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University of Nebraska at Kearney

#640 in US ranking Kearney, NE
Type:
Public
Programs:
4 years or more

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University of Nebraska at Kearney award
University of Nebraska at Kearney award

Cost

Cost / year
$27,218
Tuition & fees
$8,563
Avg. aid
$11,172
Receiving aid
96%

Admissions

Acceptance rate
89%
SAT range
905–1125
ACT range
19–26

Outcomes

Graduation rate
58%
Median salary
$42,631
1 yr after graduation

What does University of Nebraska at Kearney offer in terms of athletics?

UNK's varsity teams, the Lopers, compete in NCAA Division II and the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA). Its varsity program includes sports such as football, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, and track and field.

Varsity competition is only one way to participate in sports. Students interested in lower-commitment activities can investigate the university's current club, intramural, and recreation offerings, which may differ from the varsity roster. A recreational sport's availability does not mean UNK fields an NCAA team in that sport. Students interested in varsity participation should consult the relevant team about recruiting and eligibility rather than assume an athletic scholarship is available.

What student groups and Associations are available at University of Nebraska at Kearney?

UNK offers recognized student organizations as a route into campus involvement, including academic and professional interests, service, cultural activities, and performing arts. Student government provides another way for students to participate in campus decisions and programming.

The student-run Antelope newspaper, student radio, theater productions, choral groups, and marching band illustrate the range of media and arts activities associated with campus life. An organization's active membership and meeting schedule can change from year to year, so the current student-organization directory is more useful than an older list when deciding how to get involved.

Who studies at University of Nebraska at Kearney?

UNK enrolled approximately 5,881 students in the reported institutional total. Its entering undergraduate population included 875 first-time degree-seeking students and 296 transfer-in degree-seeking students, making both routes into the university relevant to its campus profile.

Nebraska residents accounted for a reported 87% of students, while approximately 10% came from other U.S. states. The student body also includes international students and adults beyond the traditional college-entry ages. These figures describe enrollment rather than any student's experience; a prospective student's peer group may vary substantially by major, course format, and whether classes meet on campus or online.

How does student life look like at University of Nebraska at Kearney?

UNK combines a residential campus experience with a substantial commuting population. Reported figures indicate that about 37% of students lived on campus and about 62% commuted, so participation in activities may require different planning for students who leave campus after class.

Beyond classes, students can use campus recreation, attend arts and athletics events, and seek support through student health and personal counseling services. Orientation and first-year resources can help new students learn academic procedures and meet peers. For students comparing universities, it is worth considering when activities occur and whether their work, commute, or online course schedule will allow them to participate.

What libraries are available to students at University of Nebraska at Kearney?

Calvin T. Ryan Library is UNK's main campus library. It provides study space and access to research materials for coursework, with reservable study rooms available to students.

Library research support is broader than the physical building: students can use the library's catalog and licensed electronic resources and seek help locating sources for assignments. Students working remotely should check authentication requirements for off-campus database access. Library hours, study-room rules, and borrowing services can vary by term, so students who need late-night space should check the current schedule rather than assume the building is open around the clock.

University of Nebraska at Kearney Student Life for 2027

Total enrollment

5881

Full Time Degree Seeking Freshmen

795

Member of Athletic Associations

NCAA

Veterans affair office

Yes

University of Nebraska at Kearney Student Body

Undergraduate vs. graduate students

Undergraduate: 4,213
Graduate: 1,668

Full-time vs. part-time students

Full-time: 4,002
Part-time: 1,879

Full-time degree-seeking students by gender

Women: 470
Men: 325

Students by race/ethnicity

Hispanic or Latino: 596
Black or African American: 107
White: 2,900
American Indian or Alaska Native: 8
Asian: 32
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 5
Two or more races: 114
Unknown: 19

Freshly enrolled students' age

Under 25 years
Over 25 years

University of Nebraska at Kearney Sports & Athletics

  • Member of NCAA

Varsity teams compete against other colleges, intramural teams within the school. Each column says whether men, women or both take part, and whether the sport offers athletic scholarships (Aid).

Sport

Varsity Intramural Aid

Badminton

BothBoth–

Basketball

BothBothBoth

Bowling

–Both–

Cheerleading

Women––

Cross-country running

Both–Both

Football

Men–Men

Golf

WomenBothWomen

Sand volleyball

–Both–

Soccer

BothBothWomen

Softball

BothBothWomen

Swimming and diving

Women–Women

Tennis

WomenMenWomen

Track and field

Both–Both

Ultimate Frisbee

–Both–

Volleyball

BothBothWomen

Wrestling

MenBothMen

Data last updated on November 5, 2026

Data sources: IPEDS 2024-25, Peterson 2026, College Scorecard 10/2026, Clery 2024 (2023-24), OpenAlex 2026

Figures on this profile come from federal and third-party datasets in the editions listed above and are refreshed periodically, so they may differ from what the institution currently reports. Confirm costs, deadlines and requirements with the school before making decisions.

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