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University of Nebraska-Lincoln acceptance rate, GPA needed and real cost
Also known as Nebraska, UNL
University of Nebraska-Lincoln accepts 87% of applicants. It is a public university in Lincoln, Nebraska, with about 19,178 undergraduates. The sticker price is $25,310 a year for state residents, but after aid the average family pays $16,214.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need for Nebraska?
Most Nebraska residents with a 2.0 GPA or higher have a better-than-even estimated chance, and from about 3.4 admission is likely.
The U.S. Department of Education does not collect high school GPAs, so Admitly does not publish an "average GPA" figure. Colleges that report one do so in their own Common Data Set.
Chances of getting into University of Nebraska-Lincoln by GPA
Assumes an SAT of 1205, the middle score for admitted students (tests are optional here). A higher or lower score moves these numbers. GPA is unweighted, on a 4.0 scale.
| GPA | Nebraska resident | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 | 53% Target | 25% Reach |
| 2.7 | 53% Target | 25% Reach |
| 3.0 | 61% Target | 32% Target |
| 3.3 | 80% Target | 54% Target |
| 3.5 | 88% Likely | 69% Target |
| 3.7 | 93% Likely | 80% Likely |
| 3.9 | 96% Likely | 88% Likely |
| 4.0 | 97% Likely | 91% Likely |
Likely = 80% or higher, Target = 30–80%, Reach = under 30%. Course rigour, class rank, activities and AP scores all change the estimate.
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Check my chancesWhat families actually pay at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Yearly cost after need-based grants, by household income. Sticker price is $25,310 a year for state residents including room and board.
| Family income | In-state | Out-of-state |
|---|---|---|
| Under $50k | $11,400 | $27,800 |
| $50k – $100k | $12,600 | $28,900 |
| $100k – $150k | $17,100 | $33,500 |
| $150k – $250k | $23,400 | $39,800 |
| Over $250k | $25,300 | $41,900 |
Out-of-state figures add most of the tuition difference, since state grants rarely follow students across state lines.
Outcomes
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
Common questions about University of Nebraska-Lincoln
What is the acceptance rate at University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln admits 87% of applicants, according to the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, checked October 29, 2026.
What GPA do you need to get into University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
Most Nebraska residents with a 2.0 GPA or higher have a better-than-even estimated chance, and from about 3.4 admission is likely. This is an estimate from Admitly's admission model, not an official cutoff: course rigour, test scores, activities and essays all matter.
What SAT or ACT score do you need for University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
The middle 50% of admitted students scored 1098–1330 on the SAT and 22–28 on the ACT. Submitting scores is optional.
How much does University of Nebraska-Lincoln cost after financial aid?
The sticker price is $25,310 a year for state residents including room and board, but the average family pays $16,214 after grants. Families earning under $50k pay about $11,400 in-state.
What is the graduation rate at University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
69% of students finish their degree, and 86% return for a second year.
Colleges similar to University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- George Mason UniversityFairfax, VA · admits 87%
- Boise State UniversityBoise, ID · admits 87%
- Montclair State UniversityMontclair, NJ · admits 88%
- Georgia Southern UniversityStatesboro, GA · admits 88%
- Southern Illinois University CarbondaleCarbondale, IL · admits 87%
- Illinois State UniversityNormal, IL · admits 88%