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78.6%Acceptance
$10,108Tuition
18,887Students
66%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$56,887Earnings
#8 in NebraskaPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

Overview

University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a less selective public four-year institution in Lincoln, Nebraska. The school accepts 78.6% of applicants and enrolls 18,887 students.

Admission Statistics

Acceptance Rate
78.6%
Average SAT
1,225
SAT Range (25th–75th)
1,110–1,340
ACT Composite (avg)
25
Total Enrollment
18,887

Your Chances by SAT Score

Strong Candidate
SAT above 1,340

Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.

Competitive
SAT 1,110–1,340

Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.

Reach School
SAT below 1,110

Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.

Admission Guide

University of Nebraska-Lincoln accepts applications through the university's online portal, with a rolling admissions process that makes early submission advantageous for housing and scholarship consideration. You can apply as early as August 1st for the following fall semester, though the priority deadline is January 15th.

Engineering programs require separate application consideration and maintain higher admission standards than the university overall. The College of Engineering evaluates math and science course preparation more heavily, particularly calculus and physics coursework. Business and journalism programs also have additional requirements beyond general admission.

Housing applications open in October for the following academic year, and residence halls fill quickly. Priority goes to students who submit housing contracts earliest, so apply for housing immediately after admission acceptance. First-year students must live on campus unless they live within 50 miles of Lincoln or meet specific exemption criteria.

Nebraska requires all admitted students to attend a New Student Enrollment conference during summer before their first semester. These mandatory sessions cover course registration, academic planning, and campus orientation. You register for classes during this conference, not beforehand.

The university operates on a semester system with fall classes beginning in late August. Lincoln's campus spans downtown and east Lincoln areas, with free campus bus service connecting locations. Winter weather significantly impacts daily campus life from December through March, so plan accordingly for housing and transportation needs.

Nebraska automatically considers all admitted students for merit scholarships, but separate applications are required for need-based aid through FAFSA. Submit financial aid documents by April 1st for priority consideration of aid packages.

What It Costs If You Get In

Average Net Price
$17,424/yr
Tuition (in-state)
$10,108
Tuition (out-of-state)
$27,748
Students Receiving Aid
22%

View full cost breakdown →

After You Graduate

Graduation Rate (6-year)
65.8%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$56,887/yr
Freshman Retention Rate
84.3%

View full outcomes data →

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the application deadlines for University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

University of Nebraska-Lincoln has a rolling admissions policy with a priority deadline of January 15. Applications submitted after this date are still considered if space remains available.

Does University of Nebraska-Lincoln require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

University of Nebraska-Lincoln requires either SAT or ACT scores for admission. The school does not have a test-optional policy.

What GPA do you need to get into University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

University of Nebraska-Lincoln requires a minimum 3.0 high school GPA for automatic admission. Students with lower GPAs may still be admitted through individual review of their application.

How many credit hours can transfer students bring to University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

University of Nebraska-Lincoln accepts up to 90 credit hours from community colleges and up to 96 credit hours total from all previous institutions. Transfer students need a minimum 2.0 GPA from their previous college work.