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University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

Literis Dedicata et Omnibus Artibus("Dedicated to Letters and All the Arts")

1869
Founded
Public land-grant research university
Type
18,887
Total Students
19,376
Undergrad
4,578
Graduate
$2.5B
Endowment
(2024)
$10K
Tuition (In-State)
$28K
Tuition (Out-State)
$17K
Avg Net Price
77%
Acceptance Rate
66%
Graduation Rate
6-year
84%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification
President: Jeffrey P. Gold

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Nebraska's flagship land-grant university, pioneering research and shaping futures since 1869.

Welcome to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL), the proud flagship and oldest institution of the state-wide University of Nebraska system. Chartered in 1869 as a public land-grant research university, UNL has been dedicated to "Letters and All the Arts" (Literis Dedicata et Omnibus Artibus) since its inception, fostering a vibrant academic community and pioneering research. Known affectionately as the Cornhuskers, UNL embodies the spirit of innovation and perseverance that defines Nebraska.

UNL stands as a beacon of academic excellence, classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity." The university is organized into nine colleges, offering over two hundred degree programs across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. Its commitment to groundbreaking discovery is evident in its substantial research and development expenditures, totaling $320 million in 2020. Students benefit from robust programs and collaborations, including those with the University of Nebraska Omaha College of Public Affairs and Community Service, the University of Nebraska Medical Center (for Dentistry and Nursing), and the Peter Kiewit Institute.

Beyond the classroom and labs, the UNL student experience is enriched by a thriving campus life across its City, East, and Innovation Campuses, and a deep-rooted athletic tradition. The Cornhuskers compete fiercely in NCAA Division I as a member of the Big Ten Conference, boasting a storied football program with five national championships and a remarkable record of 111 former student-athletes earning fifty-four Olympic medals. This vibrant environment supports nearly 24,000 students in their pursuit of knowledge and personal growth.

For over 150 years, UNL has cultivated an impressive legacy of impact, producing approximately 300,000 alumni who have made significant contributions across various fields. This distinguished group includes three Nobel laureates, four Pulitzer Prize winners, a Turing Award winner, and twenty-two Rhodes Scholars. Choosing UNL means joining a community committed to comprehensive learning, impactful research, and a tradition of excellence that prepares students to lead and innovate on a global scale.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1869, it is the state's oldest university and flagship institution of the University of Nebraska system.
  • Recognized as an "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity" institution.
  • Invested $320 million in research and development in 2020, fostering significant innovation.
  • Serves 23,954 students (Fall 2025) across over two hundred degree programs within nine colleges.
  • Home to the Cornhuskers, an NCAA Division I Big Ten athletic program with 5 claimed football national championships and 111 former athletes winning 54 Olympic medals.
  • Boasts an endowment of $2.5 billion, supporting its extensive academic and research initiatives.
  • Alumni network includes 3 Nobel laureates, 4 Pulitzer Prize winners, 1 Turing Award winner, and 22 Rhodes Scholars.

Timeline

1869
Chartered by the Nebraska Legislature and founded as the University of Nebraska.
1871
Welcomed its inaugural class of collegiate and preparatory students.
1873
Offered its first degrees to graduating students.
1891
James Hulme Canfield became chancellor, initiating significant infrastructure upgrades and expansion.
1895
The College of Law and School of Agriculture were established; University Library (now Architecture Hall), the oldest building on campus, was built.
1899
The athletic team was first referred to as the "Cornhuskers," a nickname officially adopted the following year.
Early 1900s
Under Chancellor Elisha Andrews, the university grew to become the fifth-largest public university in the United States.
1917
Students from the extensive Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program were called into service during World War I.
1923
Memorial Stadium was completed and dedicated, honoring Nebraskans who served in various wars.
🏛️
157 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

6 notable schools within University of Nebraska-Lincoln

⚖️

College of Law

Established in 1895, it plays a key role in legal education.

🏫

School of Agriculture

Established in 1895, providing essential education in agricultural sciences.

🏛️

University of Nebraska Omaha College of Public Affairs and Community Service

Offers specific degree programs in partnership with UNL.

🏥

University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry

Provides dental education programs in collaboration with UNL.

🏥

University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing

Offers nursing education programs in collaboration with UNL.

🏫

Peter Kiewit Institute

Managed in partnership with the Kiewit Corporation, offering specialized programs.

Leadership

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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