2025 Best UUÖ±²¥s in Nebraska
Nebraska offers a diverse range of accredited online degree programs in fields such as business, education, healthcare, and technology, especially through the University of Nebraska system. These programs provide flexible scheduling, allowing students to balance work, personal life, and education while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Additionally, online learners have access to support services like academic advising and career counseling to help them achieve their goals.
Key Takeaways:
- Creighton University has a high Salary Score among graduates, with median earnings at $94,139.
- Chadron State College is an affordable online school in Nebraska, with an annual tuition rate of $9,270.
- The University of Nebraska - Lincoln is rated high among students, scoring a 4.11 out of 5 for student satisfaction.
Additionally, our curated list of Honorable Mentions at the end has online Nebraska schools with strong data across the board. For details, please refer to the full methodology.
At a Glance:
Best by Salary Score
Discover our curated selection of top online schools in Nebraska, ranked by Salary Score. This score assesses the median salaries of graduates, helping you understand the potential long-term financial advantages of each institution. Some Nebraska schools have A+ Salary Scores with median earnings as high as $94,139, guaranteeing a significant return on your educational investment.
Creighton University
Why We Like Them:
Creighton has an outstanding median earnings of $94,139, which places it in the top 2% of universities nationwide. Complementing this achievement is its high retention rate of 92%, underscoring the strong student satisfaction and support that keeps online learners engaged and on track to complete their studies. The university also boasts a graduation rate in the top 8% and a low student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, ensuring personalized and attentive educational experiences. Creighton's online programs span various disciplines at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, mostly in the healthcare and business sectors.
What Students Say:
Creighton University is an excellent place for any person from any walk of life to pursue an education. ...the faculty and staff care deeply and personally about the students. They are willing to go the extra mile to help out.
Nicole Wininger, Graduated 2020
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Why We Like Them:
UNMC boasts a strong median earnings among its graduates of $93,079. This positions it among the top 2% of institutions nationally, indicating significant potential return on investment for you. Complementing this, the student-to-faculty ratio is remarkably low at a remarkable 2:1, placing it among the best 3% nationwide. This ensures that you have ample personalized attention. Moreover, UNMC offers a diverse range of online programs geared toward health care professionals, including certificates, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Notable programs include applied biostatistics, health administration, and public health.
Clarkson College
Why We Like Them:
Clarkson's alums have an impressive median earnings, sitting at $78,419. This positions them well within the top 9% nationwide for earning potential, illustrating a favorable return on investment for your education. Alongside this, Clarkson posts a graduation rate of 66%, which places it among the top 21% of institutions in terms of student success and degree completion. Moreover, online education at Clarkson is robust, offering nearly 90% of students the flexibility to enroll in at least one online course each semester.
Bellevue University
Why We Like Them:
Bellevue stands out primarily due to its impressive median earnings of $64,389. When considering how this places the school among its peers, Bellevue's alumni earnings rank in the top 23%, highlighting the strong return on investment you can expect. Complementing these earnings is Bellevue's strong online enrollment with 13,048 online students, situating it in the top 3% for being one of the most popular online schools in the nation. Bellevue's commitment to a strong online presence is further evidenced by over 75 bachelor's and graduate degree programs available online, encompassing various disciplines. This expansive offering ensures you have numerous pathways to advance your career without sacrificing flexibility and convenience.
What Students Say:
"This school is considered in the top 20 to offer online education. The quality of the personnel, financial, academic, and technical advisors is excellent. The degree is highly recognized by any employer. The professors provide exceptional feedback, and every detail is done to improve your education level. This university is accredited because of its quality."
Laura King, Graduated 2016
Nebraska Methodist College
Why We Like Them:
Alums at NMC have a median earning of $63,805, placing it in the top 24% of similar institutions. Coupling this with a stellar graduation rate of 74%, which positions it among the top 11%, you can see a strong commitment to student success. This is further supported by a high retention rate of 84%. Additionally, the college ensures full accessibility of education by providing financial aid to 100% of its students. Online learning at NMC is conducted through D2L Brightspace, and the programs are specifically designed to be flexible with many virtual courses allowing for asynchronous participation.
Best by Affordability
These online colleges and universities in Nebraska offer high-quality education with tuition costs starting at just $9,270. Explore these affordable options to find the ideal match for both your academic and financial requirements.
Chadron State College
Why We Like Them:
CSC has an affordable tuition of $9,270, placing it in the top 17% of schools for affordability. This makes CSC an attractive option if you are budget-conscious. The college also offers a noteworthy average financial aid package of $8,480, easing the financial burden further. Complementing this financial accessibility is a perfect recommendation rate of 100%. CSC’s online program offers flexibility and variety with undergraduate options in applied sciences, business administration, education, and more. These programs are designed with practical learning experiences and flexible course schedules to cater to diverse needs.
What Students Say:
"Chadron State College ensures you get the full college experience without significant financial burden. It is a small school yet offers an enriching and fulfilling college life. The sense of community and support from the faculty made my time here memorable. Proud to be an alum."
Chadron business grad 2015, Graduated 2015
Peru State College
Why We Like Them:
One of the most compelling aspect of PSC is its low tuition of $9,270, which places it among the top 17% of the most affordable online programs nationwide. This means that PSC offers significant value, making higher education accessible without a substantial financial burden. Complementing its affordability, 98% of students receive financial aid, illustrating a strong commitment to student support and financial accessibility. With over 20 years of experience in online education, PSC delivers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs across diverse fields such as arts & sciences, education, and professional studies. You will also benefit from services like free online tutoring and career support, further enhancing your academic journey.
York College
Why We Like Them:
York College stands out with a tuition of $10,500, placing it in the top 25% for cost-effectiveness among its peers. This is further complemented by the school's average financial aid package of $13,665, also among the top 30% nationally for financial support. We also appreciate that York College supports 100% of its students with financial aid. The college offers a variety of online degrees, including undergraduate and graduate programs in fields like education, psychology, business administration, and general studies. This breadth of offerings, combined with flexible learning formats and no required log-in times, makes York College a strong contender for those seeking quality education with the flexibility to balance other life commitments.
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Why We Like Them:
UNK offers a cheap tuition at $12,300, making it a competitive option for higher education. And if you require financial aid, you'll find UNK particularly supportive, as 100% of students receive aid, positioning it among the top 19% of similarly funded institutions. We also recognize the university's commitment to quality through an overall review rating of 3.8 out of 5 total points. As an online student, you’ll join a community of over 2,000 learners with opportunities across more than 50 programs, ensuring a well-rounded academic experience.
What Students Say:
"UNK is a great college experience. The class sizes are perfect, and the professors truly care about your education. Numerous resources are available to every student, included in the cost of tuition. If you utilize these resources, you will have a great college experience and pass all your classes."
Libi, Graduated 2020
Highest Rated by Students
With review ratings as high as 4.11 out of 5, these Nebraska institutions are highly praised by their students for providing exceptional educational experiences and supportive learning environments. Learn why these top-rated schools are so highly recommended and how they can assist you in achieving your academic and career goals.
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Why We Like Them:
UNL boasts an exceptional overall review rating of 4.11 out of 5, standing out for high student satisfaction. Coupled with a compelling recommendation rate of 98%, it shows that nearly all students are willing to vouch for their positive experiences. Another aspect we highly value is the retention rate of 82%, placing UNL in the top 18% of universities — indicating that most students continue their studies after the first year. UNL’s online offerings span undergraduate and graduate levels, providing a range of degrees in disciplines like business, engineering, education, and more. The university offers both online and hybrid courses, ensuring flexibility.
What Students Say:
"University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a wonderful institution with great faculty, and students. The classes I took helped me excel in my professional career as an accountant and gave me the tools to succeed in the real world. I recommend UNL to prospects."
Asawar Sajid, Graduated 2012
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Why We Like Them:
UNO impresses with a strong overall review rating of 4.01. Another exceptional metric is its 96% recommendation rate, demonstrating high levels of satisfaction among online learners. Additionally, UNO offers a substantial online enrollment of 3,546 students, placing it in the top 22% for institutions with the highest number of online students. Online offerings at UNO include undergraduate, graduate, and even microcredential programs across diverse disciplines, ensuring flexible learning paths tailored to your needs.
Honorable Mention
Using our extensive knowledge of the higher education landscape, we have created an "Honorable Mentions" category to highlight some of the best online colleges in Nebraska that excel in crucial areas important for selecting the right college. These institutions consistently perform well across various metrics, ensuring high-quality experiences.
Wayne State College
Why We Like Them:
Wayne State currently has around 845 online students enrolled. This healthy online student population demonstrates the college’s ability to deliver quality education remotely effectively. Additionally, 97% of students receive financial aid. Wayne State offers a variety of online degrees, including bachelor's degrees in business administration and criminal justice as well as master’s programs in business but also education and organizational management. Such a wide range of online programs gives you the flexibility to choose a path that aligns closely with your career aspirations.
Concordia University - Nebraska
Why We Like Them:
CUNE excels in online enrollment with 371 distance learners, highlighting the institution's strong digital learning environment. We also appreciate CUNE's large average financial aid package of $26,141, with all students receiving at least some financial aid. The university's programs include a range of online graduate degrees such as MA, MBA, MEd, MPH, and MS, each tailored to meet various academic and professional needs. Graduates are well-prepared through faith-based academics, offering multiple start dates and 8-week courses, enabling flexible learning tailored to individual schedules. Whether you seek to advance in educational administration, public health, or business administration, CUNE’s online offerings provide a versatile path to achieving your goals.
Midland University
Why We Like Them:
Midland has hundreds of students pursuing their education remotely. This shows its capacity to deliver quality online education effectively. Additionally, the university shines in financial support, with an impressive 100% of its student body receiving financial aid, further supported by an average financial aid package of $27,057. Moreover, Midland excels in post-graduation outcomes, with a median earnings figure of approximately $58,307. In terms of online offerings, Midland features a variety of programs that include a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation, MBA, MS in Business Intelligence and Analytics, MS in Learning and Talent Development, and MS in Sport Administration and Leadership, among others.
Bryan College of Health Sciences
Why We Like Them:
Bryan Health has a notable graduation rate of 71%, placing it in the top 14% of institutions in the U.S. This is complemented by a stellar earning potential for graduates, with median earnings at $96,880. This places Bryan Health in the top 2% of schools nationwide, signifying that its alumni excel financially relative to those from other institutions. Furthermore, the retention rate is strong at 78%, situating it in the top 27%, which implies a high level of student satisfaction. The student-to-faculty ratio is an impressive 9:1, placing the college in the top 12%, ensuring personalized attention that enhances the educational experience. Bryan Health offers diverse online and hybrid programs as well as online certificates in the health sector at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Higher Education in Nebraska
Nebraska is home to with degree programs. Students can enroll in everything from certificates and associate degrees at Nebraska community colleges to bachelor's and graduate degrees at large universities. Nearly half of these institutions are in the Omaha or Lincoln metropolitan areas, and most of the rest are in rural or small town settings.
A sizable portion of Nebraska's for other states in recent years. This trend may challenge Nebraska's economy because most of its projected job growth is in occupations that require a college degree. Therefore, there is likely to be a great deal of opportunity for educated employees in the Cornhusker State.
Many Nebraska colleges offer online degree programs to students looking for flexible study options. Most online degrees let students complete coursework at convenient times instead of attending live classes, which can help them balance school with work and other obligations.
Read through our lists of online MSW programs in Nebraska and online nursing programs in Nebraska if you're interested in helping fill the case worker and nursing gaps in this state.
FAQs About UUÖ±²¥s in Nebraska
How Many Colleges Are in Nebraska?
There are 33 degree-granting schools in Nebraska. The largest of these is the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. You can find online degree programs at UN but also at small, private colleges and everything in between.
How Many Public Colleges Are in Nebraska?
Sixteen of Nebraska's colleges are publicly funded. This includes a number of community colleges and tribal colleges and universities.
How Much Is College in Nebraska?
College costs differ by school, but we can use the following average from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to get an idea.
- Public four-year college, in-state resident: $8,862
- Public four-year college, out-of-state resident: $21,539
- Private four-year college: $26,002
- Public two-year college, in-state resident: $3,408
- Public two-year college, out-of-state resident: $4,308
These averages are all for the 2022-2023 academic year.