UH Manoa vs University of Nebraska-Lincoln: cost, admissions and outcomes compared

    Verified federal figures for University of Hawaii at Manoa and University of Nebraska-Lincoln, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.

    University of Hawaii at Manoa logoUniversity of Hawaii at ManoaHonolulu, HIUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln logoUniversity of Nebraska-LincolnLincoln, NE

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    UH Manoa vs University of Nebraska-Lincoln at a glance

    UH Manoa admits 86.6% of applicants and University of Nebraska-Lincoln 87.5% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $11,122 at UH Manoa and $16,214 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Six-year graduation rates are 61.6% and 69.3%, respectively.

    Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025

    What the data shows

    Key differences

    • UH Manoa admits 86.6% of applicants and University of Nebraska-Lincoln 87.5%, so both are about equally selective.
    • The average net price after grants is $11,122 a year at UH Manoa and $16,214 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln; UH Manoa costs $5,092 less a year.
    • For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $7,926 at UH Manoa and $11,449 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
    • 61.6% of students graduate within six years at UH Manoa, against 69.3% at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
    • Median earnings ten years after entry are $62,422 for UH Manoa and $61,819 for University of Nebraska-Lincoln; UH Manoa is $603 higher.
    • Graduates leave with median federal debt of $18,750 at UH Manoa and $19,500 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
    • UH Manoa enrolls 15,029 students (large city) and University of Nebraska-Lincoln 19,178 (large city).

    Side by side

    UH Manoa and University of Nebraska-Lincoln in numbers

    The stronger figure in each cost and outcome row is in bold. Net price is what students who receive aid pay after grants; your own price depends on family income.

    University of Hawaii at Manoa compared with University of Nebraska-Lincoln
    MeasureUH ManoaUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln
    Admissions
    Acceptance rate86.6%87.5%
    Applicants19,60717,775
    SAT middle 50% (composite)1081–12931098–1330
    ACT middle 50%17–2522–28
    Cost
    Average net price (after grants)$11,122$16,214
    Tuition, in state$12,402$11,100
    Tuition, out of state$34,434$30,330
    Cost of attendance$25,270$26,535
    Net price by family income
    Family income up to $30,000$7,926$11,449
    $30,001–$48,000$6,845$11,572
    $48,001–$75,000$9,483$12,551
    $75,001–$110,000$12,579$17,140
    Over $110,000$18,901$21,693
    Outcomes
    Graduation rate (six years)61.6%69.3%
    First-year retention80.7%86%
    Median earnings, 10 years after entry$62,422$61,819
    Median federal debt at graduation$18,750$19,500
    Typical monthly loan payment$213$222
    Size and setting
    Total students15,02919,178
    TypePublicPublic
    SettingCity: LargeCity: Large
    LocationHonolulu, HILincoln, NE

    Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.

    Bachelor's programs both offer

    UH Manoa reports 82 bachelor's programs and University of Nebraska-Lincoln 96; 54 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:

    Questions about UH Manoa vs University of Nebraska-Lincoln

    Every answer uses the figures in the table above.

    Is it harder to get into UH Manoa or University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

    UH Manoa is harder to get into by acceptance rate: UH Manoa admits 86.6% of applicants and University of Nebraska-Lincoln admits 87.5%. Middle 50% SAT scores: UH Manoa 1081–1293; University of Nebraska-Lincoln 1098–1330.

    Which is cheaper, UH Manoa or University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

    UH Manoa has the lower average net price after grants: $11,122 a year at UH Manoa against $16,214 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $7,926 and $11,449. Your own price depends on family income and aid.

    Do UH Manoa or University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduates earn more?

    UH Manoa graduates earn more at the median: $62,422 ten years after entry for UH Manoa and $61,819 for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Median federal debt at graduation is $18,750 and $19,500.

    Which has a higher graduation rate, UH Manoa or University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

    University of Nebraska-Lincoln does: 61.6% of UH Manoa students graduate within six years, against 69.3% at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

    How big are UH Manoa and University of Nebraska-Lincoln?

    UH Manoa has 15,029 students in Honolulu, HI and University of Nebraska-Lincoln has 19,178 students in Lincoln, NE.