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KEARNEY – The University of Nebraska at Kearney remains a top choice for students who want a high-quality education at a lower cost.
UNK was recognized for its academic excellence, strong student success rates, affordable tuition and accessible financial aid programs in the latest “Best Colleges” ranking by US News & World Report.
For the 16th year in a row, UNK has been ranked among the best public regional universities in the Midwest, ranking 8th on this list. No other school in Nebraska or the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association received a higher ranking. It's UNK's ninth time in the top 10, including a No. 6 ranking in 2021 and 2020.
UNK ranks 29th among all Midwest regional universities – both public and private – up eight spots from last year and ahead of schools such as Nebraska Wesleyan University, College of Saint Mary, Concordia University, Doane University, Wayne State College, Chadron State College, Midland University, Bellevue University and Peru State College.
“We are incredibly proud to once again be recognized as a premier institution in the Midwest. Our consistent top rankings underscore the value and opportunities UNK offers as we continually adapt to meet the needs and aspirations of our students,” said Kelly Bartling, UNK's vice president for enrollment management and marketing.
The US News & World Report rankings, released today, evaluate 1,500 colleges and universities on up to 19 measures of academic quality, giving prospective students and their families useful data and information to help with one of life's biggest decisions. This year's ranking placed more emphasis on outcomes for graduating students, including college debt and their ability to find a well-paying job.
“This year's significant methodology changes are part of our continued evolution to ensure our rankings capture what matters most to students as they compare colleges and choose the school that's right for them,” said Eric Gertler, executive president and CEO of USA News.
UNK maintained its high ranking on US News & World Report's “Best Schools” list, ranking No. 2 among Midwest regional universities, trailing only Dominican University in Illinois. This ranking examines academic quality, participation fee and the percentage of need-based full-time undergraduate students financial aid and scholarships.
UNK is Nebraska's most affordable university, with an annual cost of $19,835 for a full-time undergraduate student taking 15 credit hours per semester and living in a double room on campus with a Loper meal plan. More than 85% of all full-time freshmen received grants and/or scholarships in 2021-22, with the average need-based award totaling $10,132.
Prospective Nebraska students with family incomes of $65,000 or less can attend UNK tuition-free through Nebraska Promise Programand New Nebraska Scholarship allows all out-of-state students to pay tuition for traditional on-campus courses.
UNK moved up 20 spots in the US News rankings for social mobility, tying for 31st among Midwest regional universities. These rankings recognize schools that support students who receive federal Pell grants and help them complete a degree. UNK also improved one position to “Best Colleges for Veterans” list.ranking 14th among Midwest regional universities.
