Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2025

Badge for BEST IN NEBRASKA PRIVATE COLLEGES

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski

Published: Apr 20, 2021
Updated: Oct 29, 2024

Private colleges, unlike large public institutions, can be a great option for students wanting a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Here is our list of the best private colleges in Nebraska.

Key Takeaways

The best private colleges in Nebraska cultivate inclusive campus cultures that support diverse student populations, fostering an environment where students feel welcomed and valued throughout their college experience.
Many of the best private colleges in Nebraska emphasize career readiness through hands-on learning, especially in high-demand fields like healthcare, business, and technology. For instance, Creighton University’s programs integrate internships and practical experience to prepare students effectively for the workforce.
Nebraska’s best private colleges offer small class sizes, fostering closer faculty-student interactions and personalized academic support, which enhances student engagement and academic success.

Table of Contents

10 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska in 2025

Creighton University
Nebraska Wesleyan University
+2
Bellevue University
–1
Midland University
+1
Doane University
+1
Hastings College
–3
College of Saint Mary
+3
Concordia University Nebraska
York University
Union College
–3

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 ten schools in our ranking of the best private colleges in Nebraska saw a considerable amount of movement. The College of Saint Mary gained the most ranking positions as the college has continued its commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, especially through programs tailored for women and underrepresented students. Recognized as a top value school in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report, CSM offers a unique blend of academic excellence and affordability, which appeals to a broad range of students. Notably, the college stands out for its social mobility initiatives that help students succeed despite financial barriers, a feature underscored by its ranking for upward mobility in the region.

Additionally, CSM has been included in The Princeton Review’s Guide to Green Colleges for its sustainability efforts, indicating its focus on environmental stewardship as a core part of student life and campus policy. This combination of affordability, social support, and environmental responsibility makes CSM particularly attractive for prospective students looking to lead with purpose and community impact.

This list is composed entirely of private colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 10 private universities in Nebraska. To be included in the list below of the best private universities in Nebraska, schools must be fully accredited, private, non-profit institution, and must offer a broad range of bachelor’s degrees.