Best Public Colleges in Nebraska 2024

Badge for BEST IN NEBRASKA PUBLIC COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in Nebraska provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.

Best Public Colleges in Nebraska

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  1. University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  2. University of Nebraska Omaha
  3. University of Nebraska at Kearney
  4. Chadron State College
  5. Wayne State College
  6. Peru State College
  1. University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  2. University of Nebraska Omaha
  3. University of Nebraska at Kearney
  4. Chadron State College
  5. Peru State College
  6. Wayne State College
  1. University of Nebraska Omaha 86%
  2. University of Nebraska at Kearney 86%
  3. University of Nebraska–Lincoln 79%
  1. Wayne State College 22 to 1
  2. Peru State College 20 to 1
  3. University of Nebraska–Lincoln 16 to 1
  4. Chadron State College 16 to 1
  5. University of Nebraska Omaha 15 to 1
  6. University of Nebraska at Kearney 13 to 1
  1. Peru State College $7,920
  2. Chadron State College $7,834
  3. Wayne State College $7,786
  4. University of Nebraska–Lincoln $7,770
  5. University of Nebraska Omaha $6,344
  6. University of Nebraska at Kearney $6,270
  1. Peru State College $9,120
  2. University of Nebraska at Kearney $6,216
  3. University of Nebraska–Lincoln $6,138
  4. University of Nebraska Omaha $6,138
  5. Chadron State College $4,650
  6. Wayne State College $4,185
  1. Peru State College
  2. Wayne State College
  3. Chadron State College
  4. University of Nebraska at Kearney
  5. University of Nebraska Omaha
  6. University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  1. Wayne State College
  2. Peru State College
  3. Chadron State College
  4. University of Nebraska at Kearney
  5. University of Nebraska Omaha
  6. University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  1. University of Nebraska–Lincoln 79%
  2. University of Nebraska at Kearney 86%
  3. University of Nebraska Omaha 86%
  1. University of Nebraska at Kearney 13 to 1
  2. University of Nebraska Omaha 15 to 1
  3. University of Nebraska–Lincoln 16 to 1
  4. Chadron State College 16 to 1
  5. Peru State College 20 to 1
  6. Wayne State College 22 to 1
  1. University of Nebraska at Kearney $6,270
  2. University of Nebraska Omaha $6,344
  3. University of Nebraska–Lincoln $7,770
  4. Wayne State College $7,786
  5. Chadron State College $7,834
  6. Peru State College $7,920
  1. Wayne State College $4,185
  2. Chadron State College $4,650
  3. University of Nebraska–Lincoln $6,138
  4. University of Nebraska Omaha $6,138
  5. University of Nebraska at Kearney $6,216
  6. Peru State College $9,120

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

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.

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This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 6 public universities in Nebraska. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in Nebraska, shcools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degress.

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Best Public Colleges in Nebraska 2023

  1. #1

    University of Nebraska–Lincoln

    Lincoln , NE
    #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2024 #1 Best 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
    What is University of Nebraska–Lincoln known for?

    University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Online Degrees

    BGS in Fine Arts
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Marketing/Management
    • Accounting
    • Logistics And Supply Chain Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration Comprehensive
    Degree Concentrations
    • Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BMS in General Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BMS in Nonprofit Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational And Relational Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BMS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BMS in Management Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BMS in Criminology And Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminology And Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BMS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BMS in Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood & Family Advocacy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Education In A Mobile Society
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAEd in Early Childhood Inclusive
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BGS in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BGS in Humanities
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSEd in Library Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BMS in Library Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BMS in Multidisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BMS in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BGS in Professional Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSG in Social Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BMS in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Women'S And Gender Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Medical Imaging & Therapeutic Sciences
    • Required Credits: 20
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 20
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Medical Laboratory Science
    • Required Credits: 35
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Applied Health Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Gerontology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BMS in Gerontology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Applied Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Nebraska Omaha

    Omaha , NE
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 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
    What is University of Nebraska Omaha known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Nebraska Omaha’s Online Degrees

    BA in Religious Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of Nebraska at Kearney

    Kearney , NE
    #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #4 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    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
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Chadron State College

    Chadron , NE
    #1 Best Small Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2024
    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
    Compare school
  5. #5

    Wayne State College

    Wayne , NE
    #6 Best Small Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Nebraska
    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
    Compare school
  7. #6

    Peru State College

    Peru , NE
    #7 Best Small Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Counseling Degree Programs for 2024
    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
    Compare school
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Nebraska’s Best Public College in 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
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. University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  2. University of Nebraska at Kearney
  3. Chadron State College
  4. University of Nebraska Omaha
  5. Wayne State College
  6. Peru State College

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

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