Nebraska Promise is the university's expanded financial aid program. It provides free tuition for students who meet academic and family income qualifications.
Do I qualify for Nebraska Promise aid?
You do if you meet these criteria:
- Nebraska resident.
- Full-time (12 credit hours or more) undergraduate student at the University of Nebraska.
- Family income of $65,000 or less (Adjusted Gross Income or AGI) or Pell grant recipient. Family income will be measured as parent plus student AGI on the FAFSA.
- Maintain a 2.5 grade point average.
For the 2025-2026 academic year, UNO’s deadline to complete the FAFSA to receive priority consideration for all types of aid at UNO, including Nebraska Promise, is May 1, 2025.
You must also submit all requested “To Do” list items by June 1, 2025 to receive priority consideration for all types of aid at UNO, including Nebraska Promise. If you submit documents after June 1, 2025, you will still be considered for federal financial aid. However, we cannot guarantee that you will receive enough gift aid (institutional and state grants/scholarships) to cover the cost of tuition.
The program is simple. There is no separate application. Eligible students are identified automatically through the annual Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application.
Qualifying for a Federal Pell Grant
Eligibility for a Pell Grant is based on your Student Aid Index (2025-26 FAFSA form), the number of credit hours in which you are enrolled, and your plans to attend UNO for a full academic year or less. Learn more about the Federal Pell Grant.
You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine if you are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant. For assistance contact the UNO admissions office. Your high school counselor or the EducationQuest Foundation may also help.
To be considered for Nebraska Promise tuition assistance in the 2025-2026 academic year, you must complete your FAFSA by May 1 and complete the financial aid process by June 1 of the calendar year prior to fall enrollment. But don't wait until the last minute. Funds are available on a "first come, first served" basis. So, the sooner you submit your information, the better.
After you complete the FAFSA, you will receive a FAFSA Submission Summary which will tell you if you're eligible for the Federal Pell Grant and the amount of your Student Aid Index (SAI). Federal Pell Grant assistance is different for each student.
The Nebraska Promise Begins Where Other Assistance Ends
If you are eligible for a Federal Pell Grant or have Family income of $65,000 or less (Adjusted Gross Income or AGI), Nebraska Promise will cover all your remaining tuition costs, up to 30 credit hours per academic year, after Pell funds and any other grants and/or scholarships are taken into account. You must take at least 12 credit hours per semester, but may take more.
What makes up my Nebraska Promise commitment?
All grants and university scholarships are included in your Nebraska Promise commitment. This includes federal, state, and institutional grants, such as any Federal Pell Grant, opportunity grant, and/or tuition assistance grants such as military tuition waivers.
Scholarships also contribute toward meeting your Nebraska Promise, including merit-based, college or departmental scholarships, and University of Nebraska Foundation scholarships. The Nebraska Promise is a promise that these programs combined will cover your tuition each semester for up to 15 credit hours. The Nebraska Promise does not include scholarships from private scholarship donors.
Covering Costs Beyond Tuition
The Nebraska Promise is for tuition assistance only. It does not cover additional costs including fees, books, room and board, or transportation. The Nebraska Promise is just one of many financial aid options available for students. Those who receive Federal Pell Grants and Nebraska Promise funding may receive more than just tuition paid. For more details, contact the financial aid office.
Ready to Get Started?
Step 1: Apply for Admission at the University of Nebraska
Apply NowStep 2: Complete the FAFSA
The 2025-2026 deadline to complete the FAFSA is May 1, 2025.
Complete the FAFSAFor more information, visit the Nebraska Promise website.