University of Nebraska-Lincoln SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Nebraska admits most applicants, but test-optional does not mean scores are irrelevant here: 82% of enrolled students submit ACT results. Use the 22 to 28 ACT range as your guide, with a score near 28 giving you a stronger academic signal while your GPA carries plenty of weight.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln facts and stats
University of Nebraska-Lincoln enrolls 19,701 undergraduates in an urban campus setting. Nebraska has an 86% freshman retention rate, above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 67%.
Lincoln, NE
How do your scores compare at Nebraska?
Unlock your future with Acely
Adaptive SAT and ACT practice that meets you where you are and gets you to your target score.
Key University of Nebraska-Lincoln application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
May 1
Early Action
Not offered
Early Decision
Not offered
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
May 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Because Nebraska is test-optional, plan this timeline only if you want SAT or ACT scores to support your application. Take your first test by the spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and the fall of senior year for retakes if they could improve your score. With Nebraska’s Regular Decision deadline on May 1, a December retake should still arrive in time.
Want to improve your scores and unlock scholarships at University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
Higher test scores can mean bigger merit awards. Acely helps you get there faster.
What you'll actually pay
Nebraska’s in-state tuition is $8,310, while out-of-state tuition is $26,640 at this Big Ten public university. About 27% of students receive aid, and the FAFSA priority deadline is May 1.
At Nebraska, out-of-state tuition is $26,640, while in-state tuition is $8,310, and room and board adds $14,120 before other expenses. About 27% of students receive financial aid, with an average aid package of $16,189, which can meaningfully reduce the listed price for eligible students. Merit awards average $3,811. Graduates leave with an average debt of $32,351.
Student life at University of Nebraska-Lincoln
50% of undergrads live on campus
Freshman housing: Guaranteed
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 29% of men join fraternities, and 33% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
Bellevue University
Bellevue, NEAcceptance rate: 100%
Clarkson College
Omaha, NEAcceptance rate: 78.2%
Chadron State College
Chadron, NEAcceptance rate: 100%
College of Saint Mary
Omaha, NEReady to fit University of Nebraska-Lincoln's core benchmarks?
Start practicing today and track your progress toward a competitive score.