Head-to-head · 2026
University of Nebraska at Kearney vs University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Compare average net price ($16,242 at University of Nebraska at Kearney; $17,747 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln), ROI score (7.71 vs 8.01), ten-year median earnings ($50,105 vs $56,887), and admissions selectivity (89.5% acceptance at University of Nebraska at Kearney; 87.5% at University of Nebraska-Lincoln) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Nebraska-Lincoln has a 5-2 metric-level edge. University of Nebraska-Lincoln 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 | University of Nebraska at Kearney | University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.71 | 8.01 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $16,242 ✓ | $17,747 |
| Median earnings (10y) | $50,105 | $56,887 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 89.5% | 87.5% ✓ |
| Graduation rate | 57.7% | 67% ✓ |
| Median debt | $19,500 ✓ | $21,000 |
| Enrollment | 4,088 | 19,178 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1118 | 1191 ✓ |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 5 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Nebraska-Lincoln costs $1,505 more per year than University of Nebraska at Kearney ($17,747 vs $16,242). University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduates report $6,782 higher median earnings after ten years ($56,887 vs $50,105). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Nebraska-Lincoln ahead on projected ROI (8.01 vs 7.71, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (University of Nebraska-Lincoln) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, University of Nebraska at Kearney is accessible at 89.5% acceptance versus 87.5% (accessible) at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Frequently asked
University of Nebraska at Kearney vs University of Nebraska-Lincoln, answered
5 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Nebraska at Kearney or University of Nebraska-Lincoln the better value?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln has the higher EduGradify ROI score (8.01 vs 7.71), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Nebraska at Kearney is cheaper — average net price $16,242 per year vs $17,747 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The annual difference of $1,505 adds up to about $6,020 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $56,887 vs $50,105 at University of Nebraska at Kearney. The annual gap in the federal data is $6,782.
Which school is harder to get into?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln is more selective at 87.5% acceptance vs 89.5% at University of Nebraska at Kearney.
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. University of Nebraska at Kearney reports a B value grade; University of Nebraska-Lincoln reports B.