Best Small Colleges in Nebraska 2024

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Small colleges in Nebraska are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.

10 Best Small Colleges in Nebraska 2024

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

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

Nebraska's Best Small Colleges and Universities Badge
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The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Nebraska is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 11 small colleges in Nebraska. The list below of the best small colleges in Nebraska. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.

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Best Small Colleges in Nebraska 2023

  1. #1

    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
  2. #2

    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

  3. 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
  4. #4

    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

  5. #5

    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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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

  9. 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
  10. #10

    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
  11. 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 Small College in Your Area of Interest

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. 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. Concordia University Nebraska
  9. York University
  10. College of Saint Mary

Many states have great small colleges. If you’re interested in looking into what other states have to offer, check out the best small colleges in Oklahoma and Minnesota.

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