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University of Nebraska at Kearney

Kearney, NE·Public·4,130 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who prefer a mid-size campus. no major red flags in the data. a public school with 4,130 students.

86%
Accept
4,130
Students
$16,488
Net Price
60%
Grad Rate
$45,800
Earnings
10 yr
$13,070
Debt

About This School

University of Nebraska at Kearney is a public institution located in Kearney, Nebraska with approximately 4,130 undergraduate students enrolled. University of Nebraska at Kearney has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 86%. The average net price after financial aid is $16,488 per year. The graduation rate is 60%, and the typical graduate earns $45,800 within 10 years of enrollment.

The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) is a public university in Kearney, Nebraska, United States. It is a part of the University of Nebraska system. The university was formed in 1903 by the Nebraska State Legislature as Kearney State Normal School. The school would later join the University of Nebraska system in 1989 and would re-brand to its current name in 1991.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at $16,488/year average net price and a low median debt of $13,070 at graduation, this is one of the more affordable paths to a degree in the region. However, a 60% graduation rate and 77% freshman retention rate suggest a meaningful portion of students don't finish — worth asking admissions why, and honestly reflecting on what support systems you'll need. Worth considering if you're cost-conscious and have a clear plan, but go in with eyes open about the completion odds.

Founded
1905
Setting
Distant town

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing18%
Education17%
Health Professions7%
Biological Sciences5%
Psychology5%
Visual & Performing Arts5%
English4%
Social Sciences3%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Marg HelgenbergerKamaru UsmanTyrusTervel Dlagnev

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average Composite1089
Reading 75th %ile590
Math 75th %ile560

ACT Scores

Midpoint Composite22

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$8,302
Out-of-State Tuition
$14,260
Avg Net Price
$16,488
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants34%
Median debt at graduation$13,070

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
60%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
77%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$45,800
after enrollment
Median Debt
$13,070
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$13,070
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$36,300
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$45,800
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.5x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White73%
Black3%
Hispanic/Latino15%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (4,130 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

University of Nebraska at Kearney

2504 9th Avenue

Kearney, NE 68849-1212

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Nebraska

Browse all Nebraska schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

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