University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Step into the vibrant world of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), a public land-grant research university that stands as the proud flagship institution of the state's university system. Established in 1869 under the Morrill Act, UNL has grown into an "R1: Doctoral University – Very high research activity" powerhouse, investing $320 million in research and development in 2020 alone. With a comprehensive offering of over two hundred degree programs across nine colleges, students here are empowered to explore, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to their fields, supported by a rich academic environment.

From its earliest days, UNL has been a beacon of progress and resilience. Faced with initial skepticism and economic challenges, the university's early leaders fostered a surprisingly diverse and inclusive environment, even hiring its first female faculty member, Ellen Smith. Visionary chancellors like James Hulme Canfield spearheaded aggressive campus expansions and outreach efforts, quadrupling enrollment by 1895 and laying the groundwork for many of the university's professional schools. This spirit of innovation and community continues to define UNL, preparing students not just for careers, but for a lifetime of intellectual curiosity and societal impact.

Life at UNL is an enriching blend of rigorous academics and an unparalleled student experience. With nearly 24,000 students, the campus pulses with activity, from a thriving debate team and a rich tradition of fraternities and sororities to the legendary Cornhuskers. As a proud member of the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference, UNL's athletic programs, particularly its football team with five national championships, create a powerful sense of unity and pride across the university community. Graduates of UNL go on to achieve extraordinary success, boasting three Nobel laureates, four Pulitzer Prize winners, a Turing Award winner, and twenty-two Rhodes Scholars among its approximately 300,000 alumni, testament to the transformative education received here.