Attend an HLC Open Forum on Oct. 5
About the University of Nebraska
In June 2026, the U.S. Department of Education and the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) formally recognized the University of Nebraska, joining the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the University of Nebraska Medical Center campuses under a single accreditation for the first time since their accreditations separated in 1968. This effort marks an important step in strengthening the University of Nebraska’s academic standing, aligning with national peers, and expanding opportunities for collaboration.
The University of Nebraska is accredited by the HLC and serves as the flagship, comprehensive R1 research university of the University of Nebraska System, serving the citizens of Nebraska through education, research, and outreach. It is a proud member of the Big Ten Conference and the Big Ten Academic Alliance. Classified in the Carnegie “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very High Research Activity” category, it is recognized as one of the nation's leading public research institutions, ranking 55th nationally (in the 94th percentile) among all public and private universities for research expenditures.
Unifying accreditation allows the colleges for both campuses to maintain their distinct missions and identities while providing opportunities for enhanced research, academic integration, and an expanded commitment to the University of Nebraska’s land grant mission.
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
The Lincoln campus (UNL) serves Nebraskans through the historic land-grant mission of education, research and outreach. UNL is recognized by the Nebraska Legislature as the primary research and doctoral degree granting campus in the state for fields outside the health professions. UNL serves 24,000 students and has combined world-class research with an extraordinary commitment to education and offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate, graduate and professional programs. Through innovative research and creative activity, agricultural leadership, Extension, and exemplary student experience, and community engagement, UNL turns knowledge into bold solutions that improve lives across Nebraska, the region and beyond. UNL’s student-athletes proudly compete as part of the Big Ten Conference, and UNL faculty and administrators participate in the Big Ten Academic Alliance.
University of Nebraska Medical Center
The University of Nebraska also comprises the Medical Center campuses, with a main campus in Omaha and other campuses in Norfolk, Kearney, Lincoln and Scottsbluff. UNMC is Nebraska’s only public academic medical center and a leader in health sciences undergraduate, graduate and professional education, research and patient care. Its expertise is recognized internationally in disciplines such as primary care, transplantation, cancer, rural health, infectious disease and others.
The University of Nebraska Mission
We lead the world in transforming lives and communities to an extraordinary future through our enduring commitment to creating and sharing knowledge, inspiring and nurturing discovery and through forging and sustaining relationships built upon trust. We do this as a University community by building upon our legacy of excellence and our commitment to a future of the extraordinary.