University of Nebraska-Lincoln: A Parent's Guide to Admissions, Cost & Outcomes
Lincoln, Nebraska · Public · Open access · CDS 2024-2025
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University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a public university in Lincoln, Nebraska that admits about 87% of applicants, making it a open access school. The average family pays about $17,747 a year after financial aid, which matters more than the published sticker price. It is best known for Business Administration, Management and Operations, Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication and Psychology, General, its largest undergraduate programs by number of graduates. Its most recent Clery Act report shows roughly 2.3 criminal offenses per 1,000 students.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a public institution located in Lincoln, Nebraska. For the most recent reporting cycle, University of Nebraska-Lincoln admits the majority of qualified applicants, with an overall admission rate of 87%. Admitted students typically post an average SAT of 1191 and an ACT composite around 25. The average net price after grants and scholarships is $17,747 per year, which is the figure most families actually pay rather than the published sticker price.
What GPA does my child need for University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln has a broadly accessible admissions profile, and most students who complete a standard college-prep curriculum with a 3.0 GPA or higher are competitive for admission.
SAT and ACT scores University of Nebraska-Lincoln typically admits
The middle-50 SAT Math range is 538–660, with an EBRW midpoint near 605. The middle-50 ACT composite range is 22–28. Many applicants here submit scores; even slightly below the average can be competitive when combined with a strong GPA and curriculum.
| 25th percentile | — |
| 50th percentile | 1191 |
| 75th percentile | — |
| 25th percentile | 22 |
| 50th percentile | 25 |
| 75th percentile | 28 |
- • Tests required: Standardized test scores are part of the standard application package.
How much does University of Nebraska-Lincoln actually cost?
Published tuition is $10,434 for in-state students and $28,584 for out-of-state, before grants and scholarships. Room and board adds roughly $14,120 annually. After need-based and merit aid, the average family pays a net price of $17,747 per year — the number that actually matters for budgeting. Roughly 23% of students receive Pell Grants.
| Average net price (after aid) | $17,747 |
Application deadlines and early decision data for University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Most popular majors at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The most popular undergraduate programs at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, measured by the number of students who actually graduate each year, are Business Administration, Management and Operations, Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication and Psychology, General. Across all programs, University of Nebraska-Lincoln confers roughly 1,619 bachelor's degrees a year. Graduates of its Business Administration, Management and Operations program report a median income of about $62,338 five years after entering college. What these figures mean
| Major | Graduates / year | Median earnings (5 yrs out) |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | 324 | $62,338 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | 239 | $58,750 |
| Psychology, General | 237 | $52,377 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | 226 | $77,155 |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services | 163 | $63,837 |
| Marketing | 150 | $64,871 |
| Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies | 141 | $45,796 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 139 | $51,736 |
Is University of Nebraska-Lincoln safe? Campus crime & safety
In its most recent Clery Act report (2024), University of Nebraska-Lincoln disclosed 44 total criminal offenses across its campus and surrounding public property, about 2.3 per 1,000 students. That figure includes 2 violent offenses and 19 reported sexual assaults or VAWA offenses. Why per-1,000 rates, not counts
Other colleges in Nebraska parents ask about
Colleges that admit at a similar rate
- Salisbury University87% acceptance · Maryland
- University of New Hampshire-Main Campus88% acceptance · New Hampshire
- Boise State University87% acceptance · Idaho
- University of Alabama at Birmingham88% acceptance · Alabama
- Washington State University87% acceptance · Washington
- University of Oregon88% acceptance · Oregon
Next steps for University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Common questions parents ask about University of Nebraska-Lincoln
What GPA do I need for University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln has a broadly accessible admissions profile, and most students who complete a standard college-prep curriculum with a 3.0 GPA or higher are competitive for admission.
What SAT or ACT score does University of Nebraska-Lincoln typically admit?
The middle-50 SAT Math range is 538–660, with an EBRW midpoint near 605. The middle-50 ACT composite range is 22–28.
How much does University of Nebraska-Lincoln actually cost after financial aid?
The average net price at University of Nebraska-Lincoln after grants and scholarships is $17,747 per year, against a published in-state tuition of $10,434 and $28,584 out of state. Budget against the net figure.
Is University of Nebraska-Lincoln realistic for my child?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln admits 87% of applicants, so 538–660 SAT Math is target range and below 538 is a reach. Then check the $17,747 average net price against what your family can carry.
What is the acceptance rate at University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln accepts about 87% of applicants. It admits the majority of qualified applicants.
Is University of Nebraska-Lincoln test-optional?
No. University of Nebraska-Lincoln requires SAT or ACT scores as part of a standard application.
Is University of Nebraska-Lincoln a public or private school, and where is it located?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a public institution located in Lincoln, Nebraska.
What are the most popular majors at University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
The largest undergraduate majors at University of Nebraska-Lincoln by annual graduates are Business Administration, Management and Operations, Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication and Psychology, General. The school awards about 1,619 bachelor's degrees a year in total. These figures come from federal IPEDS completion data.
Is University of Nebraska-Lincoln safe? What is its campus crime rate?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln reported 44 total criminal offenses in its most recent Clery Act disclosure (2024), roughly 2.3 per 1,000 students. Compare the per-1,000 rate rather than the raw total, since larger schools report more incidents.
Sources: the 2024-2025 Common Data Set submitted by University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the College Scorecard and IPEDS, and Clery Act disclosures. What each source covers