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Best Colleges in Nebraska in 2024

January 26, 2024 | Admin

Online Colleges Nebraska

In order to provide prospective students with the best chance at having a great education, we have compiled this list of the top universities and colleges in Nebraska. Some schools may excel at online programs, while others may focus exclusively on the traditional, on-campus aspect of higher education. Regardless of the delivery format, these schools excel at providing a quality education for their students.

Nebraska is home to many universities that offer excellent programs at an affordable price. The state has expanded its online learning to create more opportunities for individuals who have other responsibilities that prevent them from attending class. Online colleges in Nebraska are providing learning from any location for students to access at any time.

By exploring the best colleges in Nebraska we’ve listed here, students will be able to find the best fit for their specific needs. Nebraska offers affordable tuition and a wide variety of online and on-campus programs for students to pursue and advance in their career choices. All of the following are accredited schools and recognized for high-quality academics and additional student resources.

Rank School Location
1Wayne State CollegeWayne, Nebraska
2Summit Christian CollegeGering, Nebraska
3Peru State CollegePeru, Nebraska
4Chadron State CollegeChadron, Nebraska
5University of Nebraska – KearneyKearney, Nebraska

Here are the Best Colleges in Nebraska

1

Wayne State College

  • Wayne, Nebraska
  • Graduation Rate: 48%
Wayne State College Nebraska

Known for its online master’s of business degree, Wayne State College offers a variety of online classes for distance learners. Students have the freedom to customize their degree by selecting classes that interest them the most. All programs apply theory to practical situations for students to gain an understanding of the course material in real life situations. WSC is committed to providing learning opportunities to all students at an affordable price. Through Wayne’s impressive online learning management system, coursework can easily be accessed from nearly any technology device to complete assignments, chats, and exams. The College continues to serve its local community with the help of its students, making a difference.

Wayne State College has been supporting students in their studies for over 100 years. It focuses on making school affordable and won the 2021 to 2022 Colleges of Distinction Award (it was the only public college in Nebraska to do so). It was also only one of six colleges in the state to obtain the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll award.

School Overview

Tuition: $7,618
Number of Online Programs: 12
Location: Wayne
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2

Summit Christian College

  • Gering, Nebraska
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
Summit Christian College Nebraska

Summit Christian College offers a variety of religious programs to help its mission of global outreach. Summit creates a live video classroom setting for online students to participate in. Programs include church ministry and leadership with course flexibility designed for a busy nontraditional student. Certificate options are also available to students looking to progress in their career quickly. SCC offers low tuition, engagement, and a passion for Christian studies. Classes are small, which promotes student-teacher interactions and additional help on assignments and exams. Through online courses, SCC teaches self-management and self-improvement.

As Summit Christian College has a Biblical basis, students should be aware that the school is accredited through the Association for Biblical Higher Education Commission on Accreditation. Located in Western Nebraska, students can enjoy a scenic environment while biking or using the adjacent walking trail. This college is among the most affordable Christian schools in the country, making it a good choice for faith-based studies.

School Overview

Tuition: $7,586
Number of Online Programs: 6
Location: Gering
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3

Peru State College

  • Peru, Nebraska
  • Graduation Rate: 35%
Peru State College Nebraska

Peru State College was established in 1867. The school has been accredited since 1915 by the Higher Learning Commission, and it offers degree programs such as psychology, criminal justice, business and education. Distance learning is also a priority for the school.

Peru State College offers online courses with accelerated options to complete degrees at a faster pace. Accounting, management, and marketing are popular degrees that online students pursue. Transfer students are welcome to apply to PSC and receive credit for prior learning experience. The curriculum is an innovative mix of traditional and nontraditional learning, creating a unique experience for students. The classes can be self-paced for individuals with hectic schedules to still be able to work towards earning a degree. The college emphasizes the growing development of academics and research for its students to benefit from.

School Overview

Tuition: $7,680
Number of Online Programs: 18
Location: Peru
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4

Chadron State College

  • Chadron, Nebraska
  • Graduation Rate: 41%
Chadron State College Nebraska

Chadron State College was established in 1910 and was based on the original grounds of the Chadron Congregational Academy. In 1911, the school opened its doors to the first students it would see at the start of over 100 years of history. Today, this is a multipurpose educational establishment.

Chadron State College is dedicated to innovatively delivering online education to its learners. CSC has a flat-rate tuition, so that all students are paying the same equal cost. Online students have access to the same resources that on-campus students have and receive the same high-quality education at the university. Among degrees such as business, geoscience, and technical occupations, the college also offers teaching certifications. Most programs are delivered in 8-week formats for students to be able to complete a degree quicker. Chadron seeks to improve excellence and service within its programs for all individuals.

School Overview

Tuition: $7,844
Number of Online Programs: 29
Location: Chadron
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5

University of Nebraska – Kearney

  • Kearney, Nebraska
  • Graduation Rate: 57%
University of Nebraska Kearney

The University of Nebraska-Kearney was not always a part of the University of Nebraska family. It started as the Nebraska State Normal School before turning into the Nebraska State Teachers College. Then, it became Kearney State College before joining up with the University of Nebraska and becoming UNK in 1991.

University of Nebraska-Kearney has a range of high-quality online degree programs. The university keeps its curriculum up to date in a changing and diverse society. In addition to its degree options, an online certificate in professional sales can be completed with minimal time requirements. Distance learners have the opportunity to interact with other students and professors through email, video conferencing, and other formats to stay connected. UNK continues to enhance the quality of learning and develop leaders for the workplace ahead.

School Overview

Tuition: $7,986
Number of Online Programs: 33
Location: Kearney
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6

University of Nebraska at Omaha

  • Omaha, Nebraska
  • Graduation Rate: 44%
University of Nebraska Omaha

University of Nebraska at Omaha, a large research institution, provides a variety of excellent online degrees to choose from. With strong academics and values it upholds, UNO promotes its 23 online programs to students who may see online education as their only option. UNO has been expanding and including many different resources and organizations into its growing online learning system. The university also helps students acquire internships to gain hands-on experience in the work field during their studies. Popular degrees include political science, criminal justice, and fire service management, all offered at different degree levels.

Did you know that the university has over 15,000 students? That’s a lot of students at a time, but even better is the fact that 80% of graduates reported having a job, internship or practice while at the school, so they have real-world experience upon graduation. This metropolitan university is diverse and has a wide range of courses and degree programs to pursue.

School Overview

Tuition: $8,136
Number of Online Programs: 23
Location: Omaha
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7

Bellevue University

  • Bellevue, Nebraska
  • Graduation Rate: 59%
Bellevue University Nebraska

Bellevue University focuses on its online education programs and outreach to adult learners. Bellevue offers open enrollment with several starting points throughout the year to accommodate student’s schedules. People can earn degrees in accounting, communication, business, and more at many different education levels. With career goals in mind, Bellevue helps students progress in their studies with support services for students to access. BU offers affordable learning with small classes, so students are able to get the most from the course and their professor. Its online courses include interactive videos, discussions, and more to connect with peers and instructors.

The most important part of the school’s values is that students get to complete their degree programs online on their own schedules. The school, which is private and a nonprofit educational facility, is flexible and provides for a 100% online experience. For students preferring a hybrid or in-person model, those options are also available.

School Overview

Tuition: $8,310
Number of Online Programs: 75
Location: Bellevue
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8

University of Nebraska – Lincoln

  • Lincoln, Nebraska
  • Graduation Rate: 67%
University of Nebraska Lincoln

Opened in 1869, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is an extension of the main campus and was originally chartered as a land-grant university. The school is now a part of the Big Ten Conference, Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, and the Big Ten Academic Alliance. Students interested in attending should be aware that the school is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission.

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln is ranked in the top tier of national universities, a member of the Big Ten Conference and the flagship university for the state of Nebraska. The university has created opportunities through its online programs for many adult learners. UNL prepares its students for a rewarding career and has created support networks and resources for individuals to access throughout their online enrollment. UNL not only provides a tremendously high-value Big Ten education, due to its commitment to keeping tuition and fees as low as possible, its students also graduate with one-third less student debt than the national average.

School Overview

Tuition: $9,872
Number of Online Programs: 34
Location: Lincoln
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9

Clarkson College

  • Omaha, Nebraska
  • Graduation Rate: 83%
Clarkson College Nebraska

Located in Omaha, Nebraska, Clarkton College focuses heavily on the health sciences and works to provide over 1,000 students with the education needed to succeed in the field of health care. It was founded by Meliora Clarkson in the year 1888, making the school over 130 years old. With a 67% graduation rate, this school pushes students hard and expects excellence.

Clarkson College employs impressive dedication to health care services. Providing extensive courses and programs in the healthcare field, a number of other online programs are options as well. Professors are known to be prompt about assisting student’s needs, in addition to other resources such as the writing lab, tutoring services, mentoring program and more. Programs are available at all levels of education, including certificates. With small class sizes, students are able to benefit from personalized instruction, getting the most out of their education.

School Overview

Tuition: $14,880
Number of Online Programs: 9
Location: Omaha
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10

York College

  • York, Nebraska
  • Graduation Rate: 29%
York College sign and buildings

If you’re looking for the best university in Nebraska, consider York University. The university has been open since 1890 and was founded by the United Brethren Church. It later merged with the Evangelical Church, which resulted in the school becoming an Evangelical United Brethren Church. It was not until 1988 that the school sought senior college status. Though it took many years, the school was accredited by the Higher Learning Commission over time, with the latest accreditation being in 2014.

York University focuses on a Christ-centered education with academics and service at the forefront. Its online degrees are flexible and convenient for its students and offer high-quality academics. The curriculum incorporates biblical studies and promotes mission opportunities for its students. Many people select York University to progress in a career field they are currently in or who are looking to change career paths. York has some of the best distance education programs in all of Nebraska. All programs target learners who are in need of flexible learning to earn a degree on their own time.

School Overview

Tuition: $19,900
Number of Online Programs: 6
Location: York
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11

Nebraska Methodist College

  • Omaha, Nebraska
  • Graduation Rate: 80%
Nebraska Methodist College medical assistant programs

Nebraska Methodist College was established in 1891 and prides itself on being small enough to individually care for its students enrolled in mastering the art of science and healthcare. NMC is fully accredited and is flexible with online courses for students already in the professional field.

This school is among the cream of the crop in health care and nursing, providing strong programming to help its students achieve excellence in their chosen fields. Its main program is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, but there are several other programs to consider. Beneficially, around 82% of all students do graduate.

School Overview

Tuition: $16,207
Number of Online Programs: 11
Location: Omaha
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12

Creighton University

  • Omaha, Nebraska
  • Graduation Rate: 79%
Creighton University

Creighton University is one of the nation’s top institutions of higher education. As a private Catholic university, Creighton offers 28 bachelors and graduate programs taught on a Catholic foundation. Leadership, public health, and business administration are well-known programs that students have pursued. Distance learners have the benefits of online student services to help them succeed in a student-led environment. The university offers many different types of programs that fit student’s schedules, giving them an opportunity to earn a degree.

Creighton University’s home campus is in Omaha, but it also has a health sciences campus in Phoenix. Students who are interested in keeping with Jesuit values will appreciate that the school upholds them. For those returning to school, there are over 45 graduate programs to pursue.

School Overview

Tuition: $44,524
Number of Online Programs: 26
Location: Omaha
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Location: Omaha

Job Outlook in Nebraska for College Graduates

No matter where you choose to go to school, it’s important to know the likelihood of finding work in your respective field and the amount of money most people make from working a full-time or salaried position in the state. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary in Nebraska is $52,110, which works out to around $25.05 per hour. According to the Official Nebraska Government Website, the top ten high wage, high demand and high-skill jobs include:

  1. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers
  2. Registered nursing
  3. General and operational management
  4. Carpenters
  5. Accountants and auditors
  6. Software developers
  7. Elementary school teachers (excluding special education)
  8. Electricians
  9. Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters
  10. Secondary school teachers (excluding special education)

Choosing one of these high-demand careers may put you in a better position to earn more over the course of your lifetime.

Find the program that’s right for you

Whether you’re trying to start your career or make a big change, we can help you find the perfect school to help you reach your goals.

Woman in graduation cap and gown
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