🎓 University of Nebraska–Lincoln Scholarships & Aid (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit scholarships and GPA/test score cutoffs
- Competitive and departmental awards worth applying for
- Honors and out-of-state tuition reduction programs
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~77% (CDS 2024–25)
- Middle 50% ACT: 22–28
- Middle 50% SAT: 1120–1330
- Average HS GPA: 3.72
Source: University of Nebraska–Lincoln Common Data Set 2024–25 and Office of Admissions.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln at a Glance
Last verified: October 8, 2025
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is one of the Midwest’s best financial values—especially for strong students in nearby states. With automatic merit awards and MSEP reciprocity, many out-of-state families pay close to in-state rates.
From the Husker Scholarships for solid GPAs to the full-tuition Regents Scholarship for top applicants, Nebraska makes it easy to predict what your family will actually pay. Add in low housing costs and dependable renewability, and UNL can be a serious contender in any Big Ten comparison.
FAQ
Does Nebraska offer automatic scholarships? Yes — awards like the Husker, Chancellor’s, and Nebraska Achievement Scholarships are guaranteed based on GPA/test criteria.
What’s the biggest scholarship available? The Regents Scholarship covers full tuition for top Nebraska residents; nonresidents can earn full-tuition equivalents through the Nebraska Achievement or competitive awards.
Does Nebraska participate in reciprocity? Yes — UNL is part of the Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP).
What’s the average net price? Around $17,611 after aid (College Scorecard 2025).
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Nebraska–Lincoln (2025–2026)
UNL offers one of the best values in the Big Ten—especially for Midwestern families who qualify for MSEP or the New Nebraskan Scholarship, which can bring out-of-state tuition close to in-state levels. Here’s what you can expect before scholarships and aid.
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $10,108 | $27,208 |
| Housing & Meals | $12,096 | $12,096 |
| Estimated Total (On-Campus) | $22,204 | $39,304 |
Why we only show tuition & housing here: UNL’s published cost of attendance also includes books, transportation, and personal allowances—these are estimated living costs, not billed charges. The table above highlights predictable, university-billed expenses that differ by residency and are most relevant for comparison.
❓ Cost & Aid FAQs
What exactly is MSEP?
The Midwest Student Exchange Program allows students from eight Midwestern states to pay no more than 150% of in-state tuition. For UNL, that’s roughly $11,640 per year instead of the standard out-of-state rate.
Who qualifies for MSEP?
You must be a legal resident of a participating MSEP state (such as Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, or Wisconsin) and admitted to UNL. Awards are based on merit—eligibility isn’t guaranteed for all applicants.
What is the New Nebraskan Scholarship?
This UNL program reduces out-of-state tuition for strong academic performers. For instance, students with around a 3.6 GPA and ACT 24+ may receive $15,000/year, while top-tier students (ACT 33–34) can earn up to $20,000/year—often offsetting most of the out-of-state cost.
Do I need to apply for MSEP separately?
No—if you’re from an eligible state, you’re automatically reviewed when you apply to UNL. No separate application is needed.
When will I receive my aid offer?
Apply by November 1 and file the FAFSA by February 1 to receive your scholarship and aid package by mid-February. Out-of-state students may have slightly later notification dates.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Husker Power Scholarship | $3,500/year | GPA ≥ 3.5 (unweighted) and ACT ≥ 23 or SAT ≥ 1130 | No | Yes — up to 4 years | Most students with these scores who apply by the priority deadline receive it |
| Big Red Scholarship | $6,000/year | GPA ≥ 3.6 and ACT ≥ 26 or SAT ≥ 1230 | No | Yes — up to 4 years | Students in the top 20% of their class with strong test scores |
| Chancellor’s Leadership Class Scholarship | $1,000/year + leadership program | GPA ≥ 3.5 and leadership in school or community; ACT ≥ 24 or SAT ≥ 1160 | Yes — separate application required by Nov 15 | Yes — 1 year (non-renewable, but program participation continues) | About 30–40 students chosen annually |
| George Beadle Scholarship | $14,500/year (out-of-state only) | GPA ≥ 3.8 and ACT ≥ 29 or SAT ≥ 1340 | No | Yes — up to 4 years | Top out-of-state academic applicants; pairs with New Nebraska Scholarship for reduced tuition |
Note: GPA and test score cutoffs above are approximate when not explicitly listed on UNL’s website. They are based on a mix of official award descriptions, past recipient data, and published student profile statistics. Actual cutoffs may vary year-to-year depending on applicant pool and available funding.
Automatic Scholarship FAQs
Do I have to apply separately for these scholarships?
Does UNL superscore for scholarships?
Are out-of-state students eligible for automatic awards?
When is the priority deadline?
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
While UNL offers some solid automatic awards, its competitive scholarships can significantly boost your aid package—especially if your student stands out academically, in leadership, or through service. These scholarships require a separate application, an interview, or both. They’re more selective, so it’s worth going in with your eyes open about what they look for and how many they actually award each year.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chancellor’s Scholarship | Full tuition for 4 years | Minimum 3.9 GPA (unweighted) and 32 ACT / 1450 SAT | Yes | Yes | ~25 students/year, typically top 1–2% of admitted class |
| David Distinguished Scholarship | $3,500/year | 3.85 GPA, 30 ACT / 1360 SAT | Yes | Yes | Dozens awarded each year to strong academics with leadership roles |
| Husker Traditions Scholarship | $2,500/year | Strong academic record plus significant community service | Yes | Yes | Several dozen/year; leadership & service weigh heavily |
FAQ: Competitive Scholarships at UNL
- Do I need to apply separately? Yes, most require a separate application through UNL’s scholarship portal.
- Are test scores required? While some awards list minimum scores, others weigh essays and leadership more heavily—still, submitting strong scores helps.
- Can out-of-state students win? Yes, competitive awards are open to both in-state and out-of-state students.
🌟 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.
🎓 University Honors Program
UNL’s Honors Program offers smaller, discussion-based classes, faculty mentorship, priority course registration, and early access to research and leadership opportunities. It’s a great option for motivated students who want a more personalized academic path.
Housing: Honors students often live in designated floors of residence halls, creating a close-knit academic community.
Honors Program Perks
- Small, interdisciplinary seminars and priority enrollment
- Access to the Honors Center, advising, and peer networks
- Priority for travel, research, and paid experiential opportunities like “Fund Your Experience”
- Recognition honors on transcript and at graduation
Honors Funding & Opportunities
| Award | Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fund Your Experience Awards | Up to $1,500 per application | Honors students proposing unpaid internships, study abroad, conferences, or senior project | Yes | No (one-time per project) | Students with clear academic purpose and structured plan |
| HPSAB Scholarship | $250 (spring semester, two awards) | Honors students not previously funded by Honors Program | Yes | No | Two students chosen per year for initial Honors funding |
| University Honors Scholarship | Approx. $500/year (textbook credit) | Incoming honors students enrolled full-time | Yes | Yes (up to degree completion) | Honors enrollees; flat-rate academic support |
Honors FAQs
Can I get into Honors automatically with top grades?
No. Even top students must apply—UNL reviews your holistic file including essay, experience, and grades.
Do I have to maintain a GPA?
Yes—Honors scholarships require a 3.5 cumulative GPA to remain in good standing; the scholarship is lost if GPA drops, though you remain in the program if you recover.
Why isn’t there Honors housing?
UNL doesn’t have separate honors residence halls, but the program focuses on creating community through seminars, study spaces, and events across campus.
🎯 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.