KU vs. Nebraska

Comparable Facts

Compare University of Kansas in Lawrence, KS with University of Nebraska Lincoln in Lincoln, NE on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Kansas is larger than Nebraska based on total student enrollment (29,792 students vs. 24,393 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Kansas is located in Lawrence, KS (Small City setting); University of Nebraska Lincoln is in Lincoln, NE (Large City setting).
• University of Kansas is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Nebraska Lincoln is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Kansas 18:1; University of Nebraska Lincoln 17:1.

KU vs. Nebraska Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, KU or Nebraska? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at University of Nebraska Lincoln than KU ($18,322 vs. $19,205).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Kansas are 19.6% lower than at University of Nebraska Lincoln ($11,358 vs. $14,120).
• University of Kansas is 16% more expensive for in-state tuition than Nebraska (about $1,668 more per year; $12,102.00 vs. $10,434.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.5% higher at KU than at University of Nebraska Lincoln (about $1,848 more per year; $30,432.00 vs. $28,584.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Nebraska Lincoln than at University of Kansas (94% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Kansas students is 9.5% larger than aid received by University of Nebraska Lincoln students ($11,541 vs. $10,541).

KU vs. Nebraska Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, KU or Nebraska? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Nebraska and KU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Nebraska Lincoln (1210) is 20 points higher than at KU (1190).
• Incoming Nebraska students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at KU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kansas 1070/1300; University of Nebraska Lincoln 1098/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Kansas 20/28; University of Nebraska Lincoln 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: KU - Test optional; Nebraska - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: KU Aug 15, 2027; Nebraska May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman KU students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.66) than students at Nebraska (3.63).
• KU has a higher acceptance rate (93.5%) than Nebraska (87.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 25.5% at KU vs. 29.8% at Nebraska.

KU vs. Nebraska Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for KU and Nebraska? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• University of Nebraska Lincoln's six-year graduation rate (67%) is higher than University of Kansas's (61%).
• Graduates from University of Kansas earn a median of about $5,000 more per year than Nebraska graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,600 vs. $49,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Kansas graduates have a $1,200 lower median loan debt than Nebraska graduates ($20,500 vs. $21,700).
• Among borrowers, KU graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Nebraska graduates ($211 vs. $224).
• More Nebraska graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former KU students, three years after graduation. (73% vs. 66%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.