Nebraska-Lincoln combines accessible admission with above-average economic mobility outcomes. The university ranks in the 88.99th percentile for mobility while maintaining manageable debt levels and demonstrating particular strength in supporting low-income student success, with these graduates ranking in the top 25% nationally for earnings outcomes.
With above-average results, driven by steady long-term earnings relative to educational investment
Controlled costs and moderate debt levels that support post-graduation financial sustainability
Above-average enrollment of Pell-eligible and first-generation students compared to national standards
With well above average performance, reflecting the university's ability to support economic advancement for diverse student populations
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Strong mobility outcomes with accessible admission
University of Nebraska-Lincoln ranks #274 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, with mobility performance at the 88.99th percentile, placing it well above average. Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, this large public research university maintains accessible admission standards with a 77.1% acceptance rate while delivering above-average post-graduation outcomes.
The university enrolls 22.2% Pell-eligible students and 22.0% first-generation students, reflecting moderate access levels typical of flagship public institutions. Graduates earn $56,887 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 62nd percentile nationally.
However, earnings fall $4,435 below expectations relative to similar students, indicating challenges in converting educational inputs into premium outcomes. This combination of accessible admissions, moderate diversity, and solid but not exceptional earnings places Nebraska-Lincoln within the Selective Achievers quadrant, where institutions serve fewer low-income students while maintaining respectable post-graduation performance.
Nebraska-Lincoln delivers steady earnings outcomes within a manageable debt framework. Graduates earn a median of $56,887 ten years after enrollment, ranking in the 62nd percentile nationally.
Earnings range from $40,131 at the 25th percentile to $80,043 at the 75th percentile, reflecting career diversity across agricultural, business, and engineering disciplines. While graduates earn $4,435 below expectations compared to similar students nationally, this performance occurs alongside controlled borrowing levels.
Students seeking a comprehensive public research university with strong outcomes in business, agriculture, and engineering fields. Well-suited for those wanting selective-level academic quality with accessible admission, particularly students interested in Nebraska's agricultural and business sectors who value manageable debt levels and steady earnings growth.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
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This is the University Of Nebraska-Lincoln hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/university-of-nebraska-lincoln/analysis.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln admits 77.1% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 4 students who apply receive admission offers. This places the university in the Open Access tier, with significantly more accessible admission than typical flagship public research universities.
The peer median admission rate of 78.1% shows Nebraska-Lincoln operates at similar selectivity levels to comparable institutions. This admission rate indicates that most academically prepared students can expect admission, though the university maintains quality standards through its academic profile requirements.
For prospective students, this selectivity level means that strong academic preparation remains important, but admission is achievable for students meeting baseline requirements. Students should focus on demonstrating academic readiness rather than exceptional credentials, as the university prioritizes access alongside academic standards.
The combination of accessible admission with quality academic programs makes Nebraska-Lincoln particularly suitable for students seeking flagship university resources without the uncertainty associated with highly competitive admission processes.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln's published cost of attendance reaches $25,341 annually, including $10,108 in-state tuition, $13,856 for room and board, and $1,250 for books and supplies. Out-of-state students face tuition of $27,748.
However, the average student pays just $17,424 after financial aid, representing savings of $7,917 from the sticker price. This net price falls $1,834 below the peer median of $15,590, indicating stronger affordability than comparable institutions.
The university's financial aid effectiveness varies significantly by family income level, with lower-income students receiving substantially more support than their higher-income peers. Nebraska-Lincoln demonstrates commitment to access through its progressive aid structure, though costs remain meaningful for middle-income families who may receive limited assistance.
Students should view the published cost as a starting point rather than their likely final price, with actual costs depending heavily on family financial circumstances and aid eligibility.
Nebraska-Lincoln graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over their early careers. Median earnings rise from $47,692 six years after enrollment to $53,022 at eight years and $56,887 at ten years, representing 19.3% growth from the six-year mark.
These outcomes reflect data from substantial cohorts, with 5,631 graduates included in the ten-year analysis, providing high confidence in reported figures. While graduates earn $4,435 below expectations compared to similar students nationally, the university excels in serving low-income students, with these graduates earning $49,400, placing Nebraska-Lincoln in the top 25% nationally on this measure.
Earnings distribution spans from $40,131 at the 25th percentile to $80,043 at the 75th percentile, a 2.0:1 ratio reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory. Approximately 23.9% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.
Compared to peer institutions, graduates earn $3,656 less annually than the peer median of $60,543.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Western Carolina University Similar quality tier (#278 ranked) | NC | 87% | $49,458 | #278 | Compare |
University Of Missouri-Kansas City Similar quality tier in Midwest (#279 ranked) | MO | 75% | $59,637 | #279 | Compare |
University Of Southern Mississippi Similar quality tier (#276 ranked) | MS | 99% | $44,140 | #276 | Compare |
Texas A & M University-Commerce Similar quality tier (#275 ranked) | TX | 93% | $50,296 | #275 | Compare |
University Of Kentucky Similar quality tier (#272 ranked) | KY | 92% | $59,025 | #272 | Compare |
Computer Engineering, General.
57 graduates
Actuarial Science.
67 graduates
Artificial Intelligence.
117 graduates
Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
75 graduates
Chemical Engineering, Other.
38 graduates
Nebraska-Lincoln offers 20 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for ranking analysis. Artificial Intelligence leads in earnings outcomes, producing 117 graduates with median earnings of $86,925 and ranking #75 nationally.
Banking and Financial Support Services ranks #62 nationally and #1 in Nebraska, graduating 232 students with median earnings of $69,641 and a strong value score of 70.1. Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services ranks #3 nationally and #1 in Nebraska, demonstrating exceptional performance with a value score of 90.5 and median earnings of $53,788.
Business Administration and Management represents the largest program by enrollment, graduating 298 students annually with median earnings of $55,234. Agricultural Teacher Education combines strong outcomes with manageable debt, producing graduates earning $45,034 with debt levels of just $18,913.
The university maintains leadership positions in Nebraska across multiple fields, holding the #1 state ranking in 12 different programs.
