February 19, 2024

University of Nebraska–Lincoln among best employers in state, nation

Ranking fueled by employee benefits, support systems, interactions that help student succeed
The Love Library cupola shines oer campus during the Glow Big Red event on Feb. 14.
Craig Chandler | University Communication and Marketing

Craig Chandler | University Communication and Marketing
The Love Library cupola shines oer campus during the Glow Big Red event on Feb. 14.

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln continues to be one of the best places to work in the Cornhusker State and nationwide.

In the 2024 Forbes ranking of America’s Best Large Employers, the university is No. 2 in Nebraska and No. 154 nationally. In the education sector, UNL is No. 1 statewide and No. 18 overall.

The Forbes review credits Nebraska’s flagship university for graduating students who are economic and cultural drivers for the state, nation and world.

The ranking is powered by the university offering a supportive work environment and encouraging employees to pursue professional development opportunities. Key campus programs available to employees include the Employee Assistance Program; employee and dependent scholarship; University Child Care; wellness programs and activities; leave options that offer a flexible work-life balance; and organization development assistance. The university is also self-insured, allowing it to offer a strong array of medical benefit options.

University employees are also excited about opportunities to support students and help them succeed.

“It makes me feel very proud to watch (our students) come in as freshmen and leave as seniors, knowing I’ve impacted some of their lives,” said Gretchen Hamilton in a recent interview for Nebraska Today. “Hopefully I’ve made a difference, like they’ve made a difference in my life.”

 

Video: Hamilton serves joy and food to UNL students

In Forbes’ fifth annual list of America’s Best Employers by State, released in fall 2023, UNL is the best workplace in Lincoln and Nebraska’s top public education employer.

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is prominently listed in other Forbes rankings, including the best public universities (98), best research universities (129), and best higher education institutions in the Midwest (31). Review the university’s rankings here.

To be considered for the America’s Best Large Employers ranking, companies must have at least 5,000 employees. Details about how the survey was conducted are here. For the first time, the survey included data for the previous three years to better identify companies that have rated well consistently over time.

The surveys included questions about work-related topics, direct recommendations (willingness to recommend their employer to family and friends), and indirect recommendations (evaluations of employers within respective industry).

Overall, 27 industries are represented in Forbes’ best employers ranking.