Best Colleges in Nebraska (2023 Rankings)

Nebraska offers a delightfully diverse range of choices for pursuing higher education. Whether you want to earn a bachelor's degree at one of the state's top public colleges or find a graduate program at a small private Christian university, Nebraska's got you covered!

Check out our rankings of the best colleges in Nebraska (in no particular order) for every type of student. We'll fill you in on what each has to offer and even point you in the direction of our favorite runner-ups along the way.

Creighton University, Omaha

Tuition: $43,018

Fast facts:

• 4,458 undergraduate students
• 64% acceptance rate
• 71% (4-year) / 82% (6-year) graduation rates

Creighton University is a private Catholic college that offers all the perks of a Jesuit education in a diverse, inclusive environment. A Fair Trade University with a focus on sustainability, Creighton operates on a Magis Core Curriculum to allow students more freedom to explore the topics that interest them the most.

The university offers over 140 bachelor, master, and doctoral degree programs that focus on everything from arts and sciences to healthcare and law. You might even consider enrollment in Creighton's Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's program, which puts you on the fast track to earn two degrees in one.

You might also like: Peru State College, Peru

University of Nebraska, Lincoln

In-state Tuition: $9,690

Out-of-state Tuition: $26,820

Fast facts:

• 20,286 undergraduate students
• 78% acceptance rate
• 42% (4-year) / 66% (6-year) graduation rates

The flagship campus of the University of Nebraska system, The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is a large public university with a Carnegie R1 research rating. Whether you're interested in earning a bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Architecture, Engineering, or anything in between, UNL has got you covered with over 150 undergraduate programs.

Due to the university's cutting-edge research facilities, it's no surprise that UNL also offers great graduate programs. Dive into student life by checking out one of nearly 500 student organizations dedicated to everything from Greek life to sports.

You might also like: The University of Nebraska at Kearney, Kearney

Clarkson College, Omaha

Tuition: $14,496

Fast facts:

• 616 undergraduate students
• 57% acceptance rate
• 35% (4-year) / 52% (6-year) graduation rates

Clarkson College is a private healthcare college with a small student population and plenty of individual attention. Choose from academic programs ranging from Nursing and Psychology to Medical Imaging and Education.

Instead of sororities and fraternities, you'll find student organizations, honor societies, and a great study abroad program. If you're looking for a hands-on learning environment with plenty of professional development opportunities, then Clarkson is an excellent choice.

You might also like: York College, York

Hastings College

Tuition: $32,770

Fast facts:

• 956 undergraduate students
• 66% acceptance rate
• 51% (4-year) / 60% (6-year) graduation rates

Founded in 1882, Hastings College is a private Christian university sprawling across a historic 120-acre campus. With a student population of just under 1,000, you'll enjoy small average class sizes of 13 students.

Hastings offers undergraduates a choice of over 40 majors and pre-professional programs in Law, Medicine, Dentistry, Engineering, and more. Cheer on the Hastings Broncos at the next home game, get involved with one of over 50 student organizations, or apply for an internship with one of the school's many community partners.

You might also like: Union College, Lincoln

Doane University, Crete

Tuition: $36,800

Fast facts:

• 1,255 undergraduate students
• 69% acceptance rate
• 55% (4-year) / 60% (6-year) graduation rates

Doane University is a private liberal arts college that offers 40 undergraduate majors and nine graduate-level academic programs. Founded in 1872, Doane has flourished into a gorgeous 300-acre campus dotted with stately historic buildings.

Doane has produced no fewer than 70 Fulbright Scholars, and 80% of the school's tight-knit student body landed an internship during their education. Get involved with the school newspaper, join a jazz ensemble, or explore the many other student clubs and activities you'll find on campus.

You might also like: Chadron State College, Chardon

University of Nebraska, Omaha

In-state Tuition: $8,136

Out-of-state Tuition: $21,718

Fast facts:

• 12,768 undergraduate students
• 82% acceptance rate
• 25% (4-year) / 49% (6-year) graduation rates

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is a public research university and home to the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Dubbed a national leader in community engagement and outreach by the Carnegie Foundation, UNO is a STEM-heavy institution dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and research.

Choose from over 400 undergraduate or graduate academic programs in anything from Biomedicine and Computer Science to Criminal Justice and Environmental Studies. No matter what you choose to pursue, you'll find plenty of ways to get involved, including Greek life, student organizations, and volunteer opportunities.

You might also like: Wayne State College, Wayne

Nebraska Wesleyan University, Lincoln

Tuition: $36,854

Fast facts:

• 1,773 undergraduate students
• 70% acceptance rate
• 53% (4-year) / 63% (6-year) graduation rates

Nebraska Wesleyan University (NWU) is a private United Methodist college where you'll enjoy a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and plenty of opportunities for hands-on learning. At NWU, 100% of students participate in internships, service learning, research, or study abroad programs.

The University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate academic programs as well as a solid selection of pre-professional tracks. From degrees in Theatre Arts and Marketing to International Business and Theology, Nebraska Wesleyan University has something for everyone.

You might also like: Southeast Community College, Lincoln

Concordia University, Seward

Tuition: $34,900

Fast facts:

• 2,159 undergraduate students
• 76% acceptance rate
• 46% (4-year) / 63% (6-year) graduation rates

While some private colleges are pretty casual about their Christian associations, Concordia University-Nebraska is a good choice if you're looking for a faith-fueled education. The private Lutheran college offers a solid 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio and over 100 undergraduate and graduate academic programs.

Concordia also offers an impressive range of over 20 pre-professional programs including unique options like Pre-Clinical Perfusion Science, Pre-Cytotechnology, and Pre-Radiation Science Technology. Check out the school's Bulldog sports and esports teams, get involved with clubs and intramurals, or take the chance to study abroad.

You might also like: Midland University, Fremont

College of Saint Mary, Omaha

Tuition: $21,370

Fast facts:

• 680 undergraduate students
• 50% acceptance rate
• 49% (4-year) / 61% (6-year) graduation rates

The College of Saint Mary (CSM) is a private Catholic college for women that offers a great range of undergraduate and graduate programs. CSM offers popular majors like Nursing, Education, and Sciences as well as the region's only ABA four-year Paralegal Studies program.

You'll enjoy a stellar 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio and plenty of ways to get involved on campus. A popular choice for student moms, the College of Saint Mary offers Single Parent Success services designed to help mothers juggle all the demands of student life.

You might also like: Bellevue University, Bellevue

Bryan College of Health Sciences, Lincoln

Tuition: $18,216

Fast facts:

• 661 undergraduate students
• 58% acceptance rate
• 51% (4-year) / 76% (6-year) graduation rates

Bryan College of Health Sciences is a private college that offers everything from associate and bachelor's degrees to master's and doctoral programs for future healthcare professionals. Here you'll get a hands-on, clinical-based education that will give you the skills you need to succeed.

The college's simulation center is designed to give students the chance to walk through various scenarios in a safe, supportive environment. As your skills grow, you'll also get the chance to put in plenty of real clinical hours at various healthcare sites throughout the community.

You might also like: Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing and Allied Health, Omaha

Nebraska colleges FAQ

What is the best college in Nebraska?

This answer varies widely depending on the student. But if you're looking for a large public research university, then the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will not disappoint. If you're looking for a private school, then Creighton University has plenty to offer, not to mention a stellar graduation rate.

How many colleges are in the state of Nebraska?

While there are seven public colleges in Nebraska, the state is also home to dozens of great private universities, trade schools, and community colleges.

What is the cheapest college in Nebraska?

The University of Nebraska-Omaha boasts some of the lowest rates among public four-year universities in the state. That said, never underestimate the power of scholarships and financial aid, as many private universities offer students financial support.

Find the perfect school in Nebraska with College Rover

Sometimes finding the right school for you can feel like an epic feat. That's why we designed the innovative, user-friendly search tools you'll find at College Rover.

Check the stats on different schools you've been eyeing or see how they stack up against each other in a side-by-side comparison. You can even create your own custom search filters to sum up the best choices based on your unique preferences - because finding the best colleges is all about the perfect fit.

College Rover gets the majority of its data directly from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The DOE publishing schedule "lags" the most current data which some colleges post on their official websites. This may cause there to be a difference in the data you see on College Rover and an individual college website. College Rover's website is updated as the DOE data becomes available and is configured for the College Rover website.