What is the starting salary for Nuclear Engineering graduates in Lincoln?

The estimated starting salary for Nuclear Engineering graduates in Lincoln, NE is $42,500 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 85. The national average starting salary for this major is $50,000. Salaries in Lincoln are 15% lower than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Nuclear Engineering degree worth it in Lincoln?

A Nuclear Engineering degree in Lincoln has an estimated ROI payback period of 6.2 years, with a projected lifetime return of $770,588 after subtracting education costs. With 9 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $9,242/year, Lincoln offers affordable options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 5.9% and the major's national unemployment rate of 2% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Nuclear Engineering in Lincoln?

The average annual public university tuition in Lincoln is $9,242, while private universities average $36,730/year. Including room and board ($10,611/year), total 4-year costs range from $79,412 at a public school to $189,364 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Lincoln is $13,317/year.

What jobs can Nuclear Engineering graduates get in Lincoln?

Nuclear Engineering graduates in Lincoln can pursue careers as Nuclear Engineer, Health Physicist, Reactor Operator. Key skills valued by local employers include Reactor Physics, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Materials, Thermal Hydraulics. The Lincoln job market features Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include US Navy, Westinghouse, GE.

How long to pay off student loans for Nuclear Engineering in Lincoln?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Nuclear Engineering graduates in Lincoln would pay $902/month on an estimated $79,412 in loans, with $28,793 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $1,554/month but save $14,978 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $42,500, monthly payments would represent 25% of gross monthly income.

Nuclear Engineering Degree in Lincoln, NE — Salary & ROI 2026

Nuclear Engineering degree analysis for Lincoln, NE. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$43K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$100K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

6.2 yrs

in Lincoln

Cost of Living

index (100 = avg)

Nuclear Engineering in Lincoln, NE Overview

Lincoln, Nebraska (pop. 291,082) has 9 colleges offering Nuclear Engineering programs. The local cost of living index of 85 keeps student expenses low, with average rent near campus at $867/month. Nuclear Engineering enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Reactor Physics and Radiation Protection. The adjusted starting salary in Lincoln is approximately $42,500, growing to $100,300 by mid-career.

Nuclear Engineering Salary in Lincoln (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Lincoln's cost of living index of 85 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$42,500($-7,500 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$100,300($-17,700 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$125,800($-22,200 vs national)

Note: National average Nuclear Engineering salary: $50,000 starting, $118,000 mid-career, $148,000 senior level.Lincoln adjustment factor: 0.85x based on the local cost of living index.

Nuclear Engineering ROI Calculator for Lincoln

Estimate your return on investment for a Nuclear Engineering degree using local Lincoln tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $9,242 | Private avg: $36,730

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Lincoln avg aid: $13,317/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$79,412

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$12,750

vs HS diploma in Lincoln

ROI Payback Period

6.2 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Lincoln

$770,588

Lifetime earnings premium ($850,000) minus total education cost ($79,412)

Student Loan Payoff for Nuclear Engineering in Lincoln

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$79,412

Monthly Payment$902

Total Interest$28,793

% of Monthly Income25%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$79,412

Monthly Payment$1,554

Total Interest$13,815

Interest Savings$14,978

Colleges in Lincoln for Nuclear Engineering

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

public

$9,242/yr

$36,968 total

Nebraska Wesleyan University

private

$36,730/yr

$146,920 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Southeast Community College

$3,540/yr

Top Employers for Nuclear Engineering in Lincoln

Lincoln offers opportunities in Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors for Nuclear Engineering graduates. National top employers in this field include:

US NavyWestinghouseGEDepartment of EnergyNRC

Key Lincoln Hiring Sectors for Engineering

Engineering firms

Manufacturing

Defense contractors

Energy companies

Construction firms

Common Nuclear Engineering Job Titles

Nuclear EngineerHealth PhysicistReactor Operator

Nuclear Engineering in Nearby Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE

$44K starting · COL 87

23 colleges

Bellevue, NE

$42K starting · COL 84.4

3 colleges

Grand Island, NE

$46K starting · COL 91.2

3 colleges

Other Engineering Majors in Lincoln

Petroleum Engineering

$43K starting · 2.5 yr ROI

Computer Engineering

$43K starting · 3 yr ROI

Chemical Engineering

$70K starting · 3.2 yr ROI

Electrical Engineering

$68K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Aerospace Engineering

$68K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mechanical Engineering

$66K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mining Engineering

$43K starting · 3 yr ROI

Architectural Engineering

$66K starting · 2.5 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Nuclear Engineering degree outcomes in Lincoln, NE: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Nuclear Engineering programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Nebraska.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Lincoln using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Nuclear Engineering graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Nuclear Engineering career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Nuclear Engineering grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Lincoln Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Nebraska students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Nebraska)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Nebraska programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "nebraska higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Nuclear Engineering Degree in Lincoln — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Nuclear Engineering ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Lincoln.

Nuclear Engineering Overview Colleges in Lincoln All Majors