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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 $60,000 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.
  • The 2021-2022 deadline to complete the FAFSA is May 1, 2021.
  • For 2021-2022, you must complete your financial aid file (to-do list items) by July 1, 2021.

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 May 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 2020-21, grants ranged from $639 to $6,345 for an academic year. Nebraska Promise is renewable provided eligibility and renewal criteria are met. Students must meet income requirements, maintain a 2.5 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 $60,000 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

  1. You will qualify for tuition assistance if you qualify for the Federal Pell Grant or have Family income of $60,000 or less (Adjusted Gross Income or AGI).
  2. 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.
  3. You must complete the FAFSA to qualify. The deadline is May 1 of the calendar year prior to fall enrollment.
  4. 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

The fall 2021 application deadline is August 23, 2021.

Step 2: Complete the FAFSA

The 2021-2022 deadline to complete the FAFSA is May 1.

For more information, visit the Nebraska Promise website.