If you’re looking for higher education opportunities, you’ll find some of the best universities in Nebraska. Contrary to popular belief, higher education doesn’t have to be expensive. Many universities in Nebraska are affordable schools providing quality education to prospective students.
Private colleges and public state universities offer many fields of study. Online learning has begun to play a huge role in student lives, causing many schools to offer online degrees. This also keeps higher education affordable with the same quality of in-person classes.
Some of the best colleges in Nebraska include Creighton University, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Hastings College, Concordia University, and Bellevue University. We list the top 10 universities in Nebraska in our comprehensive guide. We also include how Nebraska universities ranked according to US News & World Report.
What Are the Best Universities in Nebraska?
The best universities in Nebraska are University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Creighton University, University of Nebraska Omaha, Bellevue University, and Midland University. These universities offer many quality programs at affordable rates to thousands of students every year. Other top colleges and universities in this area include Hastings College, Wayne State College, Union College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, and Doane University.
How Many Universities Are in Nebraska?
There are 44 universities and colleges in Nebraska. The vast majority of these schools comprise two and four-year colleges. Among these schools are public, private, for-profit, and not-for-profit institutions.
What Are the Biggest Universities in Nebraska?
The biggest universities in Nebraska include University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska Omaha, Creighton University, and Concordia University-Nebraska. University of Nebraska-Lincoln is one of the biggest public universities in Nebraska, with a campus size of 856 acres, according to US News & World Report.
Largest Nebraska Universities by Enrollment
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln | 25,100
- University of Nebraska Omaha | 15,328
- Bellevue University | 9,000
- Concordia University-Nebraska | 7,200
- Creighton University | 7,000
Nebraska University Rankings: What Are the Top 10 Universities in Nebraska?
| Ranking | School | City | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Creighton University | Omaha | 79% |
| 2 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Lincoln | 66% |
| 3 | Nebraska Wesleyan University | Lincoln | 66% |
| 4 | Doane University | Crete | 59% |
| 5 | Concordia University, Nebraska | Seward | 58% |
| 6 | University of Nebraska at Kearney | Kearney | 58% |
| 7 | University of Nebraska Omaha | Omaha | 50% |
| 8 | Midland University | Fremont | 45% |
| 9 | Bellevue University | Bellevue | 23% |
| 10 | University of Nebraska Medical Center | Omaha | N/A |
How We Defined Nebraska University Rankings
Our ranking of the 10 best Nebraska universities is based on the graduation rates of top schools in the state, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). In coming up with our list of 10 Nebraska universities, we also consulted rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education, which you can reference in the expanded list below.
The Best Colleges and Universities in Nebraska, Explained
You’ll find some of the best colleges in Nebraska providing academic excellence to thousands of students. Many of these learning institutions make education accessible and affordable. Below, we show how Nebraska universities ranked according to their graduation rates.
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Nebraska University Admission Requirements
Nebraska university admission requirements are high GPA scores, ACT/SAT scores, letters of recommendation, personal statements, and high school transcripts. The best colleges in Nebraska ask for these general requirements. However, they may vary depending on the school.
Admission Requirements for Universities in Nebraska
- An average GPA of 2.5 to 3.5
- High school transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statements/essays
- ACT/SAT scores
How to Apply to Nebraska Universities
Applying to Nebraska universities starts with ensuring that the schools you’re interested in offers the program you’re wanting to pursue. Once you’ve confirmed that your preferred school offers the program you want, you can create an account with the university to complete the application. However, many students use the Common Application portal to make their applications.
Nebraska Universities Admissions Process
- Head over to the university’s official website and confirm the deadline.
- Use the search bar to find your preferred program.
- Complete the application.
- Create an account using the Common Application (if applicable).
- Attach all the required documents.
- Pay the application fee.
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Why Study in Nebraska?
You should study in Nebraska because this state is home to some excellent schools. You’ll enhance your overall education experience by learning from world-class curricula. You’ll also enjoy the beautiful nature and the low cost of living. Below are a few reasons to study in Nebraska.
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Cost of Living
Many students receive great offers from their preferred universities and turn them down because of the cost of living. However, according to data from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, Nebraska is the 15th most affordable state to live in, with Mississippi topping the list. This means Nebraska has a much lower cost of living than most other states.
Natural Environment
If you’re looking to escape the city in pursuit of a more natural educational experience, you should consider heading to Nebraska. In addition to its greenery, Nebraska is known for its natural attractions and agricultural activities. All these features enhance the education experience.
Highly-Ranked Universities
There are a couple of highly-ranked academic and research facilities in Nebraska. This means you’ll be exposed to quality curricula to prepare you for your future career. It also means you can choose from a wide range of colleges and universities.
More Nebraska University Rankings: What Other Universities Are the Best in Nebraska?
In addition to Nebraska’s flagship universities like the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Nebraska Omaha, there are many top universities and colleges in this state. These include Wayne State College, Peru State College, College of Saint Mary, and York College. We’ve compiled the following list to narrow down more of the best colleges in Nebraska.
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Top Nebraska Universities by Major
The state of Nebraska has a few universities and colleges with majors that are highly rated in the Midwest Region. Below are the top Nebraska Universities by majors.
Tuition Costs for Nebraska Universities
The total tuition costs for Nebraska universities range from $8,582 to $25,313 in public and private universities. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average tuition costs for four-year programs in Nebraska is $8,582 in public institutions and $25,313 in private institutions.
Most Affordable Universities in Nebraska
- University of Nebraska at Omaha | Tuition: $235/Credit. University of Nebraska Omaha offers some of the most competitive tuition rates in the region. However, being a state university, the cost for out-of-state students is significantly higher than for in-state students.
- University of Nebraska at Kearney | Tuition: $259/Credit. This institution prides itself on offering high-quality programs at affordable rates. The cost for out-of-state students is slightly higher than for in-state students.
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Tuition: $259/Credit. This flagship university offers value-for-money programs that most students living in Nebraska will find affordable.
- University of Nebraska Medical Center | Tuition: $259/Credit. This is one of the state’s most affordable medical research and education universities.
- Bellevue University | Tuition: $315/Credit. Students looking for an affordable private university in this region should consider Bellevue University because of its affordable, high-quality programs.
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Financial Aid Options for the Best Universities in Nebraska
Financial aid options for the best universities in Nebraska include scholarships, work-study programs, loans, grants, and fellowships. Universities in Nebraska offer various financial options to help students cover their tuition costs.
Financial Aid for Nebraska Universities: A Summary
- Scholarships. Scholarships are financial aid options awarded to students based on academic merit, diversity, or leadership, among other factors. State, public, and private universities award scholarships. Students receiving them do not repay them.
- Federal Work-Study Programs. These programs provide employment opportunities to students on a part-time or full-time basis. Most of these programs take place in the summer and allow students to work while earning money to cover the cost of education.
- Loan Aid. University loans work the same way as loans issued by banks. They are repaid with interest over a specific period of time. Nebraska university students have access to both federal loans and private loans.
- Grant Aid. Grants are similar to scholarships. Organizations or professional groups issue them to help students cover their tuition. They are not repaid.
- Fellowships. Fellowships are financial aid options offered to graduate students in recognition of a specified action, usually academic merit. They are typically issued to students pursuing advanced degrees.
Nebraska University Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies for Financial Aid at Nebraska Universities?
- You must be a US citizen or eligible non-citizen.
- You must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in a Nebraska university.
- You must demonstrate financial need.
- You must maintain an acceptable GPA.
Private Nebraska Universities With Good Financial Aid
- Creighton University. Some scholarships offered in this private university include outside scholarships, Creighton scholarships, grants, and loans.
- Hastings College. According to Hastings College’s official website, students enrolled in this college received more than 18 million in financial aid in 2021. Scholarships offered here include the Academic Merit Scholarship and the Rick Wilson Scholarship. Other types of financial aid include grants, loans, and veteran benefits.
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Through the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (OSFA), UNL commits to making programs accessible and affordable. Scholarships, fellowships, grants, and loans are some of the financial aid funding options available at this university.
Universities in Nebraska That Provide Financial Aid to Out-of-State Students
- University of Nebraska Omaha. This public institution offers different financial aid options to help both in-state and out-of-state students. These options include grants, work-study options, federal loans, scholarships, and fellowships. All these options are listed and well explained on this university’s website.
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Being a state university, it charges in-state and out-of-state students differently. However, UNL offers scholarships to help students cover tuition costs.
- Nebraska Wesleyan University. Some of the financial aid options available in this university include transfer scholarships, external scholarships, external grants, and first-year scholarships.
How to Apply For Financial Aid and Scholarships for Nebraska State Universities
- Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form.
- Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) and make any necessary changes.
- Review and keep checking your financial award notice.
- Accept or decline your rewards.
Demographics of Universities in Nebraska
The demographics of universities in Nebraska are largely White and Hispanic. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, White students make up 75 percent of the population in Nebraska universities. Other nationalities comprise the rest of the demographics, with the highest portion belonging to Hispanic students.
Diversity Statistics for Universities in Nebraska
- White: 75%
- Black: 5,6%
- Hispanic: 11,6%
- Asian: 3,4%
- Pacific Islander: 0,2%
- American Indian: 0.7%
- Two or More Races: 3,3%
Nebraska Employment Outlook for University Students
Nebraska’s unemployment rate currently stands at 1.9 percent as of April 2022. This rate represents one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This means that university graduates looking to join the job market might find securing employment easier in this state than in most other states.
The BLS also estimates that non-farm jobs have slowly increased over the past few years. The biggest employment sectors in Nebraska include professional and business services, education and health services, government, leisure, and hospitality.
5 In-Demand Nebraska Jobs
The top five in-demand Nebraska jobs include servers, registered nurses, fast food workers, general managers, and truck drivers. However, according to the official website for the Nebraska Government, the computer, mathematical, construction, social services, architecture, and engineering sectors are estimated to generate thousands of jobs by 2028.
Below is a brief overview of Nebraska’s top five in-demand jobs, including information on average salaries and projected growth rates.
Is a University in Nebraska Right for You?
Yes, a University in Nebraska is right for you. This state has a few high-ranked universities, including Creighton University and University of Nebraska-Lincoln. These institutions provide premier academic programs available at affordable rates. There are plenty of good colleges also offering four-year programs in this state.
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Enrolling in a bootcamp will give you the skills to launch a successful career in tech in as little as six months. They are also an affordable alternative to college as they are significantly cheaper than traditional universities and colleges. Check out the best coding bootcamps in 2022 to help you start a career in tech.
How to Get Into the Best Colleges and Universities
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Best Universities in Nebraska FAQ
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is known for its majors in business administration, management, finance, psychology, marketing, public relations, advertising, and applied communication. There are hundreds of academic majors offered at University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
The system’s enrollment, heritage, and provision of affordable quality programs make the University of Nebraska system unique.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln is the best college in Nebraska. According to US News & World Report, University of Nebraska-Lincoln is the best college in Nebraska. University of Nebraska Omaha is the second-best college, while Hastings College is the best community college.
College of Saint Mary is the hardest college to get into in Nebraska. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the hardest college to get into in Nebraska is the College of Saint Mary, with an acceptance rate of 38 percent, which is the lowest of any college in this state.
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