Washington State University vs University of Nebraska-Lincoln: cost, admissions and outcomes compared
Verified federal figures for Washington State University and University of Nebraska-Lincoln, side by side. Data verified Nov 2026 · CollegesRef 2026–27 edition.
Washington State University vs University of Nebraska-Lincoln at a glance
Washington State University admits 86.6% of applicants and University of Nebraska-Lincoln 87.5% (CollegesRef 2026–27 edition). The average net price after grants is $13,462 at Washington State University and $16,214 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Six-year graduation rates are 62.8% and 69.3%, respectively.
Source: U.S. Department of Education IPEDS and College Scorecard, reporting years 2025
What the data shows
Key differences
- Washington State University 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 $13,462 a year at Washington State University and $16,214 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Washington State University costs $2,752 less a year.
- For families earning up to $30,000, the net price is $6,750 at Washington State University and $11,449 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
- 62.8% of students graduate within six years at Washington State University, against 69.3% at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
- Median earnings ten years after entry are $72,280 for Washington State University and $61,819 for University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Washington State University is $10,461 higher.
- Graduates leave with median federal debt of $18,500 at Washington State University and $19,500 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
- Washington State University enrolls 21,099 students (distant town) and University of Nebraska-Lincoln 19,178 (large city).
Side by side
Washington State University 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 | Washington State University | University of Nebraska-Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance rate | 86.6% | 87.5% |
| Applicants | 18,197 | 17,775 |
| SAT middle 50% (composite) | Not reported | 1098–1330 |
| ACT middle 50% | Not reported | 22–28 |
| Cost | ||
| Average net price (after grants) | $13,462 | $16,214 |
| Tuition, in state | $13,888 | $11,100 |
| Tuition, out of state | $30,994 | $30,330 |
| Cost of attendance | $27,914 | $26,535 |
| Net price by family income | ||
| Family income up to $30,000 | $6,750 | $11,449 |
| $30,001–$48,000 | $7,495 | $11,572 |
| $48,001–$75,000 | $8,683 | $12,551 |
| $75,001–$110,000 | $15,212 | $17,140 |
| Over $110,000 | $24,537 | $21,693 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Graduation rate (six years) | 62.9% | 69.3% |
| First-year retention | 78.3% | 86% |
| Median earnings, 10 years after entry | $72,280 | $61,819 |
| Median federal debt at graduation | $18,500 | $19,500 |
| Typical monthly loan payment | $210 | $222 |
| Size and setting | ||
| Total students | 21,099 | 19,178 |
| Type | Public | Public |
| Setting | Town: Distant | City: Large |
| Location | Pullman, WA | 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
Washington State University reports 86 bachelor's programs and University of Nebraska-Lincoln 96; 57 are offered at both. The largest shared programs:
Questions about Washington State University vs University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Every answer uses the figures in the table above.
Is it harder to get into Washington State University or University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
Washington State University is harder to get into by acceptance rate: Washington State University admits 86.6% of applicants and University of Nebraska-Lincoln admits 87.5%.
Which is cheaper, Washington State University or University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
Washington State University has the lower average net price after grants: $13,462 a year at Washington State University against $16,214 at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. For families earning up to $30,000 it is $6,750 and $11,449. Your own price depends on family income and aid.
Do Washington State University or University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduates earn more?
Washington State University graduates earn more at the median: $72,280 ten years after entry for Washington State University and $61,819 for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Median federal debt at graduation is $18,500 and $19,500.
Which has a higher graduation rate, Washington State University or University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln does: 62.8% of Washington State University students graduate within six years, against 69.3% at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
How big are Washington State University and University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
Washington State University has 21,099 students in Pullman, WA and University of Nebraska-Lincoln has 19,178 students in Lincoln, NE.