University of Nebraska-Lincoln vs West Virginia University: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for University of Nebraska-Lincoln and West Virginia University, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln vs West Virginia University at a glance
University of Nebraska-Lincoln admits 87.5% of applicants and West Virginia University 89% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $16,214 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln and $18,020 at West Virginia University. Six-year graduation rates are 69.3% and 66%, 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 West Virginia University 89%, 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 $18,020 at West Virginia University; University of Nebraska-Lincoln costs $1,806 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $11,449 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln and $15,015 at West Virginia University.
- 69.3% of students graduate within six years at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, against 66% at West Virginia University.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $61,819 for University of Nebraska-Lincoln and $62,910 for West Virginia University; West Virginia University is $1,091 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $19,500 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln and $21,146 at West Virginia University.
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln enrolls 19,178 students (large city) and West Virginia University 17,385 (small city).
Side by side
University of Nebraska-Lincoln and West Virginia University 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 | West Virginia University |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 87.5% | 89% |
| Applicants | 17,775 | 17,074 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | 1098–1330 | 1010–1220 |
| ACT middle 50% | 22–28 | 20–26 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $16,214 | $18,020 |
| Tuition, in state | $11,100 | $10,752 |
| Tuition, out of state | $30,330 | $30,432 |
| Cost of attendance | $26,535 | $31,716 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $11,449 | $15,015 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $11,572 | $12,394 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $12,551 | $13,965 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $17,140 | $18,398 |
| Over $110,000 | $21,693 | $24,729 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 69.3% | 66% |
| First-year retention | 86% | 83.4% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $61,819 | $62,910 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $19,500 | $21,146 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $222 | $240 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 19,178 | 17,385 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | City: Large | City: Small |
| Location | Lincoln, NE | Morgantown, WV |
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 West Virginia University 92; 55 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about University of Nebraska-Lincoln vs West Virginia University
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into University of Nebraska-Lincoln or West Virginia University?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln is harder to get into by acceptance rate: University of Nebraska-Lincoln admits 87.5% of applicants and West Virginia University admits 89%. Middle 50% SAT scores: University of Nebraska-Lincoln 1098–1330; West Virginia University 1010–1220.
Which is cheaper, University of Nebraska-Lincoln or West Virginia University?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln has the lower average net price after grants: $16,214 a year at University of Nebraska-Lincoln against $18,020 at West Virginia University. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $11,449 and $15,015. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do University of Nebraska-Lincoln or West Virginia University graduates earn more?
West Virginia University graduates earn more at the median: $61,819 ten years after entry for University of Nebraska-Lincoln and $62,910 for West Virginia University. Median federal debt at graduation is $19,500 and $21,146.
Which has a higher graduation rate, University of Nebraska-Lincoln or West Virginia University?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln does: 69.3% of University of Nebraska-Lincoln students graduate within six years, against 66% at West Virginia University.
How big are University of Nebraska-Lincoln and West Virginia University?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln has 19,178 students in Lincoln, NE and West Virginia University has 17,385 students in Morgantown, WV.