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University of Nebraska-Lincoln vs College of Saint Mary: which has better ROI?

Public, Lincoln NE · vs · Private nonprofit, Omaha NE

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

University of Nebraska-Lincoln has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $70,988 in 8.3 years versus 11.1 years at College of Saint Mary, on median earnings of $56,887 vs $54,338 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Nebraska-LincolnCollege of Saint Mary
Net price / yr$17,747$16,590
Total net cost$70,988$66,360
Median earnings, 10 yrs$56,887$54,338
Median debt$21,000$24,250
Payback8.3 yrs11.1 yrs
20-year net return$99,552$53,200

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, University of Nebraska-Lincoln or College of Saint Mary?

College of Saint Mary, at $16,590 a year after aid versus $17,747 — a gap of $1,157 a year, or $4,628 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Nebraska-Lincoln or College of Saint Mary graduates earn more?

University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduates report a median $56,887 ten years after entry, $2,549 more than the $54,338 at College of Saint Mary. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Nebraska-Lincoln or College of Saint Mary?

University of Nebraska-Lincoln: its completers carry a median $21,000 in federal loans versus $24,250 at College of Saint Mary, a difference of $3,250. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

67% of students finish at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, against 61% at College of Saint Mary. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln vs College of Saint Mary: frequently asked questions

Is University of Nebraska-Lincoln or College of Saint Mary a better value?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln. It clears its $70,988 net cost in about 8.3 years versus 11.1 years at College of Saint Mary, on median earnings of $56,887 vs $54,338 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Nebraska-Lincoln or College of Saint Mary?
College of Saint Mary: $16,590/yr net price after aid versus $17,747/yr at University of Nebraska-Lincoln — a difference of $1,157 a year, or about $4,628 over four years.
Do University of Nebraska-Lincoln or College of Saint Mary graduates earn more?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduates earn a median $56,887 ten years after entry, versus $54,338 at College of Saint Mary — a $2,549 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.