University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) vs U of A

Nestled in the heartland of America, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and the University of Arizona (UA) stand as beacons of higher education, each offering a unique tapestry of academic opportunities and vibrant student life. While both universities share a commitment to excellence, they diverge in several key aspects. UNL boasts a higher acceptance rate, welcoming a broader range of students into its academic fold. In contrast, UA's more selective admissions process results in a student body with a higher average GPA. When it comes to popular majors, UNL excels in fields like business, education, and engineering, while UA shines in areas such as agriculture, environmental science, and public health. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to delve deeper into these distinctions and discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.

	University of Arizona	University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Overview
Location	Tucson, Arizona	Lincoln, Nebraska
Campus setting	City: Large	City: Large
College type	4 year	4 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate and Graduate	Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate	84.0%	80.0%
Common app member	Yes	Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	87.3%	81.1%
Application fees	Undergraduate: $50 Graduate: $85	Undergraduate: $45 Graduate: $50
SAT range	1120 - 1370	1090 - 1320
ACT range	21 - 29	22 - 28
Students submitting SAT score	13.0%	8.0%
Students submitting ACT score	19.0%	85.0%
Total number of applicants	48,065	17,775
Total number of admissions given out	41,946	14,411
Admitted students who chose to enroll	8,436	4,736
Yield rate	20.1%	32.9%
Test scores (SAT/ACT)	N/A	N/A
High school GPA	Required	Not required
Recommendation letters	Not required	Not required
High school transcript	Not required	Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	Not required	Not required

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $30,136 Out of state: $54,658	In state: $26,316 Out of state: $43,446
Average net price	$17,242	$18,403
Tuition	In state: $11,299 Out of state: $35,821	In state: $7,770 Out of state: $24,900
Room & board	Room/dormitory: $8,400 Meal plan: $5,050	Room/dormitory: $7,485 Meal plan: $4,653
Available payment plans	Guaranteed tuition plan Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	92.0% Average amount $13,790	96.0% Average amount $8,608
Students receiving federal student loan	24.0% Average amount $4,845	34.0% Average amount $4,691
Students taking out private loans	3.0% Average amount $20,814	5.0% Average amount $13,909

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	37,434 Men 44.3% Women 55.7%	19,552 Men 50.5% Women 49.5%
Graduate students	10,840 Men 44.5% Women 55.5%	4,879 Men 49.2% Women 50.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity	Moderate	Very Low
Out-of-state students	48.8%	25.7%
International students	6.5%	7.4%
Campus local/setting	City: Large	City: Large
Dormitory capacity	7,036	6,936
First year students are required to live on campus?	No	No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	Arizona California Washington Illinois Colorado	Nebraska Illinois Minnesota Kansas Iowa

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Engineering Education Biological and Biomedical Sciences	Engineering Agriculture Education Business Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio	17:1	16:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	64.3%	66.4%
Dropout rate	14.3%	10.7%
Transferred out	19.6%	21.4%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Physics (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $88,673 Year 2: $123,527 Year 3: $127,192 Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees) Year 1: $110,426 Year 2: $117,473 Year 3: $122,962 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $110,630 Year 2: $103,746 Year 3: $104,908 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $100,116 Year 2: $83,388 Year 3: $98,461 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,677 Year 2: $92,743 Year 3: $98,271 Chemistry (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $84,653 Year 3: $96,308 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $89,806 Year 2: $75,518 Year 3: $89,884 Mining and Mineral Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,657 Year 2: $73,035 Year 3: $87,557 Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $72,627 Year 2: $79,199 Year 3: $86,387 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $77,284 Year 2: $74,953 Year 3: $83,742	Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees) Year 1: $91,695 Year 2: $91,017 Year 3: $102,607 Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $74,888 Year 2: $78,134 Year 3: $86,893 Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,533 Year 2: $64,493 Year 3: $86,584 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $69,494 Year 2: $68,918 Year 3: $78,265 Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $67,969 Year 2: $70,680 Year 3: $75,873 Computer Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $76,040 Year 2: $71,015 Year 3: $74,823 Education, Other (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $72,325 Year 3: $73,798 Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Doctoral Degrees) Year 1: $61,124 Year 2: $58,402 Year 3: $73,111 Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,572 Year 2: $66,168 Year 3: $72,183 Chemical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees) Year 1: $63,299 Year 2: $66,821 Year 3: $71,063

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences in location and campus environment between the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) and the University of Arizona (UA)?

UNL is located in Lincoln, Nebraska, a Midwestern city known for its friendly atmosphere and relatively low cost of living. The campus is integrated into the city, offering a blend of college town charm and urban amenities. UA, on the other hand, is situated in Tucson, Arizona, a Southwestern city with a vibrant cultural scene and warm desert climate. UA's campus is more self-contained and offers a distinct Southwestern aesthetic.
How do the academic reputations of UNL and UA compare?

Both UNL and UA are reputable public universities. UNL is particularly strong in agricultural sciences, engineering, and journalism. UA is well-regarded for its programs in astronomy, optical sciences, and earth sciences. The best program for you will depend on your specific academic interests.
What is the difference in tuition and cost of attendance between UNL and UA?

Generally, UNL tends to have a slightly lower cost of attendance for both in-state and out-of-state students compared to UA. However, tuition and fees can vary depending on your program of study and residency status. It's best to check the official websites of both universities for the most up-to-date cost information and to explore available financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
What are the typical student demographics at UNL and UA?

UNL's student body is primarily composed of students from Nebraska and the surrounding Midwestern states. UA has a more diverse student population, drawing students from across the United States and internationally. Both universities strive to create inclusive environments, but the overall composition of the student body differs.
How do the athletic programs at UNL and UA compare?

Both UNL and UA are members of major athletic conferences. UNL is a member of the Big Ten Conference and is particularly known for its football program. UA is a member of the Pac-12 Conference (soon to be the Big 12) and has strong programs in basketball, baseball, and softball. If you're a sports enthusiast, both universities offer exciting opportunities to support their teams.
What kind of research opportunities are available at UNL and UA?

Both UNL and UA are research universities with numerous opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to get involved in research. UNL has strong research programs in agriculture, engineering, and life sciences. UA is a leader in astronomy, optical sciences, and environmental sciences. Consider which university's research strengths align with your academic interests.
What are the career services and internship opportunities like at UNL and UA?

Both UNL and UA offer comprehensive career services, including career counseling, resume workshops, and job fairs. The availability of internships may vary depending on your field of study and the local job market. UNL benefits from its location in a state capital, while UA has connections to industries in the Southwest.
What is the social scene like at UNL and UA?

UNL has a strong Greek life presence and a vibrant campus activities calendar. Lincoln offers a mix of college bars, restaurants, and cultural attractions. UA also has a thriving Greek life and a diverse range of student organizations. Tucson boasts a lively music scene, outdoor recreation opportunities, and a rich cultural heritage. Your preferred social environment will likely influence your choice.
How do the climates of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Tucson, Arizona, differ, and how might that affect my college experience?

Lincoln experiences a four-season climate with cold winters and warm, humid summers. Tucson has a desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. If you prefer warmer weather and sunshine, UA might be a better fit. If you enjoy experiencing all four seasons, UNL could be a better choice. Consider how the climate might impact your outdoor activities and overall well-being.
What are some unique aspects of each university that might appeal to prospective students?

UNL is known for its strong sense of community and its commitment to student success. It offers a supportive environment where students can thrive academically and personally. UA is renowned for its groundbreaking research in space exploration and its beautiful desert campus. It provides a unique learning environment that fosters innovation and discovery.

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