Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska 2025

Badge for MOST AFFORDABLE COLLEGES IN NEBRASKA

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Chloe Dembski

Published: Apr 20, 2021
Updated: Oct 28, 2024

Here are the most affordable colleges and universities in Nebraska. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you, at a price you can afford.

Key Takeaways

Many of Nebraska’s most affordable colleges prioritize accessible tuition rates, which help students, especially in-state residents, minimize education costs, making higher education attainable without substantial debt.
The institutions in our ranking often have strong financial aid programs, including need-based grants and scholarships, to further reduce students’ financial burdens and make college affordable for a broader population.
The best and most affordable Nebraska colleges frequently emphasize programs with direct links to job markets, offering career services, internship placements, and industry connections that ensure students can enter the workforce promptly after graduation.

Table of Contents

Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska in 2025

University of Nebraska–Lincoln
University of Nebraska Omaha
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Bellevue University
Chadron State College
Peru State College
+1
Wayne State College
–1
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 most affordable colleges in Nebraska remained fairly stable. Peru State College gained a ranking positions as the college implemented notable upgrades through “Project ROAR,” its largest construction endeavor in over 40 years. This project includes a new recreation dome with a 70-yard synthetic field, multi-purpose courts, and a weight room, designed to offer year-round indoor practice and recreational space. An adjacent Diamond Building will house locker rooms, coaches’ offices, and concessions, greatly enhancing the athletic facilities for baseball and softball.

These improvements not only elevate student athletic experiences but also expand community engagement by providing facilities for local organizations and events. These additions reflect Peru State’s commitment to enriching campus life and supporting student wellness and engagement.

There are 8 colleges and universities in Nebraska with stated tuitions and fees under $20,000/year. The following list of the most affordable colleges and universities in Nebraska is composed entirely of schools offering bachelor’s degree programs, have stated tuition and fees near or under the national average of $16,000/year, and are fully accredited colleges.

Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska

These schools are ranked by academic excellence, and all under $20,000/year.

Last Year’s Ranking:
1. University of Nebraska–Lincoln
2. University of Nebraska Omaha
3. University of Nebraska at Kearney
4. Bellevue University
5. Chadron State College
6. Wayne State College
7. Peru State College
8. York University
#1
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Lincoln , NE
#1 Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2025 #1 Best Research Universities in Nebraska 2025 #1 Best Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 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: $10,108
Expenses: $18,548
Starting Salary: $52,700
Cost Recoup Time: 11 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:

Chemistry
Computer Science
Mathematics
Sociology
Psychology
Biology
Business
History
Physics
Anthropology

Most Influential Alumni

John J. Pershing
Johnny Carson
Richard Hamming
Norman Malcolm
Jay Wright Forrester
Roscoe Pound
George Beadle
Donald J. Cram
Willa Cather
Alan J. Heeger
Gene Okerlund
J. P. Guilford
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
University of Nebraska Omaha
Omaha , NE
#2 Best Public Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #3 Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2025 #3 Best Research Universities in Nebraska 2025 #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: $8,370
Expenses: $16,604
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:

Criminal Justice
Computer Science
Psychology
Communications
Biology
Business
Physics
History
Chemistry
Medical

Most Influential Alumni

John L. Holland
James E. McDonald
Peter Fonda
Chuck Hagel
Abdul Salam Azimi
Penny Sackett
Laurie S. Fulton
Joseph Berg Esenwein
Robert Hemenway
James Henry Taylor
Conor Oberst
Samuel Walker
University of Nebraska Omaha’s Online Degrees
BA in Religious Studies

Required Credits: 120
Completion Time: None Reported
Format: Online
Compare school
#3
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Kearney , NE
#1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #3 Best Public 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: $8,270
Expenses: $17,784
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:

History
Medical
Physics
Computer Science
Psychology
Criminal Justice
Nursing
Education
Biology
Literature

Most Influential Alumni

Larry L. Peterson
Don Welch
Emily Balcetis
Marg Helgenberger
Joba Chamberlain
Patrice Oppliger
Allan F. Smith
Kamaru Usman
Mabel Gillespie
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
Bellevue University
Bellevue , NE
#7 Most Affordable Online Colleges Ranked for Students 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #4 Best Grad Schools in Nebraska 2025
Other Rankings
Tuition + fees
$9K
Graduation
41%
Student body
19K
Career Outlook for degree at Bellevue University
Cost of Degree: $8,886
Expenses: $16,440
Starting Salary: $60,500
Cost Recoup Time: 9 years
Paid back at 15% of annual salary
What is Bellevue University known for?

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

Psychology
Law
Business
Education
Biology
History
Criminal Justice
Social Work
Mathematics
Computer Science

Most Influential Alumni

Shon Hopwood
Judd H. Lyons
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
Compare school
#5
Chadron State College
Chadron , NE
#3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #4 Best Small Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #4 Best Public 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: $7,564
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:

Physics
Social Work
Mathematics
Psychology
History
Business
Education
Literature
Biology
Criminal Justice

Most Influential Alumni

Val Logsdon Fitch
Tim Walz
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
Peru State College
Peru , NE
#5 Best Small 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:

Criminal Justice
Education
Biology
History
Psychology
Sociology
Business
Literature
Computer Science
Mathematics

Most Influential Alumni

Edison Pettit
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
Wayne State College
Wayne , NE
#5 Best Public Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Nebraska 2024 #6 Best Online MBA Programs in Nebraska
Other Rankings
- #10 Best Online Master's Programs in Nebraska 2025
- #10 Best Online Colleges in Nebraska 2024
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:

Psychology
Chemistry
History
Biology
Political Science
Communications
Mathematics
Business
Criminal Justice
Education

Most Influential Alumni

Brian Wansink
John Neihardt
Brett Salisbury
Thomas M. Carsey
Jane M. Olson
Rosemary Keefe
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
#8
York University
York , NE
#7 Best Christian Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #9 Best Private Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #10 Best Small Colleges in Nebraska 2025 #12 Best Online Colleges in Nebraska 2024
Other Rankings
- #14 Best Online Master's Programs in Nebraska 2025
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:

Criminal Justice
History
Business
Education

Most Influential Alumni

Wilhelmina Feemster Jashemski
Greg Lee
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

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