Education Note: University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL)
Institutional Overview
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), founded as a land-grant institution, is a public research university located in Lincoln, Nebraska. Current enrollment stands at approximately 18,175 undergraduate students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1. The institution maintains moderately selective admission standards with a 79% acceptance rate and a 65% graduation rate, significantly above the national average of 49%.
The student body demographics reflect the institution's land-grant mission of accessibility while striving for increased diversity. International students from over 100 countries contribute to campus diversity. The university maintains strong ties to its agricultural roots while expanding into comprehensive research and professional programs. As Nebraska's flagship public institution, UNL serves both state residents and an increasingly national and international student population.
Risk Score
Risk Score Analysis: Risk Score = (Annual Debt: $25,756 / Expected Starting Salary: $37,200) × (1 - Graduation Rate: 65%) = 0.692 × 0.35 = 0.242 or moderate risk. The score reflects a manageable relationship between student debt and earning potential, though tempered by a graduation rate that leaves room for improvement. The relatively modest starting salary is balanced by lower-than-average student debt, while the 65% graduation rate creates a moderate risk multiplier.
Strengths
UNL demonstrates strong performance in several key areas, with 90% of students securing employment or continuing education within six months of graduation. The institution's relatively low annual debt of $25,756 compares favorably to national averages. Strong business and agricultural programs consistently achieve positive outcomes. The 2.2% student loan default rate is significantly below the national average of 10.1%, indicating graduates' ability to manage debt. Research opportunities and comprehensive academic programs provide students with diverse career pathways. The university's commitment to affordability is evidenced by consistent recognition as a "best buy" or "best value" institution.
Weaknesses
Despite solid outcomes, UNL faces several challenges. Student reviews note disparities in resource allocation, with one student mentioning "more financial support for the sciences vs. the business college." The 35% non-completion rate suggests need for enhanced student support services. Some reviews indicate concerns about administrative efficiency and communication. Infrastructure needs persist in some academic buildings despite the institution's research status. The relatively low starting salary of $37,200 raises questions about early career outcomes compared to peer institutions.
Bottom Line
UNL's risk score of 0.242 indicates solid but improvable institutional performance. Several areas require board attention. First, address the graduation rate through enhanced student support services and retention initiatives. Second, improve early career outcomes through expanded internship and professional development programs. Third, ensure equitable resource distribution across academic programs. The board should prioritize these improvements while maintaining UNL's commitment to affordability and accessibility as a land-grant institution.
Student Voice
"The faculty and resources here are great, but I would like to see more financial support for the sciences vs. the business college." - Senior
"As a new student here at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln I can say it's been a really great experience so far." - Freshman
"90% of students secured employment or continued education within six months of graduation." - Recent Graduate Survey
"Low Cost, High Graduation Rate. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has been consistently designated as a best buy, best value." - Current Student
These student perspectives highlight both UNL's strengths in affordability and opportunities for improved resource allocation.