The University of Nebraska school system will begin offering free tuition to low-income students.
On Friday, NU President Ted Carter unveiled the “Nebraska Promise” program which will guarantee a tuition-free NU education to Nebraska students with family incomes of $60,000 or less.
The program takes effect in the fall of 2020 and will guarantee that full-time resident undergraduates, whose families have an adjusted gross income of $60,000 or less or who qualify for the federal Pell Grant, can attend any NU campus and pay no tuition. The Nebraska Promise will apply to returning, transfer and new students, both on-campus and online, and requires no separate application beyond the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
“Accessibility for the people of Nebraska has been core to the mission of our University for more than 150 years,” Carter said in announcing the Nebraska Promise at today’s Board of Regents meeting. “Today we’re doubling down on that promise. We understand that in these uncertain times, many Nebraskans are rethinking every dollar. We want students and families to know that their University is here for them, that we want them as part of our family, and that we’re doing everything we can to keep the promise of a college education within reach, no matter what their circumstance.”
Gov. Pete Ricketts said: “The Nebraska Promise will help more of our young people afford college, graduate on time and get a great-paying job here in our state. I’m pleased to see the University taking this important step to keep costs down for Nebraskans, especially at a time when all of us are tightening our belts.”