
University of Nebraska - Lincoln (UNL), is a top public research university that has pioneered many "firsts." It was one of the first institutions of higher learning west of the Mississippi River to grant doctoral degrees (the first it awarded was in 1896). UNL was also the first university to establish ecology as an academic discipline, and its campus is a perfect representation of nature, with beautiful arboreta and gardens. One of the earliest universities to celebrate the arts and literature, UNL gave birth to the literary magazine "Prairie Schooner." It also created foundations for the University of Nebraska Press and the Sheldon Museum of Art.
UNL has many well-funded research projects, led by faculty who are recognized scientists and scholars. In addition to its research and graduate programs, UNL is known for its excellent undergraduate programs. Some of these programs include the Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experience Program (UCARE), which connects research faculty to students for collaboration on independent study projects. Outstanding students who wish to develop leadership skills can enroll leadership programs in the Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management.
The entire undergraduate student body can participate in the Nebraska Colloquium, which involves the UNL academic community in an annual intellectual discourse on a topic of importance. This program provides a mechanism for activities and events in different academic units that contribute to the theme. Additionally, the University Honors Program hosts Honors Forum talks on world issues.
History
The University of Nebraska - Lincoln was established in 1869, and covered four city blocks. University Hall was the first campus building, which began to crumble by the time a second building was constructed in 1886. The conditions of the prairie were quite harsh, killing many of the trees and flowers that were planted on campus. In the 1890s, the university constructed its library from stronger materials that would withstand the elements of the prairie.
In 1873, the university established a nearby farm campus, and later an experimental research station in North Platte. In 1902, the Medical College of Omaha merged with the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. In 1909, UNL was admitted to the Association of American Universities. In 1906, John D. Rockefeller contributed funds for the construction of a student activity center, known as the Temple Building, among others.
Academics
The academic calendar for the UNL follows the semester format, with fall, spring and summer semesters.
Colleges and Schools
The colleges of the University of Nebraska - Lincoln include:
- College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
- College of Architecture
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Business Administration
- College of Education and Human Sciences
- College of Engineering
- The Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts
- College of Graduate Studies
- College of Journalism and Mass Communications
- College of Law
UNL also offers programs through the UNO College of Public Affairs and Community Service, and the UNMC colleges of Nursing and Dentistry.
Student Life
More than 400 student clubs and organizations are offered at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. These organizations cover student interests ranging from academic or professional to social, cultural, religious or athletic. There is a campus-based office of Greek Affairs, and there are numerous local chapters of fraternities and sororities available for participation. Student government offers many opportunities for leadership, and many other student activities and events foster the learning of new skills and forging of new friendships. There is an RSO Fair offered every semester to help students choose the club or organization that is right for them.
The office of Student Involvement offers these additional resources for students who wish to form their own student organization:
- Learn how to plan a budget, receive an excused absence from a class and more
- Free Pepsi for your organization
- Meet other students and learn about organizations at the RSO Fair
- Create a website or email address for your organization
- Search for a Recognized Student Organization
- Start your own Recognized Student Organization
- Get help with event planning
- Get your organization its own office space
- Promote your event with the help of the Creation Station
- Request funds for your organization
- Find out how to properly use UNL logos
- Read the RSO Newsletter
- Read or sign up to a email list
On campus housing is available, as well as a variety of dining services. In addition, there is now a campus-based "Campus NightLife" that provides safe, free activities for students wishing to enjoy a nightlife within their campus community. Some of the sponsored events and entertainments include the outdoor music concert called "Midwest Acoustic Fest," the "Husker Watch Party," that allows students to view Huskers athletics games on the Jumbo Screen at Memorial Stadium, and many other themed and seasonal events.
Traditions
The UNL school colors are red and white, and the school mascot is the huskers.
Athletics
The UNL "Huskers" athletic teams compete in numerous intercollegiate sports, including:
Men's Sports:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Cross Country
- Football
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Wrestling
Women's Sports:
- Basketball
- Bowling
- Cross Country
- Gymnastics
- Rifle
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming and Diving
- Tennis
- Track and Field
- Volleyball
Satellite Campuses
UNL has two primary campuses in Lincoln, Nebraska - its City Campus and East Campus.
Community Life
UNL is located in Lincoln, Nebraska, a large, friendly midwestern city with vibrant culture and entertainment. Known for its abundant parks and extensive bike trails, the Lincoln offers many outdoor activities. It is also known for its safety, low cost of living, and increasing business development, making it a highly desired place to live.
The university is contributing to the local community through its Global Water for Food Institute, a program that helps meet a critical need for using water resources efficiently for agriculture.
Admission Requirements & Details
The admission details below may provide a better idea of the students University of Nebraska – Lincoln accepts. The details may include application requirements and recommendations, as well as any college credits that may be transferred.
College Credits Accepted
- Dual Credits
- AP Course Credits
Student Enrollment
The total student enrollment at University of Nebraska – Lincoln is about 25,000, with undergraduate students making up about 80% of the total student population and graduate students making up the rest.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $15,600. In order to calculate a more accurate and detailed cost of attendance check out their cost calculator here. There is also a $45 application fee for those applying to a program. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Annual tuition estimates are:
- In-State Tuition: $6,600-$7,900
- Nonresident Student Tuition: $21,000-$24,910
- Charges for part-time students are:
- In-State: $220-$260 per unit
- Out-of-State: $690-$830 per unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 93% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 73% | $7,394 |
Receiving Student Loans | 52% | $6,012 |
Academics & Student Services
Student Services
To help support students, University of Nebraska – Lincoln may offer services to students like:- Distance learning
- Career path counseling
- Employing students to lower education costs
- Assisting students to find work
- Day care
Graduation Rates
University of Nebraska – Lincoln has an overall graduation rate which is close to 67%.
Number of Year to Graduate | Percent of Entering Class |
---|---|
Students Graduating in 4 Years | 32% |
Graduating in 5 Years | 29% |
Graduating in 6 Years | 6% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
- Art and Design Program
- Teacher Education (Bachelor's) Program
- Clinical Audiology (Au.D.) Program
- Clinical Psychology (Ph.D.) Program
- Counseling Psychology (Ph.D.) Program
- Dance Program
- Dental Hygienist Program
- Dietetics Program
- Endodontics Program
- Graduate Teacher Education Program
- Law Program
- Music Program
- Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics Program
- Pediatric Dentistry Program
- Periodontics Program
- Prosthodontics Program
- School Psychology (Ph.D.) Program
- Speech-Language Pathology Program
- Theatre Program
Intercollegiate Athletics
University of Nebraska – Lincoln is a Member of National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), with many of the sports being in the NCAA Division I-A classification. The most popular sports played are listed below:
- Baseball (Big Ten Conference)
- Basketball (Big Ten Conference)
- Track and Field (Big Ten Conference)
- Football (Big Ten Conference)
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Rifle
- Soccer
- Softball
- Swimming and Diving
- Tennis
- Volleyball
- Wrestling
- Bowling
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by University of Nebraska – Lincoln by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Agriculture Operations
- Animal Science (B, D, M)
- Agricultural Economics (B, D, M)
- Agricultural Business and Management (B)
- Agronomy and Crop Science (B, D, M)
- Landscaping (B)
- Agricultural Mechanization (B)
- Food Science (B, D, M)
- Horticultural Science (B)
- Turf Management (B)
- Agriculture (B, M)
- Range Science and Management (B)
- Agricultural Communication (B)
- Animal Health (M)
- Soil Science and Agronomy (B)
- Agricultural and Food Products Processing
- Floriculture, Floristry Operations and Management
- Plant Protection and Integrated Pest Management
Architecture
- Architecture (B, M)
- Interior Architecture (B)
- Urban Planning (M)
- Landscape Architect (B)
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Biology (B, D, M)
- Biochemistry (B, D, M)
- Entomology (B, D, M)
- Biomedical Science (D)
- Botany (B)
- Microbiology (B)
- Toxicology (D)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business Administration (B, M)
- Finance (B)
- Advertising and Marketing (B)
- Accounting (B, M)
- Hospitality Administration and Management (B)
- Risk Management and Insurance (B, M)
- Business Economics (B)
- International Business (B)
- Business, Management, Marketing and Related Support Services (D, M)
- Banking and Financial Services (B)
- Investments and Securities (B)
- Marketing Research (D, M)
- Insurance (B)
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Management Science
Communications and Journalism
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (B)
- Communications (B, D)
- Broadcast Journalism (B)
- Journalism (B, M)
- Advertising
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer (B, D, M)
Education
- Elementary Education (B)
- Curriculum and Instruction (M)
- Educational Leadership and Administration (C, D, M)
- Educational Administration (D)
- Special Education and Teaching (B, M)
- Social Science Teacher Education (B)
- Agricultural Teacher Education (B, M)
- Educational Assessment, Evaluation and Research (C, M)
- Music Teacher Education (B)
- Teacher Education, Multiple Levels (B)
- Mathematics Teacher Education (B, M)
- Business Teacher Education (B)
- English and Language Arts Teacher Education (B)
- Science Teacher (B)
- Art Teacher Education (B)
- Spanish Language Teacher Education (B)
- Teacher and Professional Development (B)
- Education, Teaching Individuals with Hearing Impairments
- Middle School Teacher
- Foreign Language Teacher Education
- Health Teacher Education
- Technology Teacher Education Teacher Education
- Physical Education
- Reading Teacher and Literacy Specialist
- Trade and Industrial Teacher Education
- French Language Teacher Education
- German Language Teacher Education
- Physics Teacher Education
- ESL
Engineering
- Civil Engineering (B, M)
- Mechanical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Electrical Engineering (B, D, M)
- Architectural Engineering (B, D, M)
- Computer Engineering (B)
- Biological, Biosystems Engineering (B, D)
- Engineering (B, D, M)
- Chemical Engineering (B, M)
- Industrial Engineering (B, M)
- Construction Engineering (B, M)
- Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Bioengineering (B, M)
- Environmental and Environmental Health Engineering (M)
- Engineering Mechanics (M)
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (D)
- Manufacturing Engineer
Engineering Technology
- Construction Engineering Technology (B)
- Telecommunications Technology (M)
- Civil Engineering Technology
- Industrial Technology
- Industrial Production Technologies
English Language and Literature
- English (B, D, M)
Ethnic Cultural and Gender Studies
- Women's Studies (B)
- Latin American Studies (B)
- Ethnic and Cultural Minority Studies (B)
- Western European Studies
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Nutrition and Wellness Studies (B, M)
- Family and Consumer Economics (B)
- Family Studies (B, M)
- Apparel and Textiles Management (B)
- Apparel and Textiles (B, M)
- Consumer Merchandising and Management (B)
- Family Resource Management Studies
- Housing and Human Environments
- Textile Science
- Family and Consumer Sciences, Human Sciences
Foreign Languages and Literature
- Spanish Language and Literature (B)
- German Language and Literature (B)
- French Language and Literature (B)
- Foreign Languages and Literatures (D, M)
- Russian Language and Literature (B)
- Classical Languages, Literatures and Linguistics
- Ancient Greek Language and Literature
- Latin Language and Literature
Health and Clinical Professions
- Speech and Language Pathology (B)
- Audiology and Speech Pathology (M)
- Athletic Training (B)
- Pre-Veterinary Studies (B)
- Audiology, Hearing Sciences (D)
- Veterinary Assistant
- Pre-Dentistry Studies
- Pre-Pharmacy Studies
- Community Health Services, Liaison, Counseling
History
- History (B, D, M)
Interdisciplinary Studies
- International and Global Studies (B)
- Ancient Civilization Studies (B)
- Nutrition (D, M)
- Medieval and Renaissance Studies
- Museum Studies
Legal Professions and Studies
- Law (D)
- Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (D)
- Legal Professions and Studies (M)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (B)
Mathematics and Statistics
- Math (B, D, M)
- Statistics (D, M)
Natural Resources and Conservation
- Environmental and Wildlife Management (B, D, M)
- Environmental Studies (B)
- Natural Resources Management and Policy (B)
Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Philosophy (B, D, M)
Physical Sciences
- Chemistry (B, D, M)
- Geology (B, D, M)
- Meteorology (B)
- Physics (B, D, M)
Psychology
- Psychology (B, D, M)
- Educational Psychology (D)
Recreation and Fitness Studies
Security and Protective Services
- Forensic Science (B)
- Fire Prevention (A)
Social Sciences
- Political Science (B, D, M)
- Sociology (B, D, M)
- Anthropology (B, M)
- Geography (B, D, M)
- Economics (B, D, M)
- International Relations (B)
Visual and Performing Arts
- Fine Arts and Studio Arts (B, M)
- Music (B, D, M)
- Drama and Theatre Arts (B, M)
- Film Studies (B)
- Art History (B, M)
- Dance (B)
Other 4-Year Public Colleges
The list of schools below have been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to University of Nebraska – Lincoln.
- University of Nebraska at Omaha in Omaha, NE (47 miles away)
- Peru State College in Peru, NE (56 miles away)
- Wayne State College in Wayne, NE (100 miles away)
- Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO (101 miles away)
- Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS (113 miles away)
See a list of all the colleges and universities by clicking on one of the links below:
- See all colleges in Nebraska
- Browse our list of public colleges in Nebraska