Best Small Colleges in Nebraska 2024
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
- Chadron State College
- Hastings College
- Nebraska Wesleyan University
- Midland University
- Doane University
- Wayne State College
- Peru State College
- Union College
- Concordia University Nebraska
- York University
- Nebraska Wesleyan University
- Chadron State College
- Midland University
- Doane University
- Peru State College
- Wayne State College
- Hastings College
- College of Saint Mary
- Union College
- Concordia University Nebraska
- Union College 99%
- Concordia University Nebraska 91%
- Nebraska Wesleyan University 81%
- Doane University 76%
- Hastings College 71%
- Midland University 65%
- College of Saint Mary 65%
- York University 57%
- Wayne State College 22 to 1
- Peru State College 20 to 1
- Chadron State College 16 to 1
- Midland University 14 to 1
- Hastings College 12 to 1
- Concordia University Nebraska 12 to 1
- Nebraska Wesleyan University 11 to 1
- York University 11 to 1
- Doane University 10 to 1
- College of Saint Mary 8 to 1
- Nebraska Wesleyan University $39,868
- Doane University $38,990
- Midland University $38,300
- Concordia University Nebraska $37,720
- Hastings College $34,580
- Union College $27,170
- College of Saint Mary $22,450
- York University $20,900
- Peru State College $7,920
- Chadron State College $7,834
- Union College $28,896
- College of Saint Mary $21,103
- Midland University $13,668
- Hastings College $10,920
- Peru State College $9,120
- Doane University $8,743
- Nebraska Wesleyan University $8,050
- Concordia University Nebraska $7,650
- York University $5,100
- Chadron State College $4,650
- College of Saint Mary
- York University
- Concordia University Nebraska
- Union College
- Peru State College
- Wayne State College
- Doane University
- Midland University
- Nebraska Wesleyan University
- Hastings College
- York University
- Concordia University Nebraska
- Union College
- College of Saint Mary
- Hastings College
- Wayne State College
- Peru State College
- Doane University
- Midland University
- Chadron State College
- York University 57%
- College of Saint Mary 65%
- Midland University 65%
- Hastings College 71%
- Doane University 76%
- Nebraska Wesleyan University 81%
- Concordia University Nebraska 91%
- Union College 99%
- College of Saint Mary 8 to 1
- Union College 8 to 1
- Doane University 10 to 1
- Nebraska Wesleyan University 11 to 1
- York University 11 to 1
- Hastings College 12 to 1
- Concordia University Nebraska 12 to 1
- Midland University 14 to 1
- Chadron State College 16 to 1
- Peru State College 20 to 1
- Wayne State College $7,786
- Chadron State College $7,834
- Peru State College $7,920
- York University $20,900
- College of Saint Mary $22,450
- Union College $27,170
- Hastings College $34,580
- Concordia University Nebraska $37,720
- Midland University $38,300
- Doane University $38,990
- Wayne State College $4,185
- Chadron State College $4,650
- York University $5,100
- Concordia University Nebraska $7,650
- Nebraska Wesleyan University $8,050
- Doane University $8,743
- Peru State College $9,120
- Hastings College $10,920
- Midland University $13,668
- 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?
- 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
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.
Best Small Colleges in Nebraska 2023
- #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #6 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2024
Other Rankings
- #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Nebraska
- #6 Most Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs Ranked for Students
- #7 Best Online Colleges in Nebraska 2024
- #8 Best Online Master's Programs in Nebraska 2025
- #9 Best Online Bachelor’s in Agribusiness and Agriculture Degree Programs
- #12 Best Online Bachelor's in Math Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #16 Top 20 Most Affordable Online MBA Degree Programs Ranked 2025
- #20 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2025
- #21 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
44%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Chadron State College
Cost of Degree: $7,354Expenses: $14,426Starting Salary: $43,000Cost Recoup Time: 10 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat 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
- #3 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #4 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts 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
- #2 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #5 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #5 Best Liberal Arts 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
- #3 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #8 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 Grad Schools in Nebraska 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #9 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 Public 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: $7,688Expenses: $13,700Starting Salary: $40,300Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Wayne State College known for?
Wayne State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Psychology
- Chemistry
- History
- Biology
- Political Science
- Communications
- Mathematics
- Business
- Criminal Justice
- Education
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
- #6 Best Public Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #10 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$8K
Graduation
34%
Student body
3K
Career Outlook for degree at Peru State College
Cost of Degree: $7,920Expenses: $14,226Starting Salary: $39,600Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Peru State College known for?
Peru State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Biology
- History
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Business
- Literature
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
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
- #7 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #7 Best Private 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 #8 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Nebraska #13 Best Online Master's Programs in Nebraska 2025
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
- #8 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #9 Best Private 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 #5 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #6 Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2024 #10 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2024
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$22K
Acceptance
65%
Graduation
67%
Student body
1K
Career Outlook for degree at College of Saint Mary
Cost of Degree: $22,450Expenses: $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 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.
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.