University of Nebraska at Kearney publishes a cost of attendance of $24,452 annually, including $14,260 in out-of-state tuition, $11,936 for room and board, and $770 for books and supplies. In-state students pay significantly less with tuition of $8,302.
Select your family income to see your estimated cost
Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $25,808 |
| Tuition and Fees | $15,284 |
| Room and Board | $12,198 |
| Books and Supplies | $798 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$9,566 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $16,242 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $13,066 |
| $30–48k | $13,350 |
| $48–75k | $14,547 |
| $75–110k | $16,703 |
| $110k+ | $20,664 |
University of Nebraska at Kearney publishes a cost of attendance of $24,452 annually, including $14,260 in out-of-state tuition, $11,936 for room and board, and $770 for books and supplies. In-state students pay significantly less with tuition of $8,302. However, the average student pays just $16,488 after financial aid—a savings of $7,964 from the published price.
This net price sits $2,395 above the peer median of $14,093, indicating UNK costs moderately more than similar regional universities. The combination of published prices and actual net costs reflects UNK's approach to broad accessibility through financial aid while maintaining revenue from higher-income families. Nebraska residents benefit substantially from the in-state tuition advantage, making UNK particularly attractive for state residents.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
University of Nebraska at Kearney graduates leave with median debt of $19,500, exactly matching the peer median of $21,105, indicating typical borrowing levels for similar institutions. Student debt distribution ranges from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $24,500 at the 75th percentile, showing most students borrow moderate amounts while some graduate debt-free or with minimal loans.
The debt percentile ranking of 72% indicates UNK students carry above-average debt loads nationally, though this reflects the comparison against all four-year institutions rather than similar regional publics. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39 means graduates' debt equals about 39% of their first-year post-graduation earnings, indicating manageable repayment burdens.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
University of Nebraska at Kearney delivers $4,920 in earnings beyond expectations, ranking at the 73.6th percentile nationally for value-added performance. This means graduates earn nearly $5,000 more annually than would be predicted based on their incoming characteristics and institutional profile.
Median debt of $19,500 exactly matches the peer median while earnings of $50,105 sit just $11 below peer levels, creating a favorable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39. The university ranks in the top 50% nationally for earnings beyond expectations, indicating strong institutional effectiveness in supporting student economic outcomes.
This value-added performance, combined with controlled debt levels, positions UNK as a solid educational investment where students receive more economic benefit than their backgrounds would typically predict. The combination of accessible admission, reasonable costs, and above-expected outcomes creates attractive investment fundamentals for students prioritizing return on educational investment.
University of Nebraska at Kearney enrolls 33.5% Pell-eligible students, indicating substantial representation of families with incomes typically below $50,000 annually. This Pell share, combined with net prices as low as $13,187 for lowest-income families, demonstrates the university's effectiveness in serving students from diverse economic backgrounds.
The financial aid structure reduces published costs by nearly $8,000 on average, with the most generous aid flowing to students with the greatest need. The progressive pricing structure, where net costs increase systematically with family income, reflects targeted aid policies designed to promote access while maintaining revenue from families with greater ability to pay.
The combination of accessible pricing for lower-income students and reasonable costs for middle-income families supports UNK's role as a regional comprehensive university serving broad economic diversity. Students from families across the income spectrum can find pathways to affordable education, though aid concentration flows appropriately toward those with the greatest financial need.
Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $13,000 with monthly payments of $171, representing additional family financial commitments. The combination of median debt matching peer institutions alongside earnings beyond expectations creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability.
