The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is the state's flagship public research university, recognized for its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and business. UNL is a member of the Big Ten Conference and known for its passionate school spirit and deeply loyal alumni base. The university offers an affordable education with solid research opportunities across a broad range of disciplines.
Mascot: Cornhusker
Notable Alumni
Warren Buffett (legendary investor)•Johnny Carson (iconic Tonight Show host)•Willa Cather (Pulitzer Prize-winning author)
At a Glance
Cost
Published sticker prices for 2025-2026. Actual cost after aid varies.
Top Programs & National Ranking
Approximate national ranking based on departmental rankings, research output, and program reputation.
Highlights
Campus Experience
Nebraska's social life revolves around one thing: Husker football. Memorial Stadium's sellout streak dates to 1962, and on game days Lincoln becomes the state's third-largest city as the Sea of Red descends. Greek Row comes alive as a tailgate epicenter, with 20-25% of students affiliated. Academically it's manageable, and the Midwest friendliness is genuine — this is a school where strangers wave at you and mean it.
Large campus in downtown Lincoln with stately brick buildings, the iconic Mueller Bell Tower, and well-kept green spaces, though the flat Great Plains setting and some mid-century structures limit visual drama.
Based on Niche reviews, Princeton Review surveys, student forums, and institutional data.
Safety
UNL has been ranked among the 100 safest campuses in the nation, with crime rates at or below Big Ten averages. The University Police Department provides comprehensive 24/7 coverage.
Lincoln is one of the safest mid-sized cities in the U.S., with low violent crime rates and a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere.
Based on Clery Act data, student surveys, and local crime statistics.
Plan Your Visit
Schedule: Husker Weekdays: daily during academic year; half-day and full-day options
Duration: Half-day visits (~3 hours); full Husker Weekday includes campus tour, residence hall tour, and academic appointment
Husker Weekdays are free and include a student-guided campus tour, residence hall visit, admission/scholarship/financial aid info, and academic appointment with department representative. Schedule online or call 402-472-2023.
Book a TourAlumni campus tours available April 1 - October 31, Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. Virtual tour available year-round. Campus is open for self-guided walking.
Tour ResourcesSeptember through November for football season energy and pleasant fall weather, or April through May for spring. Avoid January-February (harsh Nebraska winters). A Saturday football game day in fall gives you the full Husker experience — the entire city revolves around it.
Visitor parking at designated surface lots, meters, and garages on City Campus — register at the Office of Admissions building for permission. Interactive parking map at parking.unl.edu shows real-time availability. From Lincoln Airport (LNK): 4 miles from City Campus, Uber/Lyft/car rental available. Omalink shuttle from Omaha (OMA) airport also available. Campus is near I-80.
Location
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