Since 2021, UNK has offered a scholarship that levels the tuition playing field for out-of-state students. Designed to make college more affordable, the New Nebraskan Scholarship reduces tuition costs for non-resident students, allowing them to pay the same rates as Nebraska residents.
Prior to this initiative, out-of-state students faced significantly higher tuition rates, making it difficult for many to consider attending UNK.
“This scholarship greatly impacted my ability to attend college due to the fact that I wasn’t interested in any in-state schools, and out-of-state tuition makes paying for school so much harder,” said Tatum Smith, a student from Colorado who is studying elementary and early childhood education. “I also have four younger siblings, so I decided early that I wanted to pay for college on my own, which meant any out-of-state schools that didn’t offer additional scholarships like the New Nebraskan Scholarship were out of the question.”
In-state students at UNK pay around $6,690 per year in tuition, while out-of-state students, before this scholarship, were charged more than double that amount.
This New Nebraskan Scholarship now equalizes those rates, making UNK a more appealing option for students from other states.
The New Nebraskan Scholarship is also available at other campuses within the University of Nebraska system, including the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University of Nebraska at Omaha, providing the same tuition benefits to out-of-state students.
Nebraska’s effort to reduce tuition for out-of-state students mirrors similar programs offered in other states. The Midwest Student Exchange Program allows students from participating Midwestern states to attend universities in other member states at a reduced rate, lowering financial barriers for students in the region.
In the western United States, the Western Undergraduate Exchange program offers students from states like Colorado, Arizona and California the chance to attend universities in participating states at a discounted rate, capped at no more than 150% of in-state tuition.
In the south, the Southern Regional Education Board’s Academic Common Market allows students from states such as Texas, Virginia and Tennessee to pay in-state tuition if their desired academic program is not offered in their home state.
Similarly, the New England Regional Student Program offers reduced tuition for students from New England states to enroll in out-of-state schools if a comparable program is not available in their state.
These programs, much like Nebraska’s, aim to reduce financial barriers and attract students from outside state borders.
“This scholarship greatly impacted my ability to attend college due to the fact that I wasn’t interested in any in-state schools, and out-of-state tuition makes paying for school so much harder,” Smith said. “Compared to a few of my other options, UNK would have been around $5,000 to $10,000 less.”
The New Nebraskan Scholarship has already contributed to an increase in out-of-state enrollment at UNK.
As of fall 2024, UNK has enrolled 5,881 students, with 13.3% of first-time freshmen coming from out of state. Students are coming from various states, especially Colorado, California and Iowa, reflecting the positive impact of the New Nebraskan Scholarship in attracting out-of-state attendees.
By removing financial obstacles, the scholarship has drawn students from diverse backgrounds, bringing new perspectives and experiences to the campus.
In an article published by UNK News, previous UNK Chancellor Doug Kristensen says the New Nebraskan Scholarship will help out-of-state students and their families.
“UNK tuition has always been a tremendous value, especially when looking at the quality experience here with an affordable tuition rate,” Kristensen said. “Many students and their families from outside Nebraska will now find that their education is more affordable than the options they may be looking at in their home state. This is good for Nebraska – improving access to attract diverse newcomers to Nebraska who will love it here, find jobs here and settle down here.”
Many students are already experiencing the benefits of the New Nebraskan Scholarship firsthand.
“I plan to stay in Nebraska after graduation,” Smith said. “I have loved everything about Nebraska, especially the community and dynamic in the Kearney area.”
The scholarship is available to all out-of-state students who meet academic requirements, and it applies to any program at UNK. For more information on the scholarship and how to apply, prospective students can visit the UNK admissions website.
