Head-to-head · 2026
Nebraska Wesleyan University vs University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Compare average net price ($18,327 at Nebraska Wesleyan University; $17,747 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln), ROI score (7.69 vs 8.01), school-wide ten-year median earnings ($56,405 vs $56,887), and admissions selectivity (79.8% acceptance at Nebraska Wesleyan University; 87.5% at University of Nebraska-Lincoln) using federal College Scorecard data. The table keeps affordability, outcomes, access and program fit separate rather than declaring one universal winner.
Face to face
Metric-by-metric comparison
13 metrics, side by side. Color marks a useful directional signal; admissions, SAT, tuition eligibility, ownership and enrollment stay neutral.
| Metric | Nebraska Wesleyan University | University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| ROI score (school-wide) | 7.69 | 8.01 ✓ |
| Avg net price | $18,327 | $17,747 ✓ |
| 4-year avg net price | $73,308 | $70,988 ✓ |
| In-state tuition | $43,572 | $10,434 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $43,572 | $28,584 |
| School-wide earnings (10y) | $56,405 | $56,887 ✓ |
| Acceptance rate | 79.8% | 87.5% |
| Graduation rate | 66.1% | 67% ✓ |
| Retention rate | 75% | 86% ✓ |
| Median debt | $26,970 | $21,000 ✓ |
| Enrollment | 1,453 | 19,178 |
| Ownership | Private Non-Profit | Public |
| Avg SAT | 1189 | 1191 |
Cost by family income
Reported net price by income band
Federal averages for students receiving Title IV aid. These are context, not a substitute for either school's financial-aid offer.
| Income band | Nebraska Wesleyan University | University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Family income $0–30k | $14,925 | $12,751 ✓ |
| Family income $30–48k | $16,974 | $13,054 ✓ |
| Family income $48–75k | $14,594 ✓ | $14,699 |
| Family income $75–110k | $18,244 ✓ | $18,975 |
| Family income $110k+ | $23,652 | $22,346 ✓ |
Program fit
Shared fields with reported awards
Award share is the share of reported credentials in a field, not the share of currently enrolled students.
| Shared field | Nebraska Wesleyan University | University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Biology, General | 9.8% | 2.2% |
| Psychology, General | 5.9% | 4.3% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | 4.7% | 1.9% |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication | 1.6% | 4% |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | 4.9% | 0.4% |
| Political Science and Government | 3.5% | 1.6% |
| Accounting and Related Services | 1.8% | 2.8% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | 1.6% | 2.9% |
Decision readout
What the differences mean
University of Nebraska-Lincoln reports the lower average net price by $580 per year. Holding today's averages constant, that is a $2,320 difference over four years ($70,988 vs $73,308).
University of Nebraska-Lincoln reports $482 higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry ($56,887 vs $56,405). This is not earnings for a specific major.
First-year retention is 75% at Nebraska Wesleyan University and 86% at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Median federal debt among completers is $26,970 vs $21,000, respectively.
8 of the strongest shared fields with positive award-share data are listed below. Award share describes reported credentials in a field, not the percentage of currently enrolled students.
Keep comparing
Related college comparisons
Promoted matchups involving the same colleges or other leading schools in their states.
Frequently asked
Nebraska Wesleyan University vs University of Nebraska-Lincoln, answered
4 of the most common questions, with real numbers from federal data.
Which school costs less after aid?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln is cheaper — average net price $17,747 per year vs $18,327 at Nebraska Wesleyan University. The annual difference of $580 adds up to about $2,320 over four years.
Which school reports higher earnings?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln reports higher school-wide median earnings ten years after entry: $56,887 vs $56,405 at Nebraska Wesleyan University. The gap in the federal data is $482. This is not major-specific earnings.
Which school is harder to get into?
Nebraska Wesleyan University is more selective at 79.8% acceptance vs 87.5% at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Is there an overall winner?
No single metric makes either school the universal winner. Compare your actual aid offers, residency tuition, intended major, graduation and retention rates, debt, location and campus fit. EduGradify keeps these trade-offs separate instead of combining admissions selectivity and test scores into a final verdict.