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Head-to-head comparison

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

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

Nebraska Wesleyan University

Net price / year
$18,327
Earnings, 10 years
$56,405
Payback
9.1 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 9.1 years at Nebraska Wesleyan University, on median earnings of $56,887 vs $56,405 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of Nebraska-LincolnNebraska Wesleyan University
Net price / yr$17,747$18,327
Total net cost$70,988$73,308
Median earnings, 10 yrs$56,887$56,405
Median debt$21,000$26,970
Payback8.3 yrs9.1 yrs
20-year net return$99,552$87,592

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 Nebraska Wesleyan University?

University of Nebraska-Lincoln, at $17,747 a year after aid versus $18,327 — a gap of $580 a year, or $2,320 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 Nebraska Wesleyan University graduates earn more?

University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduates report a median $56,887 ten years after entry, $482 more than the $56,405 at Nebraska Wesleyan 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.

The short answer

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Nebraska-Lincoln or Nebraska Wesleyan University?

University of Nebraska-Lincoln: its completers carry a median $21,000 in federal loans versus $26,970 at Nebraska Wesleyan University, a difference of $5,970. 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 66% at Nebraska Wesleyan 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 Nebraska Wesleyan University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Nebraska-Lincoln or Nebraska Wesleyan University a better value?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln. It clears its $70,988 net cost in about 8.3 years versus 9.1 years at Nebraska Wesleyan University, on median earnings of $56,887 vs $56,405 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Nebraska-Lincoln or Nebraska Wesleyan University?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln: $17,747/yr net price after aid versus $18,327/yr at Nebraska Wesleyan University — a difference of $580 a year, or about $2,320 over four years.
Do University of Nebraska-Lincoln or Nebraska Wesleyan University graduates earn more?
University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduates earn a median $56,887 ten years after entry, versus $56,405 at Nebraska Wesleyan University — a $482 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.