Head-to-head · 2026
University of Nebraska at Kearney vs Western Nebraska Community College
Side-by-side ROI breakdown. 2 wins for University of Nebraska at Kearney, 3 for Western Nebraska Community College — Western Nebraska Community College has more metric-level advantages.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric, winner flagged
9 metrics, side by side. The colored cell wins. Green = lower-is-better wins, indigo = higher-is-better wins.
| Metric | University of Nebraska at Kearney | Western Nebraska Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 7.71 | 17.69 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $16,242 | $5,474 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $50,105 ✓ | $38,729 |
| Acceptance rate | 89.5% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 57.7% ✓ | 36.6% |
| Median debt | $19,500 | $9,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 4,088 | 893 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1118 | — |
| Wins | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Nebraska at Kearney costs $10,768 more per year than Western Nebraska Community College ($16,242 vs $5,474). University of Nebraska at Kearney graduates report $11,376 higher median earnings after ten years ($50,105 vs $38,729). On EduGradify's model that puts Western Nebraska Community College ahead on projected ROI (17.69 vs 7.71, exceptional investment).
The more affordable option (Western Nebraska Community College) also posts the better return, making it the lower-risk pick on cost alone. On admissions, University of Nebraska at Kearney reports 89.5% acceptance; Western Nebraska Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
University of Nebraska at Kearney vs Western Nebraska Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Nebraska at Kearney or Western Nebraska Community College the better value?
Western Nebraska Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (17.69 vs 7.71), meaning its ten-year earnings go further against its net price.
Which school costs less after aid?
Western Nebraska Community College is cheaper — average net price $5,474 per year vs $16,242 at University of Nebraska at Kearney. The annual difference of $10,768 adds up to about $43,072 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Nebraska at Kearney reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $50,105 vs $38,729 at Western Nebraska Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $11,376.
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; Western Nebraska Community College reports A+.