Admissions
How do I apply for admission?
When should I apply for admission?
What are your undergraduate admission requirements?
When are campus tours offered?
Academics
What does “liberal arts” really mean?
What majors do you offer?
What is your student/faculty ratio?
What kind of technology and computer resources do you have?
Do you offer graduate programs?
Do you have an honors program?
Financial Aid and Scholarships
How much does it cost to attend?
What types of financial aid are available?
Will I be eligible for financial aid?
How do I apply for financial aid and scholarships?
What are the application deadlines?
Student Life
Where are you located?
What’s there to do in Kearney?
How many students do you have?
What student groups do you have?
Is the campus safe?
Where will I live?
Admissions
How do I apply for admission?To begin the application process, you’ll need to complete an application for admission to UNK. You can complete and submit our online application electronically. You will also need to have your high school transcripts sent to our admission office. Subsequently, one of our admissions counselors will contact you to provide further guidance. If you are unable to complete the online application, you may print the application form and mail it to the Admissions Office at UNK.
When should I apply for admission?Currently enrolled high school students should apply between the beginning of their senior year and four weeks prior to the start of the term in which they are seeking admission. Individuals who have already completed high school should submit their application at least four weeks prior to the start of the term in which they are seeking admission.
What are your undergraduate admission requirements?First-time entering freshmen and transfer students must meet core course requirements in high school covering English, math, social sciences, natural sciences, and a foreign language. They also must be ranked in the upper half of their graduating high school class, or have an ACT composite score of 20, or an SAT composite score of 950. Applicants who don’t meet these criteria may still be considered for admission. Learn more about our admission requirements.
When are campus tours offered?Campus visits are given during the academic year on Monday through Thursday at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and on Friday at 9:30 a.m. During the summer months, daily tours are given at 10:00 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Click here to schedule a campus tour.
Academics
What does “liberal arts” really mean?Our General Studies Program ensures that the liberal arts occupies a prominent place in the UNK curriculum. What this means is that UNK students are able to take courses from a wide variety of academic areas, regardless of their major. So science students can take humanities courses, art students register for science courses, business students may take courses in literature, and so on. As a result, students build a broad interdisciplinary foundation, develop their critical thinking, communications, and analytical skills, and become the kind of well rounded individuals that employers increasingly seek.
What majors do you offer?We offer more than 170 undergraduate degree programs, more than 20 pre-professional programs, and 45 graduate degree programs. Our undergraduate programs are offered through the College of Business and Technology, the College of Education, the College of Fine Arts and Humanities, and the College of Natural and Social Sciences. Get a complete program listing.
What is your student/faculty ratio?We have an impressive 16:1 student/faculty ratio, which means that you’ll get an uncommon amount of one-to-one guidance and attention from your professors for a school our size. Small classes taught by full-time faculty have always been a hallmark at UNK.
What kind of technology and computer resources do you have?UNK offers a number of well-equipped computer labs, completely wired residence halls, “smart” classrooms across campus, enhanced electronic access to library resources, a LotusNotes e-mail system for everyone, and an online student services package called Web for Students. And we regularly replace the old with new and modern hardware and software technologies. Visit the Office of Information Technology Services for more information.
Do you offer graduate programs?Yes, we offer 45 graduate programs of study through the College of Business and Technology, the College of Education, the College of Fine Arts and Humanities, and the College of Natural and Social Sciences. Get a complete program listing.
Do you have an honors program?Yes, our Honors Program is designed to meet the needs of exceptional students who are looking for the opportunity to explore various intellectual and cultural concepts in great depth. It is a four-year program that is as stimulating and enriching as it is personal and intimate. Learn more about the UNK Honors Program.
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Financial Aid and Scholarships
How much does it cost to attend?For the 2007-2008 school year, the estimated tuition and fees for in-state residents is $5,020, and room and board is $5,954. For non-residents, the estimated tuition and fees is $9,340, and room and board is $5,954.
What types of financial aid are available?More than two-thirds of UNK students receive some form of financial assistance. This aid comes in the form of student loans, scholarships, grants, and work-study.
Will I be eligible for financial aid?Access to need-based financial aid is determined when you demonstrate a financial gap between what your family can afford, and what our tuition and costs are. The best way to find out if you qualify for need-based financial aid is to apply.
How do I apply for financial aid and scholarships?To apply for need-based aid, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which can be accessed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov and will determine your eligibility for government and UNK need-based assistance. UNK’s FAFSA school code is 002551. Next you will need to complete UNK’s information forms. You and your parents (if applicable) also must submit signed copies of your most recent federal tax returns. Learn more about applying for aid.
The application for admission is the application for freshmen academic merit scholarships. You must be admitted to UNK by February 1 and have at least a 23 composite on the ACT and be ranked in the top 30% of the high school graduating class to qualify for freshmen scholarships.
What are the application deadlines?There are no deadlines for federal financial aid, and neither does UNK have a priority date or deadline for federal student aid. However, much of the aid we administer is done on a first-come, first-served basis, so the sooner you can have all of your materials submitted, the better.
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Student Life
Where are you located?UNK is located in Kearney, Nebraska, a city of 28,000 and one of the fastest-growing communities in the state. Our own campus has undergone remarkable transformations in recent years, and is a year-round venue of cultural and recreational entertainment for the entire region. View a map of our campus or to get directions to Kearney.
What’s there to do in Kearney?A safe and vibrant town, Kearney offers an enviable quality of life and features enough professional, technological, cultural, and recreational opportunities to satisfy virtually any interest. You’ll find museums, galleries, theaters, restaurants, parks, golf courses, lakes, rivers, even a top-notch ski resort, as well as more than a dozen annual community festivals and celebrations. Learn more about Kearney.
How many students do you have?UNK has a total enrollment of approximately 6,300 students—more than 5,000 undergraduates and over 1,000 graduate students.
What student groups do you have?You will choose from more than 150 different student groups and organizations. These include academic and professional organizations, student media, campus ministries, recreational groups, Greek organizations, honor societies, multicultural organizations, international organizations, musical groups, political organizations, student government, special interest groups, and service organizations. Click here for a complete listing of our student groups.
Is the campus safe?While no campus in the nation can fully guarantee safety, you’ll find UNK is very safe in comparison to like campuses. A big reason that UNK simply feels like “home” to so many students is our historical commitment to providing a safe learning environment. Our Department of Public Safety works around the clock with a staff of six full-time officers, several part-time officers, and two community service officers. Learn more about campus safety.
Where will I live?While all freshmen whose homes are more than 30 miles away from UNK are required to live on campus during their first year, many of our local students also choose to live on campus to enjoy the complete college experience. Our campus features 10 traditional residence halls, two Greek living complexes, and an apartment-style housing complex. All residence hall rooms are cable-ready, furnished, have telephones, and offer easy access to residence hall computer labs, lounges, study areas, and recreational spaces. Visit the Office of Residential & Greek Life for more information.
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