University of Nebraska at Kearney: 86.0% Acceptance Rate

86.0%Acceptance

$8,302Tuition

4,130Students

60%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$50,105Earnings

#14 in NebraskaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Nebraska at Kearney

The University of Nebraska at Kearney builds teachers and serves the rural heartland with 4,130 students spread across a small town campus. This regional university has spent over a century training educators who fan out across Nebraska's farming communities and small cities. About 91% of students come from in-state, creating a close-knit atmosphere where everyone seems to know each other. The Lopers compete in Division II athletics with 13 varsity sports and 449 student-athletes who often balance farm work with practice schedules.

Students pay an average net price of $16,488 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable paths to a four-year degree in Nebraska. Graduates earn a median of $50,105 ten years after starting college, while carrying typical debt loads of $19,500. The 70% loan repayment rate suggests most graduates find steady work that lets them handle monthly payments of $207. In-state tuition costs just $8,302, keeping college within reach for rural families.

Women make up 63% of the student body, reflecting the strong education programs that still draw more female students. The 76% retention rate shows most students stick around, though the 60% six-year graduation rate indicates some take longer to finish than at more selective schools.

Academics & Faculty

UNK built its reputation as a teacher preparation powerhouse, training educators who serve rural Nebraska and beyond. The university maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships typical of regional institutions focused on undergraduate teaching. About 57% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the hands-on support that characterizes smaller public universities. Education remains the flagship program, but UNK has expanded into health sciences, business, and liberal arts to serve its largely in-state population of 4,130 students. The university's mission centers on accessible, practical education rather than research, making it ideal for students seeking personal attention and clear career pathways.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 65.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 56.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 59.8%
Retention Rate: 76.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $50,105
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Master	$58,479
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$53,358
Special Education and Teaching.	Master	$52,607
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services.	Master	$50,606
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.	Certificate	$50,606
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$50,439
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Master	$49,464
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Bachelor	$48,641
Biology, General.	Master	$48,432
Fine and Studio Arts.	Master	$48,432

View all 59 programs →

Campus Life

The University of Nebraska at Kearney sits in a town of 33,000 people, roughly 180 miles west of Omaha. With 1,921 housing spaces for 4,130 students, about 46% of undergraduates live on campus. Nebraska winters demand heavy coats and snow boots, while summers reach the 80s and 90s.

Students gather at the Nebraskan Student Union for meals and study sessions between classes. The 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio means professors know your name in most courses. Weekend activities center around Loper athletic events, especially football and basketball games at the Health and Sports Center. Many students head home on weekends since 90.88% come from Nebraska. The campus feels particularly busy during weekdays when commuter students mix with residential life.

Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social scenes. Students often drive to Grand Island, 45 minutes east, for shopping and dining options beyond Kearney's downtown. The university's teacher education focus creates a collaborative atmosphere where future educators practice lessons on each other.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 1,921 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1905

Campus Safety (2023)

22 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Stalking	6	2
Fondling	2	2
Rape	2	2
Aggravated Assault	2	1
Burglary	2	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 13°–36°F
July Avg: 62°–86°F
Annual Precipitation: 25.2"
Annual Snowfall: 23.4"

Student Demographics

Nebraska at Kearney draws heavily from its home state, with 91% of students coming from Nebraska. Women outnumber men nearly two to one, reflecting the university's strong reputation in education and human services fields. The student body is predominantly white at 73%, with growing Hispanic enrollment at 15%. One-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing UNK's commitment to serving working-class families across rural Nebraska. This demographic mix aligns perfectly with the university's mission as a regional institution training teachers and professionals who often return to serve small Nebraska communities.

Men: 37.1%
Women: 63.0%
White: 73.3%
Black: 2.7%
Hispanic: 15.2%
Asian: 0.8%
In-State Students: 90.9%
Pell Grant Recipients: 33.5%

Location

Kearney sits in central Nebraska, roughly 180 miles west of Omaha and 130 miles south of Grand Island. The city has about 33,000 residents and serves as a regional center for agriculture and transportation along Interstate 80. This classic college town atmosphere means the university's 4,130 students make up a significant portion of the local population. The surrounding area features expansive farmland and prairie, giving students access to Nebraska's rural character while still having urban amenities. The Platte River runs nearby, offering outdoor recreation opportunities. Students considering colleges in Nebraska may also compare University of Nebraska at Kearney with similar schools in the region.

Address: Kearney, Nebraska 68849-1212

University of Nebraska at Kearney campus

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $50,105
Median Earnings (5 years): $54,319
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $36,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 70.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $207/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $19,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Nebraska at Kearney?

University of Nebraska at Kearney accepts 86% of applicants, making it accessible to most students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1000-1200 on the SAT and average an ACT score of 22. This regional university focuses on serving Nebraska students, with 91% of enrollment coming from in-state.

How much does University of Nebraska at Kearney cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $16,488 after financial aid at University of Nebraska at Kearney. In-state tuition runs $8,302 while out-of-state students pay $14,260. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates typically leave with $19,500 in debt.

What academic programs is University of Nebraska at Kearney known for?

University of Nebraska at Kearney built its reputation on teacher education programs that serve rural Nebraska communities. The university maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs. With 63% female enrollment, the campus reflects the demographics typical of education-focused institutions.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at University of Nebraska at Kearney?

University of Nebraska at Kearney graduates 60% of students within six years and achieves a 98% employment rate. Alumni earn a median salary of $50,105 ten years after graduation. The loan repayment rate of 70% suggests most graduates find steady work to manage their $207 monthly loan payments.

Where is University of Nebraska at Kearney located and what is campus life like?

University of Nebraska at Kearney sits in the town of Kearney, serving 4,130 students in a classic college town setting. Campus housing accommodates 1,921 students at $11,936 annually for room and board. The Lopers compete in 13 NCAA Division II sports with 449 total athletes receiving $2.7 million in athletic scholarships.

How diverse is the student body at University of Nebraska at Kearney?

University of Nebraska at Kearney enrolls a student body that is 73% white and 15% Hispanic, reflecting Nebraska's demographics. Women make up 63% of the enrollment, which aligns with the university's strength in education programs. The 77% retention rate indicates most students who start at UNK choose to stay through their degree.