Students across all University of Nebraska campuses are getting some tuition relief amid the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
On Thursday, University of Nebraska President Ted Carter announced that tuition rates across the NU system will be frozen in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years. Carter says this is another step to ensure affordability and predictability for students and families as they plan for the future.
The two-year tuition freeze applies to undergraduate, graduate and professional students; resident and nonresident students; and those attending in-person and online.
Carter says, the freeze is a critical commitment to Nebraskans at a time when higher education is increasingly linked to individual growth and economic prosperity. “Now, more than ever, the affordability, accessibility and excellence of a University of Nebraska education must be our North Star,” Carter said. “We know this is an uncertain time, and we want to do everything we can to take care of the people of Nebraska and give them a sense of predictability about what’s ahead.
“This two-year tuition freeze represents our commitment to current and future students of the University of Nebraska. Now they know exactly what they will pay in tuition to attend our campuses. And, it’s a promise to our state. Job growth will return. When it does, we’ll have a strong pipeline of skilled workers ready to lead Nebraska into the future.”
Carter will hold the line on the 2.75 percent tuition increase for 2020-21 that was approved by the Board of Regents last year. While the university system faces significant budget challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, all campuses and Central Administration will tighten their belts rather than seek further increases from students and families, Carter said. Steps already underway include a system-wide hiring freeze, limits on spending and a review of all construction projects. Carter will provide a detailed review of the university system’s budget planning at the June 26 Board of Regents meeting.
With Carter’s announcements, most Nebraska undergraduates will pay the following per credit hour for the next three academic years:
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln: $259
- University of Nebraska at Omaha: $235
- University of Nebraska at Kearney: $209
- Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture: $139
Differential tuition rates charged by some academic colleges also will be frozen for 2021-22 and 2022-23. Tuition rates at the University of Nebraska Medical Center vary by college, but will also be frozen.