Overview
Enrollment
The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) is located in Kearney, Nebraska, a city positioned along Interstate 80 approximately 130 miles west of Lincoln. Established in 1905 as a state normal school, the institution joined the University of Nebraska system in 1991 and occupies a 235-acre main campus characterized by both modern academic facilities and historic buildings. The university maintains a moderately selective admission process and is recognized for its programs in education, business, and industrial technology, with particular emphasis on teacher preparation. UNK operates as primarily residential campus with most first-year students living in one of the seven residence halls, and competes in NCAA Division II athletics as the Lopers.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
UNK is rated within the top 49% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 6 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for University of Nebraska at Kearney within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#574 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#181 in Best Public Colleges in the U.S.
#5 in Best Colleges in Nebraska
#2 in Best Public Colleges in Nebraska
#454 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#4 in Best Value Colleges in Nebraska
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 970/1150 |
| ACT | 18/25 |
| GPA | 3.24 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Aug 15, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $45 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Nebraska Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $770 |
| Other Fees | $1,852 |
| Room and Board | $11,936 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $5,078 |
| Total One Year Cost | $26,086 |
Out of State Resident Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $770 |
| Other Fees | $1,852 |
| Room and Board | $11,936 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $5,078 |
| Total One Year Cost | $32,054 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 24% |
| Education | 20% |
| Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies | 6% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 5% |
| Communication | 5% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering UNK are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=181215 IPEDS survey data for University of Nebraska at Kearney.
Current students may use the University of Nebraska at Kearney GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025