What is the Nebraska Promise?
The Nebraska Promise program covers undergraduate tuition at the University of Nebraska's four campuses (UNK, UNL, UNMC and UNO) and its two-year technical college (NCTA).
Tuition is covered for students who meet academic qualifications and have a family income of $65,000 or less (Adjusted Gross Income/AGI) or are Pell Grant-eligible.
We want to make sure that any Nebraskan who wants to get a college education can. And we don't want cost to get in the way of getting your degree. If you are a high school student who feels that college is not within your reach right now, we're here to say: it is.
More InformationThe Nebraska Promise: Abby Steffen's Story
Abby Steffen grew up on a farm in Crofton, Nebraska as the oldest of eight children. She always knew she was going to college—but she didn’t know how she was going to pay for it. The Nebraska Promise took that worry off Abby’s plate. Today, she’s a junior speech pathology major at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
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How Do You Arrive at Free Tuition?
If you are eligible, the Nebraska Promise will cover your tuition costs, up to 30 credit hours per academic year (up to 15 credits per semester), after Federal Pell Grant funds and any other grants and/or scholarships are taken into account.
The Nebraska Promise program is a commitment to cover tuition expenses. The program does not cover additional costs including fees, books, housing and food or transportation. However, the Nebraska Promise is just one of many financial aid options available.
Do I Qualify?
You must meet these four qualifications to receive tuition assistance through the Nebraska Promise program.
Family Income: $65,000 or Less
You will qualify for the Nebraska Promise if you qualify for a Pell Grant or if your family’s annual income is $65,000 (AGI) or below. (See FAQ for definition of family income.)
Nebraska Resident
You must be a Nebraska resident to qualify for the Nebraska Promise.
Full-Time Undergraduate Student
You must apply and be accepted at a University of Nebraska campus and take at least 12 credit hours each semester to qualify.
Maintain 2.5 GPA
You must maintain a 2.5 GPA to maintain Nebraska Promise benefits.
Want the Nebraska Promise?
Here are your next steps. There are deadlines for both campus applications and the FAFSA application, so don't delay. We encourage you to complete the steps below by June 1.
Step 1: Apply for Admission at the University of Nebraska
When you apply for admission at one of our three undergraduate campuses (, or ), you can also apply to the other two—or to our two-year technical college ()—with the check of a button. You'll self-report your coursework and test scores, leading to a more timely admission decision. And, instead of paying multiple application fees, you'll pay a one-time fee of $45. You can also apply to each campus individually.
The admission process, application fees and deadlines for UNMC vary by program. Please visit the website of the you are interested in for more information.
All application deadlines can be found on the campus admissions pages below.
Step 2: Complete the FAFSA
Students with family incomes of $65,000 or less (AGI), who qualify for a Pell Grant will automatically be eligible for the Nebraska Promise. However, we need you to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application to verify your income and Pell Grant eligibility. Applicants must at least meet basic Title IV eligibility criteria to be considered.
The FAFSA is the application for most types of need-based financial aid. It will ask for information about your family's financial situation. You may need assistance from your parents to complete it.
To qualify for Nebraska Promise tuition assistance for the 2024-25 academic year, you must file your FAFSA by June 1.
Please note that you may be selected for additional verification by the federal government—check your email for updates and be mindful of due dates.
Have more questions about the Nebraska Promise?
University of Nebraska Admissions Key Contacts
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University of Nebraska Financial Aid Key Contacts
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