What about my privacy?

Protecting our students' personal information is very important to us. We request the Social Security number (SSN) once from new applicants, store it securely in a location accessible only by authorized personnel, and then issue each individual a University of Nebraska NU ID number. The NU ID number, not the SSN, is used to identify students at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Why do you need my SSN?

The SSN is required by the federal government for reporting related to taxes, employment, and financial aid.

Students without a valid SSN in our database:

• Cannot receive University payments for assistantships or fellowships.
• Cannot defer student loans or get financial aid.
• Will be subject to a $50 IRS penalty if a Form 1098-T is generated without a valid SSN.

Once you've given us your SSN, you shouldn't need to give it to us again. If you already have an NU ID number, we encourage you to use your NU ID instead of your SSN in any communication with us.

What if I don't have an SSN?

International (non-resident alien) students usually do not have SSNs. They will need SSNs if they are granted fellowships or assistantships or are otherwise employed by the University. Those students will be able to get SSNs after arriving on campus.