Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2025
Graduate school may be a critical step in your higher education, whether you are interested in expanding your knowledge, learning a specialization, or earning advanced credentials required by your profession. The best graduate schools in Nebraska offer advanced degrees, such as master’s and doctoral degrees, as well as opportunities for independent research, mentorships, and professional networking.
Key Takeaways
- Nebraska’s top graduate schools emphasize research, offering students the chance to engage in cutting-edge projects. For example, UNL is recognized for its research initiatives, providing resources and support for graduate students to contribute to significant advancements in their fields.
- The best graduate programs in Nebraska often foster a strong sense of community, with smaller class sizes and accessible faculty, creating a supportive learning environment. Additionally, institutions like UNO offer flexible scheduling and online options, accommodating the diverse needs of graduate students.
- The institutions in our ranking provide a wide array of graduate programs across various disciplines, including engineering, business, education, and the arts. This diversity allows students to pursue specialized fields of interest.
Best Grad Schools in Nebraska in 2025
2025 Ranking Update
Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.
In 2025, the top schools in our ranking of the best graduate schools in Nebraska saw no change in ranking positions. This was a result of all the schools in the ranking making similar improvements to their curriculum, internship opportunities, and other program features.
There are 6 doctorate-granting graduate schools in Nebraska. Our ranking of the best graduate schools in the Nebraska is composed of both private and public schools. To be included, schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions, and must offer doctoral degrees and a broad array of graduate degrees.
Best Grad Schools in Nebraska
- #1 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Nebraska 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Tuition + fees
$10K
Acceptance
79%
Graduation
65%
Student body
27K
Median SAT/ACT
1225/25
Career Outlook for degree at University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Cost of Degree: $10,108Expenses: $18,548Starting Salary: $52,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryHigh-quality graduate studies programs are made available at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The school prides itself of giving every student support by different means, including financial aid.
What we love about the University of Nebraska-Lincoln:
At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, professors and administrative staff will support you every step of the way. They emphasize the use of a sturdy educational infrastructure that fits its diverse student population.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is ideal for students who:
Want to attend a diverse university.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer to have more dining options.
- #5 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #11 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees 2025 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2025
Tuition + fees
$46K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
78%
Student body
10K
Median SAT/ACT
1313/29
Career Outlook for degree at Creighton University
Cost of Degree: $47,000Expenses: $16,790Starting Salary: $70,100Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryCreighton University is a Jesuit institution that provides a high-quality graduate education. The school offers transformative experiences to all their learners. And they’re known for their service- based learning strategies.
What we love about Creighton University:
You can explore several internship opportunities in Fortune 500 and Fortune 1000 companies at Creighton University. As a graduate student, you will also have the chance to participate in research.
Creighton University is ideal for students who:
Want to attend a school that offers research and internship opportunities.
Creighton University might not be the best fit for students who:
May not want to stay in a dorm on campus - the school mandates that students do.
- #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #2 Best Public Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #3 Best Research Universities in Nebraska 2025
Tuition + fees
$8K
Acceptance
86%
Graduation
49%
Student body
18K
Career Outlook for degree at University of Nebraska Omaha
Cost of Degree: $8,370Expenses: $16,604Starting Salary: $49,300Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryAt the University of Nebraska Omaha, students can choose from numerous master’s and graduate programs. Tuition fees are reasonable, making it accessible for those who wants to advance their studies.
What we love about the University of Nebraska Omaha:
There are many interesting experiences that you can explore at the University of Nebraska Omaha. The school also has more than a thousand partnerships with organizations within the state and throughout the nation.
The University of Nebraska Omaha is ideal for students who:
Want to build a professional network early on.
The University of Nebraska Omaha might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer to have more rigorous classes.
- #7 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2025
Tuition + fees
$9K
Graduation
41%
Student body
19K
Career Outlook for degree at Bellevue University
Cost of Degree: $8,886Expenses: $16,440Starting Salary: $60,500Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryLevel up in your career by enrolling in one of the numerous graduate degree programs available at Bellevue University. The school is a non-profit institution that supports students with their goals and has a track record of providing excellent online programs.
What we love about Bellevue University:
If you don’t want traditional classes, Bellevue University is ready to make online learning more unique through their class structure and framework. They have all the support you need, including a student coach and career services team.
Bellevue University is ideal for students who:
Are looking to attend a top-rated online program.
Bellevue University might not be the best fit for students who:
May prefer to have more communication with fellow peers.
- #3 Best Small Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2024
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
76%
Graduation
61%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Doane University
Cost of Degree: $40,491Expenses: $17,345Starting Salary: $48,200Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salarySecure your future and achieve your career goals when you study at a premier institution like Doane University. Whether you want to explore the field of liberal arts or other fields of study, the school has diverse offerings.
What we love about Doane University:
They are committed to academic excellence, with an emphasis on producing the future leaders of societies. Get ready to maximize their distinctive learning approaches to acquire a well-rounded education.
Doane University is ideal for students who:
Want to attend a smaller school.
Doane University might not be the best fit for students who:
Prefer easier classes.
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #5 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #7 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #8 Best Small Colleges in Nebraska 2025
Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
65%
Graduation
67%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at College of Saint Mary
Cost of Degree: $23,340Expenses: $13,938Starting Salary: $43,000Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryDiverse graduate programs are offered at the College of Saint Mary. They are a women’s university geared toward supporting women and helping them explore their full potential.
What we love about the College of Saint Mary:
The College of Saint Mary aims to develop the self-worth and self-confidence of all their women learners.
College of Saint Mary is ideal for students who:
Want to attend a women’s university.
College of Saint Mary might not be the best fit for students who:
May find their tuition fee to be pricey.
Nebraska’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest
Resources for Prospective Grad Students
Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.
2021 Ranking Archive
Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.
