The University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) in Lincoln, Nebraska, is the state's flagship public research institution with around 23,000 students. It is best recognized for programs in Business, Engineering, Agriculture, Journalism, and Education. Admissions are moderately selective, and the acceptance rate is around 77%. UNL boasts a graduation rate of around 67%, and its graduates get average starting salaries of USD $49,000–54,000 (INR 41–45 lakhs) per year.
The University of Nebraska–Omaha (UNO) in Omaha, Nebraska, is an urban public university with a student population of around 15,500. It is known for its high community interaction and majors in Business, Information Science & Technology, Criminal Justice, and Public Affairs. Admissions are relatively easier, with the acceptance rate standing at around 87%. The graduation percentage stands at around 45%, and alumni start earning an average salary of USD $45,000–50,000 (INR 38–42 lakhs) per annum.
| University of Nebraska | University of Nebraska Omaha | |
|---|---|---|
| Collegedunia Score | 5.1 Out of 10 | - |
| ranking (overall) | # 501 Times Higher Education 2026 # 711 QS World University 2026 # 337 Center for World University Rankings 2025 | # 1200 Times Higher Education 2026 # 1201 Times Higher Education 2025 # 304 US News 2024 |
| Programs | UG Programs -86 PG Programs -41 | UG Programs -44 PG Programs -19 |
| Acceptance Rate | 77.0 % | 87.0 % |
| Exam Score | IELTS-6 SAT-1100 TOEFL-70 | IELTS-6.5 SAT-840 TOEFL-80 |
| Cost to Study | Average Tuition Fees 40796 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 34638 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 25440 Per Year | Average Tuition Fees 21244 [For UG Program] Average Tuition Fees 16020 [For PG Program] Hostel + Meal - 22276 Per Year |
Top Courses Comparison
| ranking | # 501 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 | # 801 for Business by Times Higher Education 2025 |
| exam scores | Duolingo - 120/160IELTS - 6.5/9TOEFL - 79/120 | Duolingo - 110/160IELTS - 6.5/9PTE - 53/90TOEFL - 80/120 |
| cost to study | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -17763 | Total Cost (Tuition + Living) -16020 |
| application dates | Dec 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For Spring 2025 Intake) Apr 1, 2025 (Application Deadline For Summer 2025 Intake) Jul 15, 2025 (Application Deadline For Fall 2025 Intake) | Apr 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For Summer 2024 Intake) Jul 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For Fall 2024 Intake) Nov 1, 2024 (Application Deadline For Spring 2025 Intake) |
Other Popular Comparisons
| General Facts | University of Nebraska | University of Nebraska Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Type of University | University | University |
| Established | 1869 | 1908 |
| Student:Faculty Ratio | 16:1 | 1:1 |
| Male:Female | 52% Male, 48% Female | 48% Male, 52% Female |
| Hostel | #Off campus (not with family) - $10526 #On campus - $11044 #Off campus (with family) - $3870 | #Off campus (with family) - $3630 #Off campus (not with family) - $9240 #On campus - $9406 |
| Weather |
University of Nebraska–Lincoln vs University of Nebraska–Omaha
Subject Strength & Global Rankings (2025/2026)
The University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) ranks higher worldwide at about 711-720 in QS 2026 and has robust programs in Engineering, Business, Agriculture, Life Sciences, and Education. The University of Nebraska–Omaha (UNO) does not usually show up in big international rankings but is known at the regional level for Business, Information Technology, Aviation, Public Administration, and Social Sciences. UNL is the system's flagship research university, whereas UNO is more community- and metropolitan-centered.
General Information
UNL, founded in 1869 in Lincoln, Nebraska, is a major public research university with ~24,000 students, as the state's flagship institution. UNO, founded in 1908 in Omaha, Nebraska, is a public metropolitan university with ~15,000 students, recognized for its urban campus, applied learning, and community engagement.
Acceptance Rate & Admissions
They are both somewhat selective. Engineering, business, and agriculture admissions at UNL are more competitive, with an acceptance rate of about 75%. About 83% of applicants are accepted by UNO, which places a strong focus on accessibility and serving the diverse urban community. The aviation and business programs are particularly selective.
Research Impact & Facilities
UNL is a Carnegie R1 research university, with excellence in agriculture, engineering, and life sciences research, being well-funded by the federal government and industries. UNO is a Carnegie Doctoral/Professional university, focusing on applied research in aviation, public administration, IT, and social sciences, with collaborations in Omaha's business and nonprofit communities.
Cost & Financial Aid
Both are reasonably priced public schools. Fees are about $10,000–11,000 for in-state students and ~$28,000–30,000 for out-of-state students. Both offer merit scholarships, need-based assistance, and graduate student assistantships, with UNL having a more extensive list of research funding opportunities.
Career Outcomes & Alumni Success
UNL graduates are strong in engineering, agriculture, research, business, and education based on the university's international research standing and robust alumni base. UNO graduates are well-respected in aviation, IT, public administration, and business due to Omaha's corporate and nonprofit networks, which yield great local career pipelines.
