University of Kansas vs University of Nebraska-Lincoln: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Kansas and University of Nebraska-Lincoln, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of Kansas vs University of Nebraska-Lincoln at a glance
University of Kansas admits 93.5% of applicants and University of Nebraska-Lincoln 87.5% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $20,004 at University of Kansas and $16,214 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Six-year graduation rates are 70.3% and 69.3%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of Kansas admits 93.5% of applicants and University of Nebraska-Lincoln 87.5%, so University of Nebraska-Lincoln is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $20,004 a year at University of Kansas and $16,214 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln; University of Nebraska-Lincoln costs $3,790 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $15,379 at University of Kansas and $11,449 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
- 70.3% of students graduate within six years at University of Kansas, against 69.3% at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $67,963 for University of Kansas and $61,819 for University of Nebraska-Lincoln; University of Kansas is $6,144 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $20,000 at University of Kansas and $19,500 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
- University of Kansas enrolls 21,217 students (small city) and University of Nebraska-Lincoln 19,178 (large city).
Side by side
University of Kansas 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.
| Measure | University of Kansas | University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 93.5% | 87.5% |
| Applicants | 15,275 | 17,775 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1070–1300 | 1098–1330 |
| ACT middle 50% | 20–28 | 22–28 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $20,004 | $16,214 |
| Tuition, in state | $12,453 | $11,100 |
| Tuition, out of state | $31,332 | $30,330 |
| Cost of attendance | $29,237 | $26,535 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $15,379 | $11,449 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $15,373 | $11,572 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $16,017 | $12,551 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $20,151 | $17,140 |
| Over $110,000 | $24,765 | $21,693 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 70.3% | 69.3% |
| First-year retention | 86.5% | 86% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $67,963 | $61,819 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $20,000 | $19,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $227 | $222 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 21,217 | 19,178 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Small | City: Large |
| Location | Lawrence, KS | Lincoln, 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
University of Kansas reports 87 bachelor's programs and University of Nebraska-Lincoln 96; 56 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about University of Kansas vs University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of Kansas or University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of Kansas admits 93.5% of applicants and University of Nebraska-Lincoln admits 87.5%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of Kansas 1070–1300; University of Nebraska-Lincoln 1098–1330.
Which is cheaper, University of Kansas or University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln has the lower average net price after grants: $20,004 a year at University of Kansas against $16,214 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $15,379 and $11,449. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of Kansas or University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduates earn more?
University of Kansas graduates earn more at the median: $67,963 ten years after entry for University of Kansas and $61,819 for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Median federal debt at graduation is $20,000 and $19,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of Kansas or University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
University of Kansas does: 70.3% of University of Kansas students graduate within six years, against 69.3% at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
How big are University of Kansas and University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
University of Kansas has 21,217 students in Lawrence, KS and University of Nebraska-Lincoln has 19,178 students in Lincoln, NE.