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University of Nebraska-Lincoln vs Union Adventist University: which has better ROI?

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

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 14.2 years at Union Adventist University, on median earnings of $56,887 vs $55,045 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Nebraska-LincolnUnion Adventist University
Net price / yr$17,747$23,716
Total net cost$70,988$94,864
Median earnings, 10 yrs$56,887$55,045
Median debt$21,000$27,000
Payback8.3 yrs14.2 yrs
20-year net return$99,552$38,836

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

Which is cheaper, University of Nebraska-Lincoln or Union Adventist University?

University of Nebraska-Lincoln, at $17,747 a year after aid versus $23,716 — a gap of $5,969 a year, or $23,876 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 Union Adventist University graduates earn more?

University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduates report a median $56,887 ten years after entry, $1,842 more than the $55,045 at Union Adventist University. 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 Union Adventist University?

University of Nebraska-Lincoln: its completers carry a median $21,000 in federal loans versus $27,000 at Union Adventist University, a difference of $6,000. 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 52% at Union Adventist University. 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 Union Adventist University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Nebraska-Lincoln or Union Adventist University a better value?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln. It clears its $70,988 net cost in about 8.3 years versus 14.2 years at Union Adventist University, on median earnings of $56,887 vs $55,045 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Nebraska-Lincoln or Union Adventist University?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln: $17,747/yr net price after aid versus $23,716/yr at Union Adventist University — a difference of $5,969 a year, or about $23,876 over four years.
Do University of Nebraska-Lincoln or Union Adventist University graduates earn more?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduates earn a median $56,887 ten years after entry, versus $55,045 at Union Adventist University — a $1,842 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.