Nebraska Universities to Offer Free Tuition to Nebraska Students with Family Incomes of $60,000 or Less

As an economic crisis cripples Nebraska and the nation, higher education leaders make a bold announcement from Lincoln: starting next fall, the University of Nebraska will guarantee tuition-free college to families in the state making less than $60,000.

Newly-named University President Ted Carter revealed the Nebraska Promise program Friday, citing a history of the state's university system pursuing affordability.

"Today we’re doubling down on that promise," said Carter in a statement. "We understand that in these uncertain times, many Nebraskans are rethinking every dollar. We want students and families to know that their University is here for them, that we want them as part of our family, and that we’re doing everything we can to keep the promise of a college education within reach, no matter what their circumstance."

The bold announcement comes less than 12 months after Carter's predecessor, Hank Bounds, admitted Nebraska was lagging against competing institutions on the affordability front.

"We do not compete in that space," said Hank Bounds, during an exit interview with KETV NewsWatch 7's David Earl. "Period."

The Nebraska Promise will take effect in fall 2020 and will guarantee that full-time resident undergraduates whose families have an adjusted gross income of $60,000 or less or who qualify for the federal Pell Grant can attend any NU campus and pay no tuition, the university explained in a statement.

It will apply to returning, transfer and new students, both on-campus and online, and requires no separate application beyond the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), according to a news release.

"Accessibility for the people of Nebraska has been core to the mission of our University for more than 150 years," Carter said in announcing the Nebraska Promise at today’s Board of Regents meeting.

The University projects an additional 1,000 students will benefit from the expanded tuition assistance program.

"The Nebraska Promise will help more of our young people afford college, graduate on time and get a great-paying job here in our state," said Gov. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb., in a statement. "I’m pleased to see the University taking this important step to keep costs down for Nebraskans, especially at a time when all of us are tightening our belts."

Detailed information on the program is available at www.nebraska.edu/nebraska-promise.