For the first time in 58 years, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the University of Nebraska Medical Center will be measured together in national rankings, following federal approval of a shared accreditation structure.
The U.S. Department of Education and the Higher Learning Commission have formally recognized the joint accreditation of the two universities, completing a process approved earlier this year.
The action allows UNL and UNMC to report enrollment, degrees awarded, faculty honors and research expenditures as a combined institution, aligning Nebraska’s reporting structure more closely with many peer institutions. University leaders said the approach more closely reflects work already taking place across both universities, where collaboration in teaching, research and service has expanded in recent years.
“This recognition affirms the extraordinary strengths that already exist across UNL and UNMC and creates new opportunities to build on them together," Interim Chancellor Katherine S. Ankerson said. "For our students, faculty and staff, it opens the door to deeper collaboration, broader educational opportunities and greater research impact.”
One result is an immediate shift in national research rankings. Based on the most recent federal data, UNL ranks 87th nationally in research expenditures and UNMC is 131st. Combined, the two universities would rank 55th. Federal research expenditures currently rank UNL at 122nd and UNMC at 120th. Together, they would stand at No. 62.
University leaders said the combined reporting structure is expected to strengthen the university’s national visibility and better reflect its overall research enterprise.
While reporting will be combined for select national measures, university leaders emphasized that the change does not alter the distinct missions, academic programs, leadership structures or governance of either university. Both universities will continue to operate as separate institutions within the University of Nebraska system.
Instead, officials said the accreditation structure creates a framework for expanding collaboration and reducing barriers to joint work already underway across disciplines such as health sciences, engineering, agriculture and data-driven research.
To support the transition, staff from both universities have coordinated on federal requirements related to financial aid, student services and registrar operations. A joint task force of faculty, staff and administrators is being organized to identify additional opportunities for collaboration. A fall summit, to focus on education and research partnerships, is also being planned.
In announcing the recognition, Dr. Jeffrey P. Gold, president of the NU system, said the change allows the university to more accurately represent the combined impact of the Lincoln and Omaha institutions while building on a long history of partnership.
UNL and UNMC shared accreditation from 1913 to 1968 before operating under separate structures for more than five decades.
