Best Community Colleges in Nebraska 2024

Badge for BEST IN NEBRASKA COMMUNITY COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Jenn Finley
Published:
Updated:

Best Community Colleges in Nebraska

  1. Western Nebraska Community College
    • Popular Programs: Business Administration, Computer Science, Nursing
  2. Southeast Community College
    • Popular Programs: Nursing, Graphic Design, Criminal Justice
  3. Little Priest Tribal College
    • Popular Programs: Computer Information, Biology, Early Childhood Education
  4. Nebraska Indian Community College
    • Popular Programs: Early Childhood Education, Business Administration, Human Services
  5. Northeast Community College
    • Popular Programs: Global Studies, Media Arts, Biology
  6. Central Community College
    • Popular Programs: Automotive Technology, Political Science, Medical Assisting
  7. Metropolitan Community College
    • Popular Programs: Medical Assisting, Electrical Technology, Humanities

Key Takeaways

  • Seven schools in Nebraska meet our criteria for the best community colleges in the state.
  • Community colleges in Nebraska offer more affordable tuition rates than a traditional four-year college.
  • Graduates with an associate degree can often transfer their credits into an accredited bachelor’s degree program.

The top-rated community colleges offer an accessible intro into higher education, with high-quality two-year degree programs in a wide range of disciplines. The best community colleges in Nebraska offer a broad selection of associate’s degrees, affordable tuition rates, and strong partnerships with public four-year schools so that students can easily transfer their credits into accredited bachelor’s degree programs.

Colleges and Universities in Nebraska

Nebraska has numerous excellent and highly respected community colleges. Many of these top Nebraska schools are noted for their affordability as well.

Students attending community colleges in Nebraska can earn an associate degree in popular subjects like business management, health services administration, health sciences, and criminal justice. Nebraska is also noted for an extensive technical college system, where students can pursue a wide range of on-campus and online degree programs. The average tuition for a year at one of Nebraska’s 7 community colleges is $4,000.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.


What are Nebraska’s Colleges & Universities?

Nebraska’s Best Overall

We’ve identified 7 community colleges in Nebraska. The following list shows the best community colleges and primarily associate degree granting colleges in Nebraska.

Back to Top

Best Community Colleges in Nebraska

  1. #1

    Western Nebraska Community College

    Scottsbluff , NE
    #1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Nebraska 2024 #2 Best Online Associate in Health Information Technology & Informatics

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Western Nebraska Community College

    Cost of Degree: $2,976
    Expenses: $12,186
    Starting Salary: $33,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Western Nebraska Community College known for?

    Western Nebraska Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    With dedicated student spaces and modern facilities, Western Nebraska Community College stands out through its lively campus community. From classroom lectures to lab work, students are taught in various mediums to keep them engaged.

    What we love about Western Nebraska Community College:

    The school’s CollegeNOW! Program helps High School students get a head start on a degree by allowing them to take up credits in advance.

    Western Nebraska Community College is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for quality adult education programs.

    Western Nebraska Community College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Avoid hands-on learning through group work and research.

    Popular Programs:

    • Business Administration
    • Computer Science
    • Nursing
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Southeast Community College

    Lincoln , NE
    #2 Best Online Associate Degrees in Nebraska 2024 #12 Best Online Associate in Communications

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    31%

    Student body

    13K

    Career Outlook for degree at Southeast Community College

    Cost of Degree: $3,276
    Expenses: $12,290
    Starting Salary: $40,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Southeast Community College known for?

    Southeast Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    With over $2.5 Million in scholarship funding given, Southeast Community College sees to it that its students are given enough financial assistance to fuel their academic journey. The school’s modern campuses and modern facilities maintain an active learning environment.

    What we love about Southeast Community College:

    The college’s STEM CONNECT Scholarship awards up to $10,000 to eligible students who are planning to transfer to a 4-year university after completing their associate’s degree.

    Southeast Community College is ideal for students who:

    Prefer small class sizes and more personalized training.

    Southeast Community College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Aren’t interested in participating in extracurricular activities.

    Popular Programs:

    • Nursing
    • Graphic Design
    • Criminal Justice
    Compare school
  3. #3

    Little Priest Tribal College

    Winnebago , NE

    Tuition + fees

    $5K

    Graduation

    13%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Little Priest Tribal College

    Cost of Degree: $5,140
    Expenses: $11,724
    Starting Salary: $22,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Little Priest Tribal College known for?

    Little Priest Tribal College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Delivering quality education and values formation, Little Priest Tribal College continues to be committed to forming young minds and training adults. Aside from degree programs, the school offers courses, like computer training and cultural education, that are based on the needs of the Winnebago community.

    What we love about Little Priest Tribal College:

    With concentrations in health and the environment, the college’s Indigenous Studies curriculum allows students to cover different courses from a local perspective.

    Little Priest Tribal College is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for financial assistance through grants.

    Little Priest Tribal College might not be the best fit for students who:

    More program fields to choose from.

    Popular Programs:

    • Computer Information
    • Biology
    • Early Childhood Education
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Nebraska Indian Community College

    Macy , NE

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Nebraska Indian Community College

    Cost of Degree: $4,080
    Starting Salary: $21,200
    What is Nebraska Indian Community College known for?

    Nebraska Indian Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    With four campus locations, Nebraska Indian Community College makes its educational programs accessible to students across the region. Pairing academic learning with cultural exploration, the school incorporates Native American history and values into its curriculum.

    What we love about Nebraska Indian Community College:

    The school’s Extension Program includes agricultural education and outreach to support local farmers, promoting sustainable practices within the tribal communities.

    Nebraska Indian Community College is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for comprehensive certificate programs in community and alcohol counseling.

    Nebraska Indian Community College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Do not want any personal attention from professors.

    Popular Programs:

    • Early Childhood Education
    • Business Administration
    • Human Services
    Compare school
  5. #5

    Northeast Community College

    Norfolk , NE
    #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Nebraska 2024 #6 Best Online Associate in Agribusiness Degree Programs

    Tuition + fees

    $4K

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    7K

    Career Outlook for degree at Northeast Community College

    Cost of Degree: $3,840
    Expenses: $12,183
    Starting Salary: $38,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Northeast Community College known for?

    Northeast Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Northeast Community College boasts affordable tuition rates without compromising its program’s quality. The school stays true to its promise of empowering students by offering various enrichment activities, training, tutorials, and funding opportunities.

    What we love about Northeast Community College:

    To help students have a smooth academic journey, the institution offers various support services, including technology assistance, free food, and career advising.

    Northeast Community College is ideal for students who:

    Have special needs since the school provides a range of disability services.

    Northeast Community College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Don’t want to be involved in intramural sports and recreational activities.

    Popular Programs:

    • Global Studies
    • Media Arts
    • Biology
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Central Community College

    Grand Island , NE
    #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Nebraska 2024 #11 Best Online Six Sigma Certification

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    10K

    Career Outlook for degree at Central Community College

    Cost of Degree: $3,300
    Expenses: $11,410
    Starting Salary: $32,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Central Community College known for?

    Central Community College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Catering to students from both rural and urban areas, Central Community College offers comprehensive training curriculums through its seven campuses and online learning center. Students also get to enjoy extensive support services, ranging from academic advising to tutoring and career counseling.

    What we love about Central Community College:

    The school offers various benefits to veterans and military personnel, including tuition assistance, designated parking spots, counseling, and educational sources.

    Central Community College is ideal for students who:

    Want to enhance their leadership skills through developmental classes.

    Central Community College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer more internship opportunities.

    Popular Programs:

    • Automotive Technology
    • Political Science
    • Medical Assisting
    Compare school
  8. #7

    Metropolitan Community College

    Omaha , NE
    #4 Best Online Associate Degrees in Nebraska 2024 #16 Best Online Associate in Web Design

    Tuition + fees

    $3K

    Graduation

    25%

    Student body

    21K

    Career Outlook for degree at Metropolitan Community College

    Cost of Degree: $3,285
    Starting Salary: $33,800
    What is Metropolitan Community College known for?

    Metropolitan Community College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Metropolitan Community College offers a wide array of career-focused programs that incorporate hands-on training through internships and partnerships with local businesses. With a diverse student population, the college offers non-credit courses and workshops for lifelong learners.

    What we love about Metropolitan Community College:

    The college established its own Police Department to maintain student safety, providing faster emergency responses and preparedness training.

    Metropolitan Community College is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for online and hybrid courses.

    Metropolitan Community College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are not interested in using the latest equipment and modern tools in training.

    Popular Programs:

    • Medical Assisting
    • Electrical Technology
    • Humanities
    Compare school
Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here