Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024

Badge for BEST IN NEBRASKA LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES

Liberal arts colleges are a great option for students seeking a well-rounded education in an intimate campus setting. The best liberal arts colleges in Nebraska offer a diverse selection of degree programs with opportunities for a highly individualized educational experience.

10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska

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  1. University of Nebraska at Kearney
  2. Bellevue University
  3. Chadron State College
  4. Hastings College
  5. Nebraska Wesleyan University
  6. Midland University
  7. Doane University
  8. Wayne State College
  9. Peru State College
  10. Union College, Nebraska
  1. University of Nebraska at Kearney
  2. Nebraska Wesleyan University
  3. Chadron State College
  4. Bellevue University
  5. Midland University
  6. Doane University
  7. Peru State College
  8. Wayne State College
  9. Hastings College
  10. College of Saint Mary
  1. Union College, Nebraska 99%
  2. Concordia University Nebraska 91%
  3. University of Nebraska at Kearney 86%
  4. Nebraska Wesleyan University 81%
  5. Doane University 76%
  6. Hastings College 71%
  7. Midland University 65%
  8. College of Saint Mary 65%
  9. York University 57%
  1. Wayne State College 22 to 1
  2. Peru State College 20 to 1
  3. Chadron State College 16 to 1
  4. Midland University 14 to 1
  5. Bellevue University 13 to 1
  6. University of Nebraska at Kearney 13 to 1
  7. Hastings College 12 to 1
  8. Concordia University Nebraska 12 to 1
  9. York University 11 to 1
  10. Nebraska Wesleyan University 11 to 1
  1. Nebraska Wesleyan University $39,868
  2. Doane University $38,990
  3. Midland University $38,300
  4. Concordia University Nebraska $37,720
  5. Hastings College $34,580
  6. Union College, Nebraska $27,170
  7. College of Saint Mary $22,450
  8. York University $20,900
  9. Bellevue University $8,790
  10. Peru State College $7,920
  1. Union College, Nebraska $28,896
  2. College of Saint Mary $21,103
  3. Midland University $13,668
  4. Bellevue University $11,340
  5. Hastings College $10,920
  6. Peru State College $9,120
  7. Doane University $8,743
  8. Nebraska Wesleyan University $8,050
  9. Concordia University Nebraska $7,650
  10. University of Nebraska at Kearney $6,216
  1. College of Saint Mary
  2. York University
  3. Concordia University Nebraska
  4. Union College, Nebraska
  5. Peru State College
  6. Wayne State College
  7. Doane University
  8. Midland University
  9. Nebraska Wesleyan University
  10. Hastings College
  1. York University
  2. Concordia University Nebraska
  3. Union College, Nebraska
  4. College of Saint Mary
  5. Hastings College
  6. Wayne State College
  7. Peru State College
  8. Doane University
  9. Midland University
  10. Bellevue University
  1. York University 57%
  2. College of Saint Mary 65%
  3. Midland University 65%
  4. Hastings College 71%
  5. Doane University 76%
  6. Nebraska Wesleyan University 81%
  7. University of Nebraska at Kearney 86%
  8. Concordia University Nebraska 91%
  9. Union College, Nebraska 99%
  1. College of Saint Mary 8 to 1
  2. Union College, Nebraska 8 to 1
  3. Doane University 10 to 1
  4. York University 11 to 1
  5. Nebraska Wesleyan University 11 to 1
  6. Hastings College 12 to 1
  7. Concordia University Nebraska 12 to 1
  8. Bellevue University 13 to 1
  9. University of Nebraska at Kearney 13 to 1
  10. Midland University 14 to 1
  1. University of Nebraska at Kearney $6,270
  2. Wayne State College $7,786
  3. Chadron State College $7,834
  4. Peru State College $7,920
  5. Bellevue University $8,790
  6. York University $20,900
  7. College of Saint Mary $22,450
  8. Union College, Nebraska $27,170
  9. Hastings College $34,580
  10. Concordia University Nebraska $37,720
  1. Wayne State College $4,185
  2. Chadron State College $4,650
  3. York University $5,100
  4. University of Nebraska at Kearney $6,216
  5. Concordia University Nebraska $7,650
  6. Nebraska Wesleyan University $8,050
  7. Doane University $8,743
  8. Peru State College $9,120
  9. Hastings College $10,920
  10. Bellevue University $11,340

Colleges and Universities in Nebraska

Students can choose from 29 higher learning institutions, including community colleges, technical institutes, religious colleges, and public universities. Of the 15 public campuses, the University of Nebraska - Lincoln is the largest, with over 22,000 students. Coming in under the national average, the university’s tuition rate is $9,000, and students can earn their degree in fields such as law, mathematics, communication, and sociology.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

The most affordable schools in the state are its six community colleges with tuition ranging from $3,000 to $4,000. Nebraska also has 12 religiously affiliated institutions, including those with Methodist, Presbyterian, Catholic, and Lutheran influences. At $40,000 in tuition, Creighton University is both the largest and most expensive of these schools, and it boasts a 95% employment rate after graduation.

As one of the largest corn producers in the country, it’s no wonder Nebraska’s nickname is The Cornhusker State. The state is also home to an unusual monument - Carhenge. Replicating England’s famous Stonehenge, this structure is made out of vintage American automobiles that have been painted gray and lodged into the ground. With the Great Plains, over 20,000 square miles of sand dunes, and a portion of the Badlands, Nebraska offers a unique setting for students looking to earn their associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.

Mental health, dental, and other health care professionals working in shortage areas can apply for loan repayment awards through the Nebraska Loan Repayment Program. Doctors and dentists may qualify for up to $200,000.

Come check out the top programs and earn your degree in Nebraska.


What are Nebraska’s Colleges & Universities?

Nebraska’s Best Overall

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

Nebraska's Best Liberal Arts Colleges Badge
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A liberal arts college is a school that puts a premium on undergraduate studies and offers a broad range of subjects for students to study. A college of liberal arts typically provides smaller class sizes, more direct engagement with professors, and, most importantly, the opportunity to sample a wide range of subject areas on the way to a bachelor’s degree. We’ve identified 13 liberal arts colleges in Nebraska. To be ranked among the best liberal arts colleges in Nebraska, schools must fully accredited institutions.

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Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2023

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    8K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1100/22

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Nebraska at Kearney

    Cost of Degree: $7,960
    Expenses: $16,864
    Starting Salary: $45,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Nebraska at Kearney known for?

    University of Nebraska at Kearney’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Nebraska at Kearney’s Online Degrees

    BS in History
    Degree Concentrations
    • Social Science Comprehensive
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  2. #2

    Bellevue University

    Bellevue , NE
    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
    What is Bellevue University known for?

    Bellevue University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Bellevue University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Graphic Design
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Accounting
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Analysis And Management
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Analytics
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Leadership And Management
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Hospitality Management
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in International Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management Of Human Resources
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Project Management
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sport Management
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sport Management
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Supply Chain, Transportation And Logistics Management
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Data Science
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in It Operations Management
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Software Development
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Systems And Network Administration
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Web Development
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Child Protection And Juvenile Justice
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice (Cohort)
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Cybersecurity (Cohort)
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Intelligence And Security Studies
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Legal Studies
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Security Management
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Adult Education
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication Studies
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in History
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Leadership
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Health Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Health Science
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Management
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Behavioral Science
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Professional Psychology
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Mathematics
    • Required Credits: 127
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  3. #3

    Chadron State College

    Chadron , NE
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Chadron State College

    Cost of Degree: $7,354
    Expenses: $14,426
    Starting Salary: $43,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 10 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Chadron State College known for?

    Chadron State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Chadron State College’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • Accounting Certified Public Accountant
    • Agribusiness
    • Business Information
    • Finance
    • Management
    • Marketing
    • Required Credits: 150
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in General Business
    • Required Credits: 161
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Education
    Degree Concentrations
    • Special Education (K-12)
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Family Consumer Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Child Studies
    • Family Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAS in Applied Sciences In Technical Occupations
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Geoscience
    Degree Concentrations
    • Physical Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  4. #4

    Hastings College

    Hastings , NE

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Hastings College

    Cost of Degree: $34,580
    Expenses: $15,332
    Starting Salary: $47,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Hastings College known for?

    Hastings College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  5. Tuition + fees

    $40K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/25

    Career Outlook for degree at Nebraska Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $39,868
    Expenses: $15,874
    Starting Salary: $52,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. #6

    Midland University

    Fremont , NE

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    44%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1080/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Midland University

    Cost of Degree: $38,300
    Expenses: $14,690
    Starting Salary: $44,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Midland University known for?

    Midland University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  7. #7

    Doane University

    Crete , NE
    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

    Doane University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Agribusiness
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Arts
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: None Reported
    BA in Health Sciences
    Degree Concentrations
    • Leadership
    • Pre-Health Professions
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: None Reported
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  8. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    51%

    Student body

    6K

    Career Outlook for degree at Wayne State College

    Cost of Degree: $7,688
    Expenses: $13,700
    Starting Salary: $40,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Wayne State College known for?

    Wayne State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Wayne State College’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  9. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $8K

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Peru State College

    Cost of Degree: $7,920
    Expenses: $14,226
    Starting Salary: $39,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Peru State College known for?

    Peru State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Peru State College’s Online Degrees

    BAA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Computer Management Information Systems (Cmis)
    • Marketing
    • Management
    • Public Administration
    • Human Resources And Risk Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Management Applied Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    Degree Concentrations
    • Administration
    • Counseling
    • Legal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  10. Tuition + fees

    $27K

    Acceptance

    99%

    Graduation

    56%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1055/21

    Career Outlook for degree at Union College, Nebraska

    Cost of Degree: $27,170
    Expenses: $13,550
    Starting Salary: $47,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Union College, Nebraska known for?

    Union College, Nebraska’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  11. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $38K

    Acceptance

    91%

    Graduation

    59%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Concordia University Nebraska

    Cost of Degree: $37,720
    Expenses: $13,630
    Starting Salary: $44,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Concordia University Nebraska known for?

    Concordia University Nebraska’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Concordia University Nebraska’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Healthcare Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  12. #12

    York University

    York , NE
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $21K

    Acceptance

    57%

    Graduation

    43%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    962/20

    Career Outlook for degree at York University

    Cost of Degree: $20,950
    Expenses: $12,050
    Starting Salary: $39,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is York University known for?

    York University ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    York University ’s Online Degrees

    BA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  13. Other Rankings

    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
    What is College of Saint Mary known for?

    College of Saint Mary’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

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Nebraska’s Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Your Area of Interest

2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2022 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2021. That’s because we took a fundamentally different apporach. For 2021 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. Doane University
  2. Nebraska Wesleyan University
  3. Hastings College
  4. Union College, Nebraska
  5. Chadron State College
  6. Midland University
  7. Wayne State College
  8. University of Nebraska at Kearney
  9. Concordia University Nebraska
  10. York University
  11. College of Saint Mary

Check out our directory of liberal arts colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top liberal arts schools in every state.

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