Best Colleges in Nebraska of 2023

A member of the Big Ten Conference and a top-tier research university, the University of Nebraska - Lincoln is a powerhouse of higher learning. It is composed of 10 different colleges that feature such fields as agriculture, architecture, business, education, engineering, performing arts, journalism, and law. The university also offers more than 150 majors in its undergraduate programs, more than 70 graduate programs, 48 doctoral programs, and many certificate programs. The Master of Music has nearly 30 specializations, ranging from performance to composition and theory to conducting. Many distance (online) degree programs are available as well. The school has a number of sports programs, including baseball, basketball, football, cross country, golf, gymnastics, tennis, wrestling, and more. Students enjoy the many things the city of Lincoln has to offer in the way of theaters, museums, galleries, dining, sports, and nightlife.

Creighton University, located in Omaha, is a Catholic Jesuit institute of higher learning with a Magis Core curriculum. With the exception of a communications course, students can choose the courses that best fit their interests, earning their BA or BS in any major and fulfilling the prerequisites for any graduate school in just four years. All courses are taught by expert faculty members. More than 100 undergraduate majors and minors are offered along with six masters programs, two doctoral programs, and several professional certificate programs. The school's accelerated bachelor's to master's program allows undergraduates to get started on an advanced degree, shaving a year off their total education. Nearly 30 of these accelerated programs are offered in business, education, communication studies, health and wellness, leadership, and science. There are also opportunities to study abroad in many countries throughout Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. Students can work with advisors if there is a country they'd like but isn't on the list.

With a student body of more than 15,000, the University of Nebraska Omaha has the second largest enrollment in the state. The school's six colleges combine to offer nearly 150 graduate programs and more than 230 undergraduate programs. A number of bachelor's and graduate degrees as well as certificates and minors are also available online. The university provides many student services including multicultural affairs, a gender and sexuality resource center, a military resource center, and academic and career development. Community engagement is highly encouraged at UNO, and there are multiple opportunities and paths to do so. Students can volunteer at a nonprofit or food pantry or work to build partnerships and collaborations with various organizations. UNO has a 21:1 undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio and an 8:1 graduate student-to-faculty ratio. Students from more than 115 countries attend the university, making it one of the most diverse in the area. On- and off-campus housing is available for international students as well as intensive English courses.

Located in the state capital of Lincoln, Nebraska Wesleyan University was founded in 1887 by Methodist church members and still has ties to The United Methodist Church. It is committed to the principles of a liberal arts education in a Christian environment. Along with 50 bachelor's degree programs, the school offers about 40 minors, six master's, and three certificate programs. Adults who wish to earn their degree can enroll in any of six bachelor's programs designed for working people. A combination of online, face-to-face, and hybrid classes are held at convenient times so those with work and family responsibilities can still earn their degree. NWU has a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and all courses are taught by professors, not grad students. The school retains a campus minister, there are weekly worship services, and the diversified religious life program is designed to meet the spiritual needs of all students regardless of their beliefs or denomination.

A private Presbyterian college located in Hastings, Hastings College is a four-year university. The school has more than 40 majors and more than a dozen pre-professional programs, and it also offers a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, and Master of Arts in Teaching. Most classes have fewer than 20 students, and the average class size is 13. The student-faculty ratio is 12:1. Study abroad opportunities are available, and students can do so for 10 days, a semester, the summer, or an entire academic year. Many non-academic activities are also available, with 25 athletic teams, six fraternities and sororities, and more than 50 student clubs and organizations. The school's theater program puts on four to five full productions every year, including classics, original scripts, and musicals, and talent scholarships are available for students who participate or major/minor in all the fine arts.

Comprising three different colleges - arts and sciences, business and technology, and education - the University of Nebraska at Kearney focuses on undergraduate education, with 20 pre-professional programs and 170 majors available. Twenty-seven graduate programs are offered as well. UNK's online offerings include 21 programs that include graduate, undergraduate, minor, certificate, endorsement, and professional development. Outside of academics, students at UNK have lots of options, with many student organizations, fraternities and sororities, and campus recreation options. Sports are also an important part of UNK, with basketball, cross country, football, tennis, track and field, wrestling, golf, soccer, swimming, and more. Student support services include academic advising, career development, counseling, financial aid, IT services, and wellness and recreation. Students can study abroad in almost any country, from several weeks to a full year. Enrolled students who regularly attend classes can apply for work positions at the university, which helps them grow both personally and professionally.

Located in Seward, Concordia University is part of the Concordia University System, a national network of institutions affiliated with The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod but independently operated. More than 100 graduate and undergraduate programs are offered, and several of them are geared toward a career in church work. Twenty-five online programs are also available. The university works to provide internships for students in other countries, international mission trips, short-term international study tours, and study-abroad opportunities for a semester or entire summer. CU's athletic programs include basketball, baseball, softball, football, cross country, dance, golf, weightlifting, shooting, soccer, and tennis. Visual arts, music, and theater are available for students who wish to pursue their interests in those areas. CU's Student Activities Council regularly schedules on-campus activities and events such as concerts, comedic performances, dances, and more.

Located in the state capital of Lincoln, Union College is a private Seventh-Day Adventist college offering higher education in a Christian atmosphere. Programs are offered in 27 different fields of study including religion, business, health care, art, STEM, languages, and more. Every freshman at UC is assigned a life coach to assist in selecting courses, choosing majors, and adjusting to college life throughout their first year. Other student services include career preparation, tutoring and supplemental instruction, health services, technical assistance, writing and speech assistance, and an on-campus store and market. On-campus jobs are available to students at $9 per hour, and their earnings can be applied to their student account if they wish. The Board of Trustees Scholarship provides free tuition to any incoming first-year student who has at least a 3.9 GPA and 33 ACT (1500 SAT) score.

Established in 1888 as a school of nursing, Clarkson College, located in Omaha, still focuses on providing education in the field of health care. Eight programs and 20 majors are offered in such areas as nursing, psychology, physical therapy, administration and management, education and leadership, radiology and medical imaging, and community health. A number of online courses are also available. Additionally, courses are offered for practicing healthcare professionals needing to renew their certifications. Basic life-support courses are available to anyone in the community. Student services at Clarkson College include tutoring and mentoring, counseling services, bookstore, testing center, library, learning center, career center, fitness center, and writing lab. Various on-campus employment opportunities are open to students.

Located in Omaha, the College of Saint Mary is a Catholic University for women. The college offers 18 undergraduate programs, four masters programs, three doctoral programs, and two certificate programs. With the special needs of women in today's world in mind, the institution provides special residence accommodations where young single mothers and their children can live together on campus; scholarships for women who are majoring in medical technology, mathematics, chemistry, and biology; and a doctoral program for those who are already working as educators in the healthcare field. In addition to the academic aspect, 11 sports teams - basketball, swimming, bowling, competitive dance, softball, golf, tennis, track & field, cross country, soccer, and volleyball - are available. More than 20 activities and organizations operate on campus, and the campus ministry provides opportunities for students to share and strengthen their faith, volunteer, worship, and study the Bible. A job board helps students find on- and off-campus employment, and career assistance is also provided.