University of Nebraska - Lincoln Scholarships (2026–2027)
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Last Updated on March 31, 2026- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~77%
- Middle 50% ACT: 25
- Middle 50% SAT: 1200
- Average GPA: 3.54
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of Nebraska - Lincoln at a Glance
- November 1 is the priority scholarship deadline—miss it and you can lose out on automatic and top awards
- Test-optional for admission, but strong test scores can boost scholarship tiers significantly
- Top awards like the Regents and President’s Scholarships are highly competitive—don’t treat them as guaranteed even with strong stats
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of Nebraska - Lincoln is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 25; SAT: 1200.
Average net price? About $17,894/yearyear after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity? Yes — participates in msep.
University scholarship page: https://admissions.unl.edu/cost/scholarships/
Honors College site: https://honors.unl.edu/experiences/fund/
Honors College site: https://honors.unl.edu/hpsab-scholarship-application/
Honors College site: https://honors.unl.edu
CollegeScorecard / Admissions: https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Nebraska - Lincoln 2026-2027
📅 2026–2027 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2025–2026). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2026–2027 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) | $11,100 | $30,330 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) | $14,210 | $14,210 |
| Total (Direct Costs) | $25,310 | $44,540 |
Average Federal Net Price: $17,894 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
Through the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP), eligible students pay no more than 150% of in-state tuition (≈ $11,640 per year).
The New Nebraskan Scholarship can further reduce tuition — sometimes matching the in-state rate for high-achieving nonresidents.
❓ Cost & Aid FAQs
What is the Nebraska Promise?
It’s a tuition-free program for in-state students with family incomes ≤ $65,000 or who qualify for the Pell Grant. It covers tuition only (not fees or housing).
Can out-of-state students get close to in-state prices?
Yes — through the MSEP or New Nebraskan Scholarship, most strong students pay near in-state rates.
When should we apply for aid?
Apply for admission by November 1 and file the FAFSA by February 1 to maximize eligibility for scholarships and need-based aid.
How do housing costs compare?
On-campus housing and meals average about $14,210, which is among the lowest in the Big Ten.
Cost of Attendance (2025–2026 budgets): https://financialaid.unl.edu/cost/undergraduate/
Tuition & Fees (resident and nonresident rates): https://studentaccounts.unl.edu/tuition-fees
Housing & Dining Costs (on-campus averages): https://housing.unl.edu/costs
Nebraska Promise (tuition coverage details): https://nebraska.edu/nebraska-promise
New Nebraskan Scholarship (nonresident tuition reduction): https://admissions.unl.edu/cost/scholarships/new-nebraskan-scholarship/
MSEP program overview (150% in-state tuition cap for eligible students): https://www.mhec.org/program/midwest-student-exchange-program/
College Scorecard (average net price reference): https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?181464-University-of-Nebraska-Lincoln=
Automatic Merit Scholarships
Test Superscoring: UNL considers your best ACT or SAT superscore for scholarship review (highest section scores across test dates).
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Husker Power Scholarship | $3,500 per year | About 3.5+ unweighted GPA and ~23+ ACT / 1130+ SAT (superscored) | No | Yes (up to 4 years) | Most on-time admits meeting the band | Automatic with admission; apply by priority date |
| Big Red Scholarship | $6,000 per year | About 3.6+ GPA and ~26+ ACT / 1230+ SAT | No | Yes (up to 4 years) | Top ~20% of class with strong rigor | Automatic with admission; apply by priority date |
| George Beadle Scholarship (Nonresident) | $14,500 per year | About 3.8+ GPA and ~29+ ACT / 1340+ SAT | No | Yes (up to 4 years) | High-achieving out-of-state applicants | Automatic with admission; priority timeline |
Note: When not explicitly published by UNL, GPA and test score bands above are estimates based on official award descriptions, past recipient data, and admitted-student statistics. Actual thresholds can shift each year based on the applicant pool and funding.
Automatic Scholarship FAQ
Do I need a separate application?
No. Automatic awards are considered with your admission file if you apply by the priority date. (Leadership programs like the Chancellor’s Leadership Class require a separate application and belong in the competitive category.)
Does UNL superscore?
Yes. UNL uses your best section scores across test dates to compute a superscore for scholarship consideration.
Are nonresidents eligible?
Yes. Awards like the George Beadle are designed for out-of-state students and can substantially reduce the nonresident price.
What’s the priority timeline?
For best consideration, submit your admission application by the university’s stated priority date (commonly in early November) and file the FAFSA by early February.
Competitive Scholarships
UNL’s competitive scholarships can significantly boost aid for students who stand out in academics, leadership, and service. These awards typically require a separate application, interview, or both and are more selective than automatic merit.
What “competitive” means: Not part of the automatic chart; limited spots; committee review; extra materials (résumé, essays, interview). Applying by the priority date is critical.
| Scholarship / Program | Award Amount | Eligibility (plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chancellor’s Scholarship | Full tuition (4 years) | ~3.9 unweighted GPA; ~32 ACT / 1450 SAT; leadership and essays | Yes (UNL portal) | Yes (good standing) | ~25 students per year; top 1–2% of admits | Commonly Dec 1 (priority) |
| David Distinguished Scholarship | $3,500 per year | ~3.85 GPA; ~30 ACT / 1360 SAT; leadership résumé | Yes (portal + materials) | Yes | Dozens annually; strong academics plus impact | Dec 1 (typical) |
| Husker Traditions Scholarship | $2,500 per year | Solid GPA; substantial service and involvement; short essays | Yes (portal) | Yes | Several dozen; leadership and community impact matter | Dec 1 (typical) |
Reality check: The Chancellor’s Scholarship is extremely selective. Even mid-tier competitive awards draw many qualified applicants. Strong academics plus clear leadership and service evidence are key.
FAQs About Competitive Scholarships at UNL
Do I need a separate application?
Yes. Most competitive awards require additional materials in the UNL scholarship portal (résumé, essays, sometimes interviews).
Are test scores required?
Many list score bands; strong scores help even when essays and leadership weigh heavily. UNL may consider superscored results where applicable.
Can nonresidents win these awards?
Yes. Competitive programs are open to in-state and out-of-state students.
🎓 University Honors Program
UNL’s Honors Program offers smaller, discussion-based classes, close faculty mentorship, priority registration, and early access to research and leadership opportunities. It’s ideal for motivated students seeking a more personalized academic experience within a large university.
Most admitted Honors students have around a 31–32 ACT (≈1430 SAT) and rank in the top 10% of their class. Specialized tracks, like the School of Computing Honors, typically look for an ACT 29+ or SAT 1300+, top 20% class rank, and strong math or computing preparation. Essays, GPA, and extracurricular impact matter just as much as test scores.
Housing: Honors students often live on designated floors in select residence halls, forming a close-knit academic community.
Honors Program Perks
- Small, interdisciplinary seminars with priority registration
- Access to the Honors Center, specialized advising, and peer mentorship
- Funding for research, travel, and internships through “Fund Your Experience”
- Graduation recognition and transcript distinction
Honors Funding & Scholarships
| Scholarship / Award | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fund Your Experience Grant | Up to $1,500 | Honors students pursuing unpaid internships, study abroad, or senior projects | Yes | No (one-time) | Students with a clear academic purpose and structured proposal | Rolling (each semester) |
| HPSAB Honors Scholarship | $250 (spring only) | Honors students not previously funded by the program | Yes | No | Two students selected annually for initial project funding | Feb 15 |
| University Honors Scholarship | ≈$500/year (book credit) | Incoming full-time Honors students | Yes | Yes (to graduation) | All Honors enrollees; flat-rate support for coursework materials | At admission |
FAQs About the Honors Program
Can you get into Honors automatically with high grades?
No. Even top students must apply—UNL uses a holistic review including essays, activities, and academic record.
Do Honors students need to maintain a GPA?
Yes. You must maintain a 3.5 GPA to stay in good standing. Falling below may pause scholarship eligibility until GPA recovers.
Is there special Honors housing?
Not a separate building, but Honors students are grouped on dedicated residence hall floors that encourage collaboration and community.
Do Honors students get extra scholarship money?
Not automatically. However, they gain access to research grants, enrichment funding, and exclusive national scholarship opportunities like Goldwater or Truman.
Can students join Honors later?
Yes. Students can apply after their first year with a 3.7+ GPA and at least two semesters remaining. Essays and faculty recommendations are required.
🌟 What UNL Is Known For
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) is more than just the state’s flagship campus—it’s a research powerhouse and home to several programs that consistently rank among the best in the nation. If your student’s interests align with these specialties, they could gain access to unique scholarships, career pipelines, and hands-on experiences that aren’t available everywhere.
- Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources: UNL’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources is nationally recognized, with programs in agronomy, animal science, and agri-business often ranked in the top 10 nationwide.
- Architecture: The College of Architecture is known for its integrated, hands-on approach and strong professional placement rates.
- Engineering: The College of Engineering’s programs in biological systems, civil, and mechanical engineering are ABET-accredited and well-regarded regionally and nationally.
- Business: The College of Business is home to a highly ranked supply chain management program and strong accounting and actuarial science tracks.
- Journalism & Mass Communications: UNL’s College of Journalism and Mass Communications has been recognized nationally for its depth in broadcasting, advertising, and sports media.
- Law–Early Admission Program (3+3): Students can secure a place in the Nebraska College of Law after just three years of undergrad.
- Athletic Training & Sports Science: With Husker Athletics as a backdrop, UNL offers nationally respected programs in exercise science, athletic training, and sports nutrition.
🎯 What the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Is Known For
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) is the state’s flagship and a public R1 Research University. Known for its blend of Big Ten academics and Midwestern practicality, UNL stands out for strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and business—alongside nationally respected research in water science, journalism, and education.
UNL’s agriculture programs are among the Top 15 in the nation (Niche 2025), with global recognition for crop genetics, animal science, and environmental sustainability. The university’s role as a land-grant institution fuels research and outreach that impact farms, communities, and food systems across Nebraska and beyond.
- College of Engineering — Ranked among the Top 75 engineering colleges nationally (U.S. News 2025), with notable programs in civil, mechanical, and biological systems engineering.
- College of Business — Recognized among the Top 40 public business schools, offering AACSB-accredited programs and strong placement in accounting, finance, and supply chain management.
- College of Journalism and Mass Communications — Consistently ranked among the Top 25 journalism schools for its broadcast and sports media programs.
- College of Education and Human Sciences — Nationally recognized for educational psychology, child development, and teacher preparation, with strong community-based partnerships.
- College of Architecture — Known for a design-build focus and interdisciplinary collaboration, with programs ranked among the Top 20 in the Midwest.
- Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts — Offers strong programs in music, theatre, and visual arts, with close ties to Lincoln’s creative community.