University of Nebraska-Lincoln vs University of Wyoming: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Wyoming, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln vs University of Wyoming at a glance
University of Nebraska-Lincoln admits 87.5% of applicants and University of Wyoming 96.9% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $16,214 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln and $13,647 at University of Wyoming. Six-year graduation rates are 69.3% and 61.4%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln admits 87.5% of applicants and University of Wyoming 96.9%, so University of Nebraska-Lincoln is the more selective.
- The average net price after grants is $16,214 a year at University of Nebraska-Lincoln and $13,647 at University of Wyoming; University of Wyoming costs $2,567 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $11,449 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln and $9,037 at University of Wyoming.
- 69.3% of students graduate within six years at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, against 61.4% at University of Wyoming.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $61,819 for University of Nebraska-Lincoln and $62,764 for University of Wyoming; University of Wyoming is $945 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,500 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln and $15,967 at University of Wyoming.
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln enrolls 19,178 students (large city) and University of Wyoming 7,944 (remote town).
Side by side
University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Wyoming 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 Nebraska-Lincoln | University of Wyoming |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 87.5% | 96.9% |
| Applicants | 17,775 | 5,645 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1098–1330 | Not reported |
| ACT middle 50% | 22–28 | Not reported |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $16,214 | $13,647 |
| Tuition, in state | $11,100 | $8,395 |
| Tuition, out of state | $30,330 | $25,015 |
| Cost of attendance | $26,535 | $26,104 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $11,449 | $9,037 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $11,572 | $8,764 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $12,551 | $9,728 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $17,140 | $13,949 |
| Over $110,000 | $21,693 | $20,896 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 69.3% | 61.4% |
| First-year retention | 86% | 79.7% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $61,819 | $62,764 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $15,967 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $222 | $181 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 19,178 | 7,944 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Large | Town: Remote |
| Location | Lincoln, NE | Laramie, WY |
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 Nebraska-Lincoln reports 96 bachelor's programs and University of Wyoming 79; 58 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about University of Nebraska-Lincoln vs University of Wyoming
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of Nebraska-Lincoln or University of Wyoming?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of Nebraska-Lincoln admits 87.5% of applicants and University of Wyoming admits 96.9%.
Which is cheaper, University of Nebraska-Lincoln or University of Wyoming?
University of Wyoming has the lower average net price after grants: $16,214 a year at University of Nebraska-Lincoln against $13,647 at University of Wyoming. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $11,449 and $9,037. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of Nebraska-Lincoln or University of Wyoming graduates earn more?
University of Wyoming graduates earn more at the median: $61,819 ten years after entry for University of Nebraska-Lincoln and $62,764 for University of Wyoming. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,500 and $15,967.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of Nebraska-Lincoln or University of Wyoming?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln does: 69.3% of University of Nebraska-Lincoln students graduate within six years, against 61.4% at University of Wyoming.
How big are University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Wyoming?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln has 19,178 students in Lincoln, NE and University of Wyoming has 7,944 students in Laramie, WY.