UNO Graduate Enrollment Thrives, with Focus on Access and Diversity

Amid nationwide trends showing limited growth in graduate enrollment, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is proud to announce record-breaking increases.

UNO reports a 1.9% rise in total graduate enrollment since Fall 2023, alongside significant growth among key student populations: Omaha Urban Rate (OUR) Tuition student enrollment surged by 8.7%, while new minority student enrollment jumped by an impressive 20.9%.

This upward trajectory reflects UNO’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality education, providing exceptional value, and nurturing a supportive community where students are empowered to reach their highest potential.

“As we like to say around here, once a Maverick, always a Maverick,” shares Dean Juan Casas of UNO’s Office of Graduate Studies. “Our dedicated staff are here to support our students at every step, from application through to graduation and beyond. We believe in the importance of life-long learning and always stand ready to assist in any way possible.”

A key driver of graduate enrollment growth is the OUR Tuition program, introduced in Fall 2023, which extends substantial tuition reductions to students from 15 Great Plains/Midwest states, making UNO's renowned graduate programs more accessible than ever. With over 90 graduate programs and a world class faculty across a range of fields, UNO equips students with specialized skills and insights that position them competitively in a rapidly evolving workforce. UNO’s reputation for delivering exceptional value andsupport underpins its promise to transform students into leaders and innovators through hands-on learning, research, and community engagement.

The university’s commitment to diversity has also fueled growth, attracting a broad array of talented students with diverse backgrounds including underrepresented students, military affiliated students, first-generation students, rural students, and more. Through targeted outreach initiatives, enhanced support programs, and partnerships with organizations that support underserved communities, UNO is working to create an inclusive academic environment that meets the diverse needs of all learners. These efforts align with UNO’s core pillar to Educate All Learners, reflecting a focus on reducing barriers and fostering a campus where students of all backgrounds feel supported and inspired to pursue their educational and professional goals.

Choosing graduate school is a pivotal decision with lasting implications for personal and professional growth. UNO’s unique advantages stem from its core pillars: Educating All Learners, Pragmatic Research and Discovery, Community Engagement, Development and Partnerships, and Workforce and Economic Development. These guiding principles shape every aspect of UNO’s graduate programs, ensuring students receive an education that prioritizes real-world impact and prepares them to excel in their careers and communities.

In addition to the academic and professional strengths of UNO’s programs, students benefit from access to a vibrant community and a wealth of support services, helping prospective students address common questions about the value, affordability, and advantages of a graduate degree at UNO. Whether seeking to stand out in a competitive job market, advance within a current role, or gain new skills, students at UNO find a pathway to achieve their ambitions.

In a landscape where graduate education is becoming increasingly valuable, UNO stands as a leader in delivering affordable, high-quality graduate programs. Through its dedicated faculty, cutting-edge research, and commitment to the core pillars that define its mission, UNO remains a leader in fostering personal achievement and professional advancement, helping students become leaders in their communities and contributors to a thriving workforce.

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s top cities for living, working, and learning, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) serves as Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. Home to over 15,000 students across 200-plus academic programs, UNO is nationally recognized for excellence in online and graduate education, military friendliness, and community engagement. Founded in 1908, UNO has a long history of serving learners of all backgrounds and remains committed to another century of excellence in both the classroom and the community.