Finances

UNL Cost of Attendance

     There is no definitive answer to this question. Variables include: whether students are a Nebraska state resident; how many credits students are enrolled in each semester; what courses students take (books and supplies are more costly for some courses than others and some courses have additional fees beyond tuition); where students live while attending school; and student lifestyle.

Tuition

     Tuition is the basic amount UNL collects from students every semester to help defray the costs of keeping the university going. Tuition is billed by the credit hour. Thus 15 credits cost more than 12 credits.

     Tuition itself varies, depending on whether students qualify for in-state rates (student is considered a Nebraska state resident). Check the Tuition and Fees rates website for the most up-to-date information.

How do I know if I qualify for in-state rates?

     Students admitted to UNL may check their MyRED account to learn if they have been classified as a "resident" and thus are eligible for in-state tuition rates. Students who have lived in the state of Nebraska most of their lives, who graduated from a Nebraska high school, and/or who have parents that are Nebraska state residents (and the student is considered a dependent of) will most likely qualify for in-state residency rates.

     If MyRED shows that the student is a non-resident, and the student thinks they should qualify as a resident, they may review the UNL Residency website for more information.

Why does it cost so much more for non-residents?

     Nebraska residents, and their parents, pay taxes that go toward supporting the costs of running UNL (salaries, operating expenses, building maintenance, etc.). Non-residents pay the actual, estimated cost to the University of supporting students. Residents pay a lower rate because they already pay taxes toward supporting UNL's operation.

Beyond tuition, are there any hidden fees?

     UNL does not have "hidden" fees but students may not be aware of other expenses associated with attending classes beyond the usual tuition. For example, students need books and supplies. The cost of supplies varies by course. Studio art classes may require the student to invest in supplies. Fitness classes may require equipment. Some courses may require more than one textbook. For other classes students will need just a spiral notebook for note-taking. Science lab classes usually require a fee, which should be listed in the course information in MyRED and will be added to the student tuition bill.

     Each semester all students are assessed "fees" such as those that support the Health Center, the Recreation Center, the Library etc. The fees assessed relate to the number of hours for which the student is enrolled.

      There are also some "optional expenses." Students who want student health insurance, for example, are assessed additional charge to cover this expense.