Best Small Colleges in Nebraska 2025

Badge for BEST IN NEBRASKA SMALL COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski
Published:
Updated:

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.

Key Takeaways

  • With smaller class sizes, students at the best small colleges in Nebraska receive individualized instruction and mentorship from faculty, enhancing their academic experience.
  • A smaller student body fosters a close-knit campus environment, promoting strong relationships among peers and a supportive social atmosphere.
  • Despite their size, the colleges in our ranking offer a wide range of majors and programs, allowing students to pursue various academic interests.

10 Best Small Colleges in Nebraska in 2025

  1. Nebraska Wesleyan University
    +2
  2. Midland University
    +2
  3. Doane University
    +2
  4. Chadron State College
    –3
  5. Peru State College
    +2
  6. Hastings College
    –4
  7. Wayne State College
    –1
  8. College of Saint Mary
    +3
  9. Concordia University Nebraska
  10. York University

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 small colleges in Nebraska saw a considerable amount of movement. The College of Saint Mary gained the most ranking positions as the college has introduced several enhancements to enrich the student experience. Notably, CSM has launched a spring cohort for its Master of Science in Organizational Leadership (MSOL) program, previously available only in the fall, providing greater flexibility for prospective students. These developments demonstrate CSM’s dedication to offering diverse academic options and maintaining affordability, appealing to students seeking comprehensive and cost-effective programs.

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

  1. #1

    Nebraska Wesleyan University

    Lincoln , NE
    #2 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #2 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #5 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: $41,712
    Expenses: $14,482
    Starting Salary: $52,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Nebraska Wesleyan University known for?

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

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Midland University

    Fremont , NE
    #3 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #4 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #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: $40,270
    Expenses: $15,878
    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

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Doane University

    Crete , NE
    #5 Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2025 #5 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #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: $40,491
    Expenses: $17,345
    Starting Salary: $48,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Doane University known for?

    Doane University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    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
    Compare school
  4. #4

    Chadron State College

    Chadron , NE
    #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #4 Best Public Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #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: $7,564
    Expenses: $15,060
    Starting Salary: $43,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 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
  6. #5

    Peru State College

    Peru , NE
    #6 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #6 Best Public 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: $8,280
    Expenses: $14,196
    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
  7. #6

    Hastings College

    Hastings , NE
    #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #4 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #6 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    55%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Hastings College

    Cost of Degree: $36,130
    Expenses: $16,110
    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

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Wayne State College

    Wayne , NE
    #5 Best Public Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #7 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #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: $7,923
    Expenses: $14,802
    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
  9. #8

    College of Saint Mary

    Omaha , NE
    #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #5 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #6 Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2025 #7 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2025
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $22K

    Acceptance

    65%

    Graduation

    67%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at College of Saint Mary

    Cost of Degree: $23,340
    Expenses: $13,938
    Starting Salary: $43,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 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:

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Concordia University Nebraska

    Seward , NE
    #6 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #8 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #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: $39,330
    Expenses: $14,120
    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
    Compare school
  12. #10

    York University

    York , NE
    #7 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #8 Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #9 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #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: $21,600
    Expenses: $12,900
    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
    Compare school
  13. #11

    Union College, Nebraska

    Lincoln , NE
    #8 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #10 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2025

    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: $27,990
    Expenses: $14,600
    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

    Compare school
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Nebraska’s Best Small College in Your Area of Interest

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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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