University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$40,432
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$12,692/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
3.2 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
528%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has an in-state tuition cost of $10,108. One year after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $45,149. Five years after graduation, the median salary is $47,692, and ten years after graduation, the median salary is $56,887. The median debt for graduates is $21,000, and 33.7% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio for graduates is approximately 0.47 one year after graduation, based on the median debt and one-year earnings. The ratio improves to approximately 0.44 five years after graduation and further improves to 0.37 ten years after graduation.
Based on the provided data, the break-even point, or the time it takes for the additional earnings to cover the tuition cost, is less than one year. This is calculated by comparing the tuition cost to the one-year earnings.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$10,108
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$47,692
Graduation Rate
65%
Receive Financial Aid
34%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $40,432 | $55,234 | 901% |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | $40,432 | $69,641 | 1614% |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | $40,432 | $51,687 | 725% |
| Psychology, General. | $40,432 | $45,176 | 403% |
| Marketing. | $40,432 | $54,532 | 866% |
| Family and Consumer Economics and Related Studies. | $40,432 | $39,428 | 119% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | $40,432 | $45,034 | 396% |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | $40,432 | $114,688 | 3842% |
| Foods, Nutrition, and Related Services. | $40,432 | $53,788 | 829% |
| Mechanical Engineering. | $40,432 | $77,056 | 1980% |
| Accounting and Related Services. | $40,432 | $62,681 | 1269% |
| Law. | $40,432 | $73,448 | 1802% |
Peer Comparison
528%
20yr ROI
52%
20yr ROI
365%
20yr ROI
872%
20yr ROI
374%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.