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Head-to-head comparison

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

Option A Lincoln, NE

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Net price / year
$17,747
Earnings, 10 years
$56,887
Payback
8.3 yrs

Option B Omaha, NE

College of Saint Mary

Net price / year
$16,590
Earnings, 10 years
$54,338
Payback
11.1 yrs
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.

The short answer

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.

The short answer

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.

The short answer

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.

The short answer

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.