Nebraska Promise

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 2023-2024 academic year, UNO’s deadline to complete the FAFSA to receive priority consideration for all types of aid at UNO, including Nebraska Promise, is June 1, 2023. You must also submit all requested “To Do” list items by July 1, 2023 to receive priority consideration for all types of aid at UNO, including Nebraska Promise. If you submit documents after July 1, 2023, you will still be considered for Federal financial aid. However, we cannot guarantee that you will receive enough gift aid (instititional 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 family's 'expected family contribution' toward the cost of college. This is determined by a formula that considers your family financial situation, family size and the number of children in college, the cost of attendance and your enrollment status (full- or part-time).

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 admissions office of the NU campus of your choice. Your high school counselor or the EducationQuest Foundation may also help.

To be considered for Nebraska Promise tuition assistance, you must complete your FAFSA by June 1 and complete the financial aid process by July 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 Student Aid Report which will tell you if you're eligible for the Federal Pell Grant and the amount of your expected family contribution.

Federal Pell Grant Assistance is Different for Each Student

In 2022-23, grants ranged from $692 to $6,895 for an academic year. Nebraska Promise is renewable provided eligibility and renewal criteria are met. Students must meet income requirements, maintain a 2.50 cumulative GPA and maintain satisfactory academic progress.

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.

Things to Keep in Mind

You will qualify for tuition assistance if you qualify for the Federal Pell Grant or have Family income of $65,000 or less (Adjusted Gross Income or AGI).
The Nebraska Promise will pay for all of your tuition that is not covered by your Federal Pell Grant or any other grants and/or scholarships.
You must complete the FAFSA to qualify. The deadline is June 1 of the calendar year prior to fall enrollment.
You must take at least 12 credit hours per semester and maintain a 2.5 GPA.

'Hitting the Books' and Other Ways to Cut College Costs

There are many ways to save money on college. Most schools offer merit scholarships to academically talented students. Some states do, too. You may also qualify for a grant or scholarship if you pursue a particular talent such as music or journalism. Work-study is another popular option.

Starting a college savings account early is always a good idea. Fortunately, the Nebraska College Savings Plan is rated one of the best "529" plans in the nation. It offers tax-saving advantages, applies to schools across the country and gives you multiple investment options.

If you're serious about getting a college education, money shouldn't keep you from reaching that goal.

Ready to Get Started?

Step 1: Apply for Admission at the University of Nebraska