Why This Matters

  • 24 COLLEGES IN NEBRASKA

    There are multiple colleges in Nebraska with a wide range of majors to choose from. According to College Navigator, there are seven public universities, 15 private nonprofits, and two private for-profit colleges.

  • $9,080 AVERAGE IN-STATE TUITION & FEES

    For the 2020-21 school year, the average cost of in-state tuition was $9,080 per year, according to College Board.

  • $14,940 FINANCIAL AID PER U.S. STUDENT

    Most college students receive state and federal aid to attend college. The average student financial aid package for the 2019-20 year was $14,940.

Our Research

To compile our list of the best colleges in Nebraska, we looked at the largest universities, medium-sized institutions, and small nonprofit colleges. We categorized each college based on criteria such as tuition costs, how the coursework is delivered, and the number of credits it takes to graduate.

All of the colleges on our list are accredited, which ensures they meet the highest standards for education. Each received their accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which provides accreditation in 19 states.

We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.

  • 52 hours to write this article
  • 72 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 80 education programs we compared

The Top 17 Colleges in Nebraska

Best Colleges In Nebraska
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What You Should Know About Graduating From College in Nebraska

When deciding on a career path in Nebraska, it’s important to understand how employable you will be upon graduation. As of October 2020, the top five industries in Nebraska were trade, transportation and utilities; government; education and health services; goods-producing services; and professional and business services.

It’s also good to know what jobs are the fastest growing occupations if you want to increase your odds of employment. In Nebraska, the top occupations that have the largest growth potential from 2020 to 2030 include information security analysts, operations research analysts, and arbitrators.

The best place to start your job search upon graduation is looking at one of the largest employers in the state. The University of Nebraska Medical Center Surgery Center has over 6,000 employees. Other top employers include Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company, Tyson Foods Inc., Union Pacific Corp., and Paypal Inc.

What’s Next?

There are many agencies that offer assistance to students paying for a college education. Here is a list of some of the resources to begin your search.

  • Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (CCPE). The CCPE provides information on how to apply for student financial aid in the state of Nebraska. The CCPE also administers three grant programs: Access College Early (ACE), Nebraska Opportunity Grant (NOG), and the Community Gap Assistance Program.
  • Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The U.S. Department of Education provides a range of financial aid opportunities, including grants, work-study programs, loans, and scholarships. To find out if you are eligible to receive money from the federal government, visit the FAFSA4caster. You can fill out an application for aid at FAFSA.
  • CareerOneStop: CareerOneStop is sponsored by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This searchable list offers comprehensive information on scholarships, grants, and loans in your state. You can filter by degree type and state. The list is searchable by dollar amount, application deadline, contact information, and qualifications.