The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is the best workplace in the city and top education employer in the Cornhusker State, reports the 2024 rankings from Forbes and Statista.
Released in August, Forbes’ sixth annual list of America’s Best Employers by State ranked Nebraska’s flagship, land-grant university as the No. 4 overall workplace in the state — up three spots from No. 7 in 2023. The ranking continues to count the university alongside the most respected nonprofit and private employers in Nebraska, including Mutual of Omaha, Nebraska Medicine, Kiewit and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska.
Human Resources recently honored some 970 employees for their years of service to the university. During the ceremony, Chancellor Rodney D. Bennett praised faculty and staff for their positive impacts through teaching, research and service.
“I continue to be inspired by our faculty and staff, whose hard work every day supports our students and creates opportunities for them here in Nebraska and around the world,” Bennett said. “Their deep commitment not only fosters an environment of excellence but has also contributed to our recognition as one of Nebraska’s best employers.”
The ability to help students and impact Nebraska communities continues to inspire UNL employees. Faculty and staff are also fueled by the university’s N2025 strategic plan goal to become a place where “every person and every interaction matters.”
Natalie Frederick, a first-generation college graduate who has worked at UNL for 20 years, said she enjoys the one-to-one connections forged when helping students find necessary supports.
“Sometimes, students fall in the cracks. Someone might not know they’re struggling, or students are afraid to ask,” Frederick said. “I like being there to fill in the gaps for students, be that extra person in their lives supporting them.”
For Megan Ebbers, who helps guide the university’s research responsibility and institutional animal care program, one primary thing that inspires her to come to work each day.
“It’s the people,” Ebbers said. “There are really good people here, and there’s always something new. I’m never bored. Our office has a good culture and I look forward to coming to work.”
As of the 2024-25 academic year, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln employed nearly 6,000 people, roughly 4,000 of whom are staff. Full-time and permanent half-time employees of Nebraska U have access to a benefits package that includes health, life, disability and long-term care insurance; retirement accounts; and tuition remission that extends to a spouse and dependent children.
Forbes and Statista, a market research firm, arrived at the rankings after surveying more than 160,000 employees who work at companies or nonprofits that each employ at least 500 people. In addition to being asked whether they would recommend their employer on a scale of zero to 10, respondents assessed their workplace according to multiple criteria: working conditions, compensation, diversity, upward mobility and reputation, among others. Respondents, who were granted anonymity, also had the chance to evaluate other employers within their state and national counterparts within their industry.
The 2024 rankings include 1,294 organizations from across the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Access the complete Forbes 2024 list of America’s Best Employers By State.
