Administration
2.1%
Transportation
2.1%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

48.3%
Graduation Rate
75.8%
Retention Rate
11,573
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$8,370
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$12,791
After financial aid
Total Cost
$20,446
Cost of attendance/year
33.1%
Receive Pell Grants
28.2%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Omaha

Omaha offers a vibrant urban playground, from the historic Old Market district with its cobblestone streets and galleries to the stunning Henry Doorly Zoo. Students enjoy a thriving food scene, major concerts at the CHI Health Center, and cheering on the College World Series teams every summer. The city's 'Midwest nice' vibe makes it easy to explore and feel at home.

Local Rent Check

$971 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Omaha
Explore Omaha

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$33,480
$0Est. 4 Years: $33,480

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($53,909):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is well-lit and has a comprehensive alert system, though standard urban precautions are necessary. Omaha is generally considered a safe city, but students should remain aware of their surroundings when venturing into surrounding neighborhoods.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Excellent value with low in-state tuition and high ROI
  • โœ“ Strong industry connections in Omaha for internships and jobs
  • โœ“ Robust programs in high-demand fields like Cybersecurity and Business
  • โœ“ Flexibility for non-traditional and commuter students

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation rate is lower than the national average
  • โœ— Campus life may feel less traditional or residential than a big state school
  • โœ— The urban setting requires students to be proactive about safety and transportation

Notable Alumni

Warren Buffett
Legendary investor and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, one of the world's wealthiest individuals.
Terrence 'Greg' Cunningham
Former United States Air Force Chief Master Sergeant and advocate for enlisted personnel.
Johnny Rogers
Legendary Nebraska high school football coach and former UNO football player.

Frequently Asked Questions

UNO is known for its strengths in Business & Marketing, Criminal Justice, and Computer Science. It is particularly recognized for its innovative cybersecurity program and its public affairs and administration graduate school. The university has strong ties to the Omaha business community, providing students with practical, career-oriented experiences.

No, UNO is not considered a highly selective school. With an acceptance rate of 86.9%, it is accessible to a wide range of applicants. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1120, and a strong high school GPA is the most important factor in the admissions decision.

Campus life at UNO is active and commuter-focused, with a diverse student body that includes many working adults and non-traditional students. Students are involved in over 200 student organizations, Division I athletics, and campus events centered around MavLife. The urban setting means students often engage with the wider Omaha community for entertainment and internships.

Yes, UNO represents a strong financial investment, particularly for in-state students. The combination of low tuition, a net price of roughly $12,800, and solid median earnings of $53,909 ten years after graduation indicates a positive return on investment. The university's career-focused programs and location in a major city further enhance its value proposition.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Mutual of Omaha Union Pacific Berkshire Hathaway First National Bank of Omaha CHI Health
Smart Start Score
56

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 13,799
  • In-State Tuition $8,370
  • Out-of-State $22,358
  • Zip Code 68182

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 44% โ™€ 56%

The Money Talk

With an in-state tuition under $8,400 and a net price of roughly $12,800, UNO offers an incredible value for Nebraska residents. Even for out-of-state students, the tuition is competitive compared to many public universities, and the $53k median earnings 10 years post-graduation indicates a solid return on investment. The high Pell Grant rate also suggests a commitment to accessibility and supporting students with financial need.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $8,370
Housing (12 mo) $11,652
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $27,222
With avg financial aid:
$12,791/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.