KEARNEY, Neb. — The University of Nebraska-Kearney is celebrating its latest placement in the U.S. News & World Report rankings.

UNK is listed at number six among top public regional universities in the Midwest. That spot is two places higher than last year and marks the 10th time UNK has been inside the top 10.

“The Midwest region is made up of 12 states, so this represents significant success on the part of UNK faculty and staff,” said interim Chancellor Charlie Bicak. “We have routinely been in the top 10 for the last 15 years. I am pleased with the dedication of our faculty and staff to making UNK an excellent place to be a student.”

UNK is tied for 24th among all Midwest regional universities – both public and private – up five positions from last year. That mark makes the school the highest-ranked in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association and the highest among the eight other Nebraska schools in that section. 

The school is listed at number five on the “Best Value” list for Midwest regional universities. That list is based on academic quality, cost of attendance and the percentage of full-time undergraduate students receiving need-based financial aid and scholarships.

“Students and their families are savvy consumers and the ‘value’ of their investment is one of the top considerations in selecting their college or university,” said Kelly Bartling, vice chancellor of Enrollment Management and Marketing. “‘Value’ is more than discounted tuition, scholarships or aid – it’s the entire experience and the outcome, which often is the expected job or graduate school placement following completion of their program.”

University officials say UNK is the most affordable Nebraska university. It has an annual cost of $20,473 for a full-time undergraduate student taking 15 credit hours per semester and living in a double room on campus with a Loper meal plan. More than 85% of all full-time freshmen received some type of aid.

UNK “BEST COLLEGES” RANKINGS

No. 5 in Best Value Schools – Regional Universities (Midwest)

No. 6 in Top Public Schools – Regional Universities (Midwest)

No. 10 in Best Colleges for Veterans – Regional Universities (Midwest)

No. 23 in Top Performers on Social Mobility – Regional Universities (Midwest)

No. 24 in Overall Rank – Regional Universities (Midwest)