University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The Vibe Check
UNL feels like a classic Big Ten campus with a welcoming Midwestern heart. You'll sense a strong community spirit where school pride runs deep, especially on game days at Memorial Stadium. It's a place where students balance rigorous academics with a laid-back, friendly atmosphere.
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
SAT Score Range
ACT Score Range
Admissions Tips
Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard
Can I Get In?
Estimate your admission chances
โ ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.
Academics & Majors
As a top-tier research university, UNL is renowned for its world-class College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and a highly-ranked College of Engineering. The university also excels in business, journalism, and music, offering students hands-on research opportunities from their first year alongside faculty who are leaders in their fields.
Popular Majors
Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education
By The Numbers
Return on Investment
Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)
Student Diversity
Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body
Financial Aid & Cost
Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education
Life in Lincoln
Lincoln offers a vibrant college town experience centered around the historic Haymarket District, where students enjoy eclectic restaurants, live music, and local shops. The city buzzes with energy during football season, and students can explore parks, art galleries, and a thriving local food scene just a short bike ride from campus.
Local Rent Check
Reality Check
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Post-Grad Monthly Payment
Impact on Est. Salary ($56,887):
0.0% of net income
Safety Check
The campus and surrounding Lincoln area are generally considered very safe, with a dedicated university police force and comprehensive safety programs. Like any urban setting, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, but students report feeling secure walking around campus day and night.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- โ Top-tier research opportunities in unique fields like agriculture and engineering
- โ Vibrant Big Ten athletics culture that unites the entire campus community
- โ Highly affordable tuition and strong financial aid for in-state students
- โ A safe, welcoming city with a great college-town feel and low cost of living
Cons
- โ Winters can be harsh and windy on the Great Plains
- โ Out-of-state tuition is significantly higher, with fewer need-based aid opportunities
- โ The campus is large, requiring significant walking or bus travel between classes
Notable Alumni
Frequently Asked Questions
UNL is a Carnegie R1 research university recognized for its premier programs in Agriculture, Engineering, and Business. It is also known for its historic Memorial Stadium (on game days it becomes Nebraska's third-largest 'city'), its leadership in the Big Ten Conference, and its pioneering work inๆฒๆผ ็ ็ฉถ and food science.
UNL has an acceptance rate of 77.07%, making it generally accessible. While it's not highly selective, admission is competitive for its top programs. The middle 50% SAT range is approximately 1110-1320, so applicants with grades and scores above the average of 1191 are most competitive for admission and merit scholarships.
Campus life is defined by a strong sense of community and school spirit. Students enjoy a traditional residential campus experience with over 500 student organizations, a bustling student union, and easy access to the Lincoln nightlife in the nearby Haymarket district. Football Saturdays are a massive cultural event, bringing the entire community together.
For Nebraska residents, UNL is an exceptional value, offering a top-tier education at an affordable price with a strong return on investment. For out-of-state students, while the sticker price is higher, the university's merit aid and the robust earning potential of graduates (median earnings of $56,887) still make it a financially sound choice compared to many other out-of-state publics.
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Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.
University Facts
- Founded N/A
- Type Public
- Setting Urban
- Undergrad 20,139
- In-State Tuition $10,108
- Out-of-State $27,748
- Zip Code 68588
Gender Ratio
The Money Talk
For in-state students, UNL provides an outstanding return on investment with a low tuition rate and strong post-graduation earnings. Out-of-state students face a higher cost, but the university's merit scholarships and the 10-year median earnings of nearly $57,000 make it a competitive value compared to many private institutions.
๐ Typical Deadlines
Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.