Head-to-head · 2026
University of Nebraska-Lincoln vs Western Nebraska Community College
Compare average net price ($17,747 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln; $5,474 at Western Nebraska Community College), ROI score (8.01 vs 17.69), ten-year median earnings ($56,887 vs $38,729), and admissions context (87.5% at University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Open / not reported at Western Nebraska Community College) using federal College Scorecard data. Western Nebraska Community College has a narrow 3-2 metric-level edge. Western Nebraska Community College 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-Lincoln | Western Nebraska Community College |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score | 8.01 | 17.69 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $17,747 | $5,474 ✓ |
| Median earnings (10y) | $56,887 ✓ | $38,729 |
| Acceptance rate | 87.5% | Open / not reported |
| Graduation rate | 67% ✓ | 36.6% |
| Median debt | $21,000 | $9,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 19,178 | 893 |
| Ownership | Public | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1191 | — |
| Metric advantages | 2 | 3 |
Value readout
Where each school has the edge
University of Nebraska-Lincoln costs $12,273 more per year than Western Nebraska Community College ($17,747 vs $5,474). University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduates report $18,158 higher median earnings after ten years ($56,887 vs $38,729). On EduGradify's model that puts Western Nebraska Community College ahead on projected ROI (17.69 vs 8.01, 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-Lincoln reports 87.5% acceptance; Western Nebraska Community College does not report a standard acceptance rate in the current federal data.
Frequently asked
University of Nebraska-Lincoln vs Western Nebraska Community College, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Is University of Nebraska-Lincoln or Western Nebraska Community College the better value?
Western Nebraska Community College has the higher EduGradify ROI score (17.69 vs 8.01), 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 $17,747 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The annual difference of $12,273 adds up to about $49,092 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln reports higher median earnings ten years after entry: $56,887 vs $38,729 at Western Nebraska Community College. The annual gap in the federal data is $18,158.
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-Lincoln reports a B value grade; Western Nebraska Community College reports A+.