Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2024

Badge for BEST IN NEBRASKA GRADUATE SCHOOLS
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

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.

Top Grad Schools in Nebraska 2024

  1. University of Nebraska Lincoln
    • Most Popular Degrees: Chemistry, Computer Science, and Mathematics
  2. Creighton University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Nursing, Anthropology, and Medical
  3. University of Nebraska Omaha
    • Most Popular Degrees: Criminal Justice, Computer Science, and Psychology
  4. Bellevue University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Psychology, Law, and Business
  5. Doane University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Psychology, Economics, and Education
  6. College of Saint Mary
    • Most Popular Degrees: Nursing, Sociology, and Physics

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 2024

  1. #1

    University of Nebraska–Lincoln

    Lincoln , NE
    #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #1 Best Public Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $9,620
    Expenses: $17,210
    Starting Salary: $52,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    High-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.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Creighton University

    Omaha , NE
    #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 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2024
    Other Rankings

    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: $45,638
    Expenses: $15,830
    Starting Salary: $70,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Creighton 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.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of Nebraska Omaha

    Omaha , NE
    #2 Best Public Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    49%

    Student body

    18K

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Nebraska Omaha

    Cost of Degree: $8,136
    Expenses: $15,532
    Starting Salary: $49,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    At 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.

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Bellevue University

    Bellevue , NE
    #7 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $9K

    Graduation

    41%

    Student body

    19K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bellevue University

    Cost of Degree: $8,790
    Expenses: $16,395
    Starting Salary: $60,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Level 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.

    Compare school
  5. #5

    Doane University

    Crete , NE
    #5 Best Small Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    76%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Doane University

    Cost of Degree: $38,990
    Expenses: $16,630
    Starting Salary: $48,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Secure 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.

    Compare school
  7. #6

    College of Saint Mary

    Omaha , NE
    #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #5 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #10 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #11 Best Online Master's Programs 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: $22,450
    Expenses: $12,716
    Starting Salary: $43,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Diverse 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.

    Compare school
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Nebraska’s Best Grad School for Your Area of Interest

Anthropology Biology Business Chemistry Commun­ications Computer Science Criminal Justice Earth Sciences Economics Education Engineering History Law Literature Mathematics Medical Nursing Philosophy Physics Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Social Work Sociology

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.

  1. University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  2. Creighton University
  3. University of Nebraska Omaha
  4. College of Saint Mary
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