University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE
Quick Facts
“Literis Dedicata et Omnibus Artibus”("Dedicated to Letters and All the Arts")
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
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.
Find Scholarships at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.
Start Your Free Search