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 gives you a solid financial return with low risk. You pay $17,424 a year and carry a median debt of $21,000 at graduation, which is less than one year's median earnings of $56,887. That ratio keeps loan payments manageable and puts you in safe territory even if you land a mid-paying job.
Engineering is where the money is at UNL. Computer engineering grads earn $71,015 and leave with about $20,240 in debt, so you clear roughly $50,000 more in first-decade earnings than your loans. Electrical engineering and computer science sit close behind, all above $68,000. Chemical engineering pays $66,821 but comes with the heaviest debt on this list at $27,210, so weigh that gap. Agricultural engineering at $67,324 lines up with Nebraska's farm economy and gives you a regional edge that transfers straight into local jobs.
The main risk is what the top-earning list doesn't show. Every strong program here is engineering or computing. If you enroll in a non-technical major, the school's median of $56,887 is your realistic anchor, and no bachelor-level data backs a higher figure for those paths. Plan around the median, not the engineering numbers, unless you're in one of those fields.
Net price scales hard with income. Under $30k, you pay $11,899. over $110k, you pay $22,012. If your family earns under $48k, the sticker stays near $12,000 and the debt math works even in lower-paying majors. Higher-income families pay close to full price, so the return depends more on your choice of program.
UNL fits you if you want engineering, computing, or agriculture and you're in-state or budget-conscious. Look elsewhere if you're set on a major outside those areas and expecting strong pay.
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.