At $17,424/yr net price, University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduates earn $56,887/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $22,887/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,424 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $69,696 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $56,887/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$22,887/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.8% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,899/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,714/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $15,125/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,953/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,012/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | Master | $106,421 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $91,017 | $35,126 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $78,134 | $61,714 |
| Education, Other. | Doctoral | $72,325 | |
| Computer Engineering. | Bachelor | $71,015 | $20,240 |
| Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering. | Bachelor | $70,680 | $21,422 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Doctoral | $70,176 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $68,918 | $20,500 |
| Agricultural Engineering. | Bachelor | $67,324 | |
| Chemical Engineering. | Bachelor | $66,821 | $27,210 |
The Risk Factor
65.8% of students at University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 34% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of Nebraska-Lincoln delivers solid financial returns for most graduates, with engineering programs leading the pack at over $100,000 annually. The $17,424 net price creates manageable debt loads, with typical graduates owing just $21,000.
Engineering stands out as the clear winner financially, while business administration also performs well despite higher debt loads of $35,000. Computer engineering offers strong returns with below-average debt. Education majors face a tougher equation, especially those in administration who graduate with $61,714 in debt for $78,134 salaries.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in its 66% graduation rate. If you struggle academically or lack clear direction, you risk accumulating debt without a degree. The strong 84% retention rate suggests most students who struggle do so later in their academic careers.
UNL works best financially if you can get into engineering or business programs and graduate on time. The low percentage of students receiving aid means merit opportunities may be limited, making this school particularly attractive for middle-income families who qualify for the reasonable in-state pricing.
You should look elsewhere if you need substantial financial aid or plan to study lower-earning fields like education. The regional job market in Nebraska supports the engineering and business outcomes well, but limits opportunities in other sectors. Students planning to leave Nebraska after graduation may find better ROI at schools in higher-wage markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of Nebraska-Lincoln worth the cost for most students?
UNL offers decent value with a net price of $17,424 and 10-year earnings of $56,887, but the 65% graduation rate means one-third of students don't finish. Engineering and business programs provide strong returns, while education majors face lower earning potential relative to debt.
What are the highest paying majors at University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
Engineering leads with median earnings of $106,421, followed by business administration at $91,017. Education majors earn significantly less at around $72,000-78,000, which may not justify the cost for some students.
How much debt do University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduates typically have?
The median debt is $21,000, which is manageable for engineering and business graduates but creates financial stress for education majors earning $72,000-78,000. About 35% of students drop out before graduating, often with debt but no degree.
Does University of Nebraska-Lincoln provide good financial aid?
The net price of $17,424 is reasonable for a state university, but financial aid effectiveness varies by family income. Students should compare this cost against expected earnings in their chosen major before enrolling.