Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 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.
10 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska
- Creighton University
- Bellevue University
- Hastings College
- Nebraska Wesleyan University
- Midland University
- Doane University
- Union College, Nebraska
- Concordia University Nebraska
- York University
- College of Saint Mary
- Creighton University
- Nebraska Wesleyan University
- Bellevue University
- Midland University
- Doane University
- Hastings College
- College of Saint Mary
- Union College, Nebraska
- Concordia University Nebraska
- York University
- Union College, Nebraska 99%
- Concordia University Nebraska 91%
- Nebraska Wesleyan University 81%
- Creighton University 76%
- Doane University 76%
- Hastings College 71%
- Midland University 65%
- College of Saint Mary 65%
- York University 57%
- Midland University 14 to 1
- Bellevue University 13 to 1
- Hastings College 12 to 1
- Concordia University Nebraska 12 to 1
- Creighton University 11 to 1
- York University 11 to 1
- Nebraska Wesleyan University 11 to 1
- Doane University 10 to 1
- College of Saint Mary 8 to 1
- Union College, Nebraska 8 to 1
- Creighton University $45,590
- Nebraska Wesleyan University $39,868
- Doane University $38,990
- Midland University $38,300
- Concordia University Nebraska $37,720
- Hastings College $34,580
- Union College, Nebraska $27,170
- College of Saint Mary $22,450
- York University $20,900
- Bellevue University $8,790
- Union College, Nebraska $28,896
- College of Saint Mary $21,103
- Creighton University $17,496
- Midland University $13,668
- Bellevue University $11,340
- Hastings College $10,920
- Doane University $8,743
- Nebraska Wesleyan University $8,050
- Concordia University Nebraska $7,650
- York University $5,100
- College of Saint Mary
- York University
- Concordia University Nebraska
- Union College, Nebraska
- Doane University
- Midland University
- Nebraska Wesleyan University
- Hastings College
- Bellevue University
- Creighton University
- York University
- Concordia University Nebraska
- Union College, Nebraska
- College of Saint Mary
- Hastings College
- Doane University
- Midland University
- Bellevue University
- Nebraska Wesleyan University
- Creighton University
- York University 57%
- College of Saint Mary 65%
- Midland University 65%
- Hastings College 71%
- Doane University 76%
- Creighton University 76%
- Nebraska Wesleyan University 81%
- Concordia University Nebraska 91%
- Union College, Nebraska 99%
- College of Saint Mary 8 to 1
- Union College, Nebraska 8 to 1
- Doane University 10 to 1
- Creighton University 11 to 1
- York University 11 to 1
- Nebraska Wesleyan University 11 to 1
- Hastings College 12 to 1
- Concordia University Nebraska 12 to 1
- Bellevue University 13 to 1
- Midland University 14 to 1
- Bellevue University $8,790
- York University $20,900
- College of Saint Mary $22,450
- Union College, Nebraska $27,170
- Hastings College $34,580
- Concordia University Nebraska $37,720
- Midland University $38,300
- Doane University $38,990
- Nebraska Wesleyan University $39,868
- Creighton University $45,590
- York University $5,100
- Concordia University Nebraska $7,650
- Nebraska Wesleyan University $8,050
- Doane University $8,743
- Hastings College $10,920
- Bellevue University $11,340
- Midland University $13,668
- Creighton University $17,496
- College of Saint Mary $21,103
- Union College, Nebraska $28,896
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.
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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?
- 3 Research Universities
- 13 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 6 Graduate Schools
- 6 Public Colleges & Universities
- 10 Private Colleges & Universities
- 8 Christian Colleges & Universities
- 11 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 8 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 7 Community Colleges
- 12 Online Colleges
Nebraska’s Best Overall
What is the difference between public and private colleges?
Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.
Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.
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.
Best Private Colleges in Nebraska
- #5 The Best Catholic Colleges and Universities Ranked for 2024 #7 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Doctoral Degrees #1 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
- #2 Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2024
- #2 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2024
- #2 Best Research Universities in Nebraska 2024
- #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Nebraska
- #2 Best Online Colleges in Nebraska 2024
- #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Nebraska 2024
- #4 The Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Bachelor's Degrees
- #5 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management
- #7 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
- #9 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
- #12 Best Online Master’s in Finance
- #17 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
- #5 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree
- #5 Best College Majors that Offer Accelerated Degree Programs
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: $45,638Expenses: $15,830Starting Salary: $70,100Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Creighton University known for?
Creighton University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
Creighton University’s Online Degrees
BS in Leadership
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BSEMS in Emergency Medical Services
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
BA in Healthy Lifestyle Management
- Required Credits: 128
- Completion Time: None Reported
- Format: Online
- #7 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #4 Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2024
- #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Wyoming 2024
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Nebraska
- #4 Best Online MBA Programs in Nebraska
- #5 Best Online Colleges in Nebraska 2024
- #5 Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs
- #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Wyoming
- #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Nebraska 2024
- #6 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Business Degree Programs
- #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #8 Best Online Bachelor’s of Graphic Arts Degree Programs for 2024
- #9 Best Online Master’s in Human Services
- #10 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
- #10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Information Technology
- #12 Best Online Master's in Organizational Psychology
- #12 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #13 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
- #13 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
- #13 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
- #14 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2024
- #20 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Business Administration Doctorates
- #20 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
- #20 Best Online Bachelor's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs for 2024
- #23 Best Online Master’s in Emergency Management
- #23 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2024
- #24 Best Online Master’s in Finance
- #10 Most Affordable Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
Tuition + fees
$9K
Graduation
41%
Student body
19K
Career Outlook for degree at Bellevue University
Cost of Degree: $8,790Expenses: $16,395Starting Salary: $60,500Cost Recoup Time: 9 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #2 Best Small Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #2 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #7 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2024
Tuition + fees
$35K
Acceptance
71%
Graduation
55%
Student body
<1K
Career Outlook for degree at Hastings College
Cost of Degree: $34,580Expenses: $15,332Starting Salary: $47,500Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Hastings College known for?
Hastings College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #3 Best Small Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #3 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #8 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2024
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: $39,868Expenses: $15,874Starting Salary: $52,500Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Nebraska Wesleyan University known for?
Nebraska Wesleyan University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Economics
- History
- Literature
- Physics
- Biology
- Philosophy
- Communications
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 Best Small Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #4 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #9 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2024
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: $38,300Expenses: $14,690Starting Salary: $44,400Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Midland University known for?
Midland University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #5 Best Small Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #5 Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #10 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: $38,990Expenses: $16,630Starting Salary: $48,200Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Doane University known for?
Doane University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Economics
- Education
- Nursing
- Business
- History
- Computer Science
- Political Science
- Sociology
- Criminal Justice
Most Influential Alumni
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
- #5 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024
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: $27,170Expenses: $13,550Starting Salary: $47,700Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Union College, Nebraska known for?
Union College, Nebraska’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Nursing
- Religious Studies
- Medical
- Communications
- Social Work
- Literature
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Psychology
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #6 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Nebraska #11 Best Online Master's Programs in Nebraska 2024
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: $37,720Expenses: $13,630Starting Salary: $44,100Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #7 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #12 Best Online Colleges in Nebraska 2024
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: $20,950Expenses: $12,050Starting Salary: $39,000Cost Recoup Time: 15 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2024 #8 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #13 Best Online Master's Programs in Nebraska 2024
Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
65%
Graduation
67%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at College of Saint Mary
Cost of Degree: $22,450Expenses: $12,716Starting Salary: $43,000Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is College of Saint Mary known for?
College of Saint Mary’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Nebraska’s Best Private Colleges in Your Area 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.
Check out our directory of private colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top private schools in every state.