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University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Iowa are both public institutions — University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Lincoln, NE and University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA. This page compares published admission, cost, and outcome data from federal sources so you can see the tradeoffs before you add either school to your list.
Lincoln, NE · Public
Acceptance rate: 87.5%
Undergrad enrollment: 19,178
Tuition: $28,584/year
Student-faculty ratio: 17.0:1
Graduation rate: 67.0%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Engineering, Agriculture
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Lincoln, NE with published program strength in Business and marketing and Engineering.
Iowa City, IA · Public
Acceptance rate: 83.6%
Undergrad enrollment: 22,264
Tuition: $33,371/year
Student-faculty ratio: 16.0:1
Graduation rate: 74.6%
Top programs: Business and marketing, Health professions, Social sciences
Best for: Students who want a public campus in Iowa City, IA with published program strength in Business and marketing and Health professions.
| Factor | University of Nebraska-Lincoln | University of Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance rate | 87.5% | 83.6% |
| SAT range (middle 50%) |
| 1098–1330 |
| 1130–1330 |
| ACT range (middle 50%) | 22–28 | 21–28 |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 19,178 | 22,264 |
| Out-of-state tuition | $28,584/year | $33,371/year |
| Average net price after aid | $17,747 | $22,531 |
| Graduation rate | 67.0% | 74.6% |
| Median earnings (10 years) | $56,887 | $64,762 |
| Student-faculty ratio | 17.0:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Institution type | Public | Public |
| Location | Lincoln, NE | Iowa City, IA |
| Largest program areas | Business and marketing, Engineering, Agriculture | Business and marketing, Health professions, Social sciences |
University of Iowa is more selective (83.6% vs 87.5% acceptance rate). University of Nebraska-Lincoln has a lower average net price after grant aid ($17,747 vs $22,531). University of Iowa reports the higher graduation rate (74.6% vs 67.0%). University of Iowa is the larger undergraduate campus (22,264 students). Use the free side-by-side comparison tool to weigh cost, program fit, location, and outcomes for your own list — and verify deadlines and requirements with each college.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln vs University of Nebraska at Omaha
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University of Nebraska-Lincoln vs University of Nebraska at Kearney
87.5% vs 89.5% acceptance rate
University of Nebraska-Lincoln vs Concordia University-Nebraska
87.5% vs 85.7% acceptance rate
University of Nebraska-Lincoln vs Creighton University
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Common questions when choosing between University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Iowa
University of Nebraska-Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 87.5%; University of Iowa is around 83.6%. Selectivity is only one factor — GPA, essays, major, and residency (for publics) all change the odds.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln tuition is $28,584/year. University of Iowa is $33,371/year. Compare net price after aid, not sticker price — especially for private schools and out-of-state publics.
Use College Decider's free comparison tool at /compare — add both schools to see tuition, acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and more in one table.
Add both schools to our free side-by-side comparison tool — tuition, outcomes, and more.
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