Head-to-head · 2026
University of Nebraska at Kearney vs Wayne State College
Compare average net price ($16,242 at University of Nebraska at Kearney; $15,360 at Wayne State College), ROI score (7.71 vs 7.66), ten-year median earnings ($50,105 vs $47,075), and admissions context (89.5% at University of Nebraska at Kearney; Open / not reported at Wayne State College) using federal College Scorecard data. University of Nebraska at Kearney has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. The ROI scores are close, so aid letters, program fit, graduation rate and debt should decide the better fit.
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 | Wayne State College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.71 ✓ | 7.66 |
| Avg net price | $16,242 | $15,360 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $50,105 ✓ | $47,075 |
| Acceptance rate | 89.5% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 57.7% ✓ | 52.2% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $19,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 4,088 | 3,010 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1118 | — |
| Metric advantages | 3 | 2 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Nebraska at Kearney costs $882 more per year than Wayne State College ($16,242 vs $15,360). University of Nebraska at Kearney graduates report $3,030 higher median earnings after ten years ($50,105 vs $47,075). On EduGradify's model that puts University of Nebraska at Kearney ahead on projected ROI (7.71 vs 7.66, exceptional investment).
The pricier option (University of Nebraska at Kearney) still wins on return, because stronger graduate salaries outweigh its higher net price. On admissions, University of Nebraska at Kearney reports 89.5% acceptance; Wayne State College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
University of Nebraska at Kearney vs Wayne State College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Nebraska at Kearney or Wayne State College the better value?
University of Nebraska at Kearney has the higher EduGradify ROI score (7.71 vs 7.66), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Wayne State College is cheaper — average net price $15,360 per year vs $16,242 at University of Nebraska at Kearney. The annual difference of $882 adds up to about $3,528 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Nebraska at Kearney reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $50,105 vs $47,075 at Wayne State College. The annual gap in the federal data is $3,030.
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; Wayne State College reports B.