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.
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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) | $26,697 |
| Tuition and Fees | $28,584 |
| Room and Board | $14,120 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,100 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$8,950 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $17,747 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $12,751 |
| $30–48k | $13,054 |
| $48–75k | $14,699 |
| $75–110k | $18,975 |
| $110k+ | $22,346 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Nebraska-Lincoln graduates carry median debt levels of $21,000, slightly above the peer median of $20,000 but within reasonable ranges for a four-year degree. Student debt distribution ranges from $5,500 at the 25th percentile to $25,392 at the 75th percentile, indicating that one-quarter of graduates complete their degrees with minimal borrowing while another quarter carries debt loads approaching $25,400.
The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 falls within manageable territory, meaning typical graduates can expect debt payments representing roughly one-third of their first-year earnings. Parent PLUS borrowers carry median debt of $20,271, with monthly payments of approximately $267, adding to family financial obligations.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Nebraska-Lincoln presents a solid educational investment profile, balancing reasonable costs with steady earnings outcomes. While graduates earn $4,435 below expectations relative to their academic and demographic profiles, they achieve median earnings of $56,887 that exceed many regional alternatives.
The university's debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 supports manageable repayment timelines, and the institution demonstrates particular strength in supporting low-income student success with these graduates ranking in the top 25% nationally for earnings. The net price advantage of $1,834 compared to peer institutions enhances the value proposition, particularly for Nebraska residents.
Students should evaluate the investment based on their program choice, as engineering and business graduates achieve substantially better returns than those in education or social services. The university's consistent earnings growth trajectory of 19.3% from six to ten years post-graduation indicates improving career prospects over time, supporting long-term financial stability despite modest initial performance relative to expectations.
Nebraska-Lincoln's financial aid profile reflects its public mission to serve Nebraska families across income levels. The $7,917 average financial aid savings from sticker price indicates substantial institutional support, though aid concentration favors lower-income students consistent with federal and state funding priorities.
The university's 22.2% Pell share aligns with its role as a flagship institution balancing access with academic selectivity. Net prices by income tier show that families earning under $48,000 receive the most substantial assistance, with costs remaining under $13,000 annually.
The progressive aid structure supports the university's economic mobility outcomes, particularly for the low-income students who rank in the top 25% nationally for post-graduation earnings. However, middle-income families may find limited aid availability, creating affordability challenges for students whose families earn too much for need-based aid but not enough to pay full costs comfortably.
The university's debt levels, while not exceptional, remain reasonable given the earnings outcomes and reflect controlled borrowing practices. Students should plan for debt payments that align with entry-level salaries in their chosen fields, with engineering and business graduates better positioned to handle debt loads than those in lower-earning disciplines.
