Head-to-head · 2026
College of Saint Mary vs University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Compare average net price ($16,590 at College of Saint Mary; $17,747 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln), ROI score (8.19 vs 8.01), ten-year median earnings ($54,338 vs $56,887), and admissions selectivity (44.7% acceptance at College of Saint Mary; 87.5% at University of Nebraska-Lincoln) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Nebraska-Lincoln has a narrow 4-3 metric-level edge. College of Saint Mary leads on ROI, but the cost and earnings signals are split enough that this is not a one-metric decision.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
9 metrics, side by side. A colored cell marks a metric-level advantage. Green = lower-is-better, violet = higher-is-better.
| Metric | College of Saint Mary | University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.19 ✓ | 8.01 |
| Avg net price | $16,590 ✓ | $17,747 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $54,338 | $56,887 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 44.7% ✓ | 87.5% |
| Graduation rate | 60.5% | 67% ✓ |
| Median debt | $24,250 | $21,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 445 | 19,178 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1150 | 1191 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 4 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Nebraska-Lincoln costs $1,157 more per year than College of Saint Mary ($17,747 vs $16,590). University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduates report $2,549 higher median earnings after ten years ($56,887 vs $54,338). On EduGradify's model that puts College of Saint Mary ahead on projected ROI (8.19 vs 8.01, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (College of Saint Mary) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, College of Saint Mary is selective at 44.7% acceptance versus 87.5% (accessible) at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Frequently asked
College of Saint Mary vs University of Nebraska-Lincoln, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is College of Saint Mary or University of Nebraska-Lincoln the better value?
College of Saint Mary has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.19 vs 8.01), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
College of Saint Mary is cheaper — average net price $16,590 per year vs $17,747 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The annual difference of $1,157 adds up to about $4,628 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $56,887 vs $54,338 at College of Saint Mary. The annual gap in the federal data is $2,549.
Which school is harder to get into?
College of Saint Mary is more selective at 44.7% acceptance vs 87.5% at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
What should I compare beyond ROI?
Use the ROI score as a value screen, then compare aid letters, program fit, graduation rate, location, campus size, and debt. College of Saint Mary reports a B value grade; University of Nebraska-Lincoln reports B.