Best Colleges in Nebraska for Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s

Nebraska College Guide – What You Need to Know

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Nebraska is home to some legendary college and university traditions. The University of Nebraska, Lincoln, is the primary four-year public university in the state with an enrollment of over 25,000 in 2018. The University of Nebraska has four campus locations throughout the state with a total enrollment of over 50,000 students. They also offer partial and complete degrees online, and they have a dedicated two-year degree college for agricultural production, business management, horticulture, and veterinary medicine.

You will find more private colleges and universities than public higher learning institutions in Nebraska. Some of the best include Creighton University, Bellevue University, College of Saint Mary, Doane University Arts and Sciences, Grace University, and Hastings College. Each college and university excels in a number of dedicated departmental studies and degree programs. They also offer online courses, and both the four-year public and private schools are regionally accredited by reputable governing bodies. If you wish to transfer to one of these Nebraska higher learning institutions, you will require credits from other regional schools for credits to be considered.

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What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Nebraska?

While thoughts of Nebraska may conjure up images of cornfields, agriculture employment is a fraction of overall employment in Nebraska. The type of degrees offered will vary from campus to campus and can also vary by region. As with much of the US, many students lean toward a handful of degrees for greater chances at long-term employment. The college and university students in Nebraska are no different.

The largest industries in Nebraska are diversified with financial services, military, and transportation all included. Many of the largest employers are also in these fields. The degree popularity at Nebraska colleges and universities is a reflection on these industries. You will find high interest in varying degrees, including engineering, agriculture, communication, journalism, human sciences, criminal justice, and more.

The following are some of the most popular degrees:

How Much Can You Make by Having a Degree in Nebraska

If you wish to make more than $30,000 a year than someone who does not complete high school, complete a bachelor’s degree. If you earn a doctoral degree, you can make more than $60,000 a year than a non-high school graduate. With each degree accomplishment, you can earn up to $15,000 more a year than your previous higher education milestone. Both online degrees and traditional degrees will help you to reach your scholastic and financial goals. You can specialize in various fields and complete specialized certificates to advance your career development even further. These educational accolades will also help to improve your desirable skill set and make you more essential to the success of your employer.

Education Level & National Average Median Compensation

NO FORMAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA ASSOCIATE DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE MASTER’S DEGREE DOCTORAL DEGREE
$30,784* $38,792* $46,124* $64,896* $77,844* $96,772*
*National Average Earnings by Degree Level
arizona-National-Average-earning-by-educational-attainment
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Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Nebraska

Careers trends are shifting in Nebraska, and strong employment rates continue statewide. The unemployment rate was 2.8% at the end of 2018. Trade, transportation, and utilities are some of the largest employment industries. Government jobs, education and health services, professional and business services, and manufacturing also employ large numbers of the Nebraska workforce. The economy is expected to grow another 7% by 2021. You will also find the quality of life in Nebraska rated in the top 15 in the country, as rated by numerous publications.

Top Business Careers and Salaries

You can find a number of industries to work in throughout Nebraska. You might pursue management careers in healthcare, a finance career for banking institutions or logistics jobs with transportation companies. You can even pursue civilian business jobs with the air force base.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Accountants and Auditors 8,250 $59,400
Human Resource Specialist 4,800 $51,500
Logistician 980 $66,700
Buyers and Purchasing Agent 2,370 $49,400
  • Accountants and Auditors: As an accountant, you will likely manage the finances of individuals or businesses.
  • Human resource specialists: might be responsible for hiring, recruiting, and managing employees.
  • Logistician: A logistician will work to create efficiency, from the purchase of raw materials to delivery to the end user.
  • Buyers and Purchasing Agent: are responsible for buying services and products.

Best Nebraska Schools for Business

  • Creighton University
  • University of Nebraska, Lincoln
  • Nebraska Wesleyan University
  • University of Nebraska, Omaha

Top Finance Careers and Salaries

While many people will pursue a career in trading, many other successful careers can be established in finance. You might choose to become a compliance officer, work as an analyst or work in investment banking.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Personal Financial Advisor 1,350 $63,900
Credit Analyst 580 $51,900
Financial Analyst 1,690 $61,500
Loan Officer 3,170 $48,700

  • Personal Financial Advisor: work with individuals on their personal finances, from retirement to student loans.

  • Credit Analyst: A credit analyst helps to determine the credit rating of companies and people.

  • Financial Analyst: A financial analyst will examine the financial state of a business and make decisions on investments.

  • Loan Officer: determine whether or not an individual or business is approved for a loan.

  • Accountants: have many functions, but one of the largest is to balance the companies revenues and expenses.

Best Nebraska Schools for Finance

  • University of Nebraska, Omaha
  • Creighton University
  • University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Top Health Professions Careers and Salaries

Health professionals have nearly endless job opportunities in nearly any field. Dietitians and nutritionists are exploding in employment options. Registered nurses will continue to be in demand as shortages are expected to remain high for several years. You can even work for businesses.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Healthcare Information Technician 2,180 $35,300
Health Diagnosing and Treating Practitioners 160 $67,200
Physicians Assistants 1,210 $97,900
Audiologists 100 $69,100
  • Healthcare Information Technician: A health information technician safeguards and retrieves confidential patient information.
  • Health diagnosing and treating practitioners: will often specialize in areas, such as acupuncture or cardiovascular disease.
  • Physicians Assistants: work to complete simpler tasks so that doctors can focus on diagnosing and treatment.
  • Audiologists: An audiologist work with people who have hearing and balance issues.
  • Healthcare Administrators: The role of a healthcare administrator is to ensure that a healthcare facility runs smoothly and efficiently by making sure they have all the necessary resources and policies in place.

Best Nebraska Schools for Health Professions

  • Bellevue University
  • University of Nebraska Medical Center
  • Creighton University

Top Marketing Careers and Salaries

Marketing careers in Nebraska provide you with opportunities to work in a wide array of fields and industries. You might work for a local sports team, newspaper, food business, or others. You can start and end your career in Nebraska with ample entry-level options and expert career opportunities, as well.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Meeting, Convention and Event Planners 460 $57,000
Market Research and Marketing Specialists 3,290 $51,200
Fundraisers 460 $51,700
Writers and Authors 240 $51,200
  • Meeting, Convention and Event Planners: coordinate and prepare activities and events.
  • Market Research and Marketing Specialists: will determine the best marketing strategies for a business.
  • Fundraisers: A fundraiser will be responsible for planning a fundraising event or campaign to raise money.
  • Writers and Authors: A writer in marketing might be in charge of content for blogs, advertising, and more.

Best Nebraska Schools for Marketing

  • University of Nebraska, Omaha
  • Creighton University
  • University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Top Psychology Careers and Salaries

Careers in psychology have extensive employer opportunities. You might work for a business to protect employees. It is possible to work for a hospital to counsel patients and families. Or you might become a traditional therapist.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
General Psychiatrist 110 $207,200
Occupational Therapist 940 $66,600
School Psychologist 750 $62,700
Psychiatric Aid 370 $24,000
  • General Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist specializes in the diagnosis of various mental disease and illness.
  • Occupational Therapist: An occupational therapist works to regain or attain regular mobility necessary for everyday living.
  • School Psychologist: help with learning, behavior, and mental illness.
  • Psychiatric Aid: A psychiatric aid assists psychiatrists and often works in a rehabilitation facility or hospital.

Best Nebraska Schools for Psychology

  • Creighton University
  • University of Nebraska, Lincoln
  • Nebraska Wesleyan University
  • Wayne State College

Additional Careers in Nebraska

Want to See All the Nebraska Occupational Wage Averages

The top occupations with the highest forecasted growth rate in Nebraska

The state of Nebraska is expected to add jobs in a number of careers through 2026. Jobs are expected to grow by more than 9% during this time. The economy is expected to grow at a rate of roughly 0.64% each year. The career sectors of computers and mathematics and community and social services are also both expected to grow significantly, along with others. The following are the projected fastest growing careers in the state of Nebraska through 2026:

Occupation Projected Growth
Healthcare Support 17.3%
Software Developers of Systems Software 15.5%
Community and social services 14.8%
Personal Care and Service 14.8%
Legal 14.6%
Healthcare Practitioners and Technicians 13%
Architecture and Engineering 13.7%

Best Associate Degrees in Nebraska

Best Associate Degrees in Nebraska
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If you want to head back to school but aren’t sure you’re ready to commit to a four-year program, a two-year program is a good place to start. Associate degrees allow graduates to get started in their careers and can help them decide if pursuing additional education would be worth the investment of money and time. Nebraska has several schools that offer two-year programs in a variety of majors.

Southeast Community College Area
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
9,756		 Graduation Rate
31%		 Net Price
$5,114 		Grads Salary
$40,900
Northeast Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
5,258		 Graduation Rate
53%		 Net Price
$8,813 		Grads Salary
$37,900
Mid-Plains Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,125		 Graduation Rate
47%		 Net Price
$6,852 		Grads Salary
$33,400
Western Nebraska Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,722		 Graduation Rate
37%		 Net Price
$5,488 		Grads Salary
$34,500
Metropolitan Community College Area
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
14,300		 Graduation Rate
16%		 Net Price
$4,079 		Grads Salary
$31,600
Central Community College
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
6,368		 Graduation Rate
39%		 Net Price
$8,558 		Grads Salary
$34,800

Best Bachelor's Degrees in Nebraska

Best Bachelor's Degrees in Nebraska
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Whether you have a two-year degree and are ready to pursue additional education or you’re ready to dive in and pursue that four-year degree, Nebraska has some of the best bachelor’s degree programs. Attaining a four-year degree can mean an increase in income and a better chance of advancing in your current career. If you want a four-year degree you have plenty of options in Nebraska.

Clarkson College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,108		 Graduation Rate
52%		 Net Price
$17,417 		Grads Salary
$85,000
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
25,108		 Graduation Rate
66%		 Net Price
$17,341 		Grads Salary
$67,700
Creighton University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
8,770		 Graduation Rate
82%		 Net Price
$32,355 		Grads Salary
$74,000
University of Nebraska at Omaha
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
15,892		 Graduation Rate
49%		 Net Price
$13,314 		Grads Salary
$67,000
College of Saint Mary
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,050		 Graduation Rate
61%		 Net Price
$15,128 		Grads Salary
$60,200
University of Nebraska at Kearney
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
6,279		 Graduation Rate
59%		 Net Price
$16,570 		Grads Salary
$62,800
Hastings College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
998		 Graduation Rate
60%		 Net Price
$20,804 		Grads Salary
$66,200
Wayne State College
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,890		 Graduation Rate
53%		 Net Price
$14,055 		Grads Salary
$60,000
Doane University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,422		 Graduation Rate
60%		 Net Price
$23,284 		Grads Salary
$68,000
Chadron State College
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,407		 Graduation Rate
42%		 Net Price
$15,156 		Grads Salary
$62,400
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Best Master's Degrees in Nebraska

Best Master's Degrees in Nebraska
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In some careers, a master’s degree is a requirement to work in their field past the entry-level. A doctorate is often needed if someone wants to pursue a career in research or education. Whatever your motivation, attaining a graduate or advanced MBA degree means you are dedicated to your career and want to be as well-educated as possible. In the state of Nebraska, there are several school options for those who want to advance to the top of their chosen careers.

Clarkson College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,108		 Graduation Rate
52%		 Net Price
$17,417 		Grads Salary
$85,000
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
25,108		 Graduation Rate
66%		 Net Price
$17,341 		Grads Salary
$67,700
University of Nebraska at Omaha
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
15,892		 Graduation Rate
49%		 Net Price
$13,314 		Grads Salary
$67,000
College of Saint Mary
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,050		 Graduation Rate
61%		 Net Price
$15,128 		Grads Salary
$60,200
Creighton University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
8,770		 Graduation Rate
82%		 Net Price
$32,355 		Grads Salary
$74,000
University of Nebraska at Kearney
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
6,279		 Graduation Rate
59%		 Net Price
$16,570 		Grads Salary
$62,800
Wayne State College
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,890		 Graduation Rate
53%		 Net Price
$14,055 		Grads Salary
$60,000
Hastings College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
998		 Graduation Rate
60%		 Net Price
$20,804 		Grads Salary
$66,200
Doane University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,422		 Graduation Rate
60%		 Net Price
$23,284 		Grads Salary
$68,000
Chadron State College
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,407		 Graduation Rate
42%		 Net Price
$15,156 		Grads Salary
$62,400
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Cost of Nebraska College Education & Salaries

The University of Nebraska campuses are some of the most affordable four-year universities in the state, and they provide a highly comparable education to those colleges and universities that cost significantly more. Most private schools do not charge out-of-state tuition. It is common that all students at private schools pay the same tuition whether they are a Nebraska resident or not. The private higher learning institutions cost significantly more than the state, public schools. All of these schools offer at least some degree programs online to save even more money and maximize convenience.

The cost of housing will vary greatly from town to town and school to school. Some schools may cost less to live on campus rather than off campus; however, it could just as easily be the opposite. You will find that the cost of living in Nebraska is much less than most parts of the country. It is easy to get around by bike in warmer months in most parts of the state and public transportation is available near most major colleges and universities.

College Cost Analysis - Nebraska vs National

Average Nebraska Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools

In-State Tuition - $8,467

National Average – $9,580

Out-of-State Tuition – $21,516

National Average – $27,437

Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid

Nebraska is ranked 33rd in the country for the total amount of financial aid awarded by the federal government. They are 32nd in the total number of students who take out a student loan with an average of $10,199 per applicant who secured student loan financing.

Financial Aid Nebraska Nationally
Received Federal Grants 37% 37.7%
Average $ per Recipient $5,227 $10,927

* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.
* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private nonprofit schools only.

Best Scholarships for Nebraska

Students in Nebraska leave their higher learning institutions with some of the lowest amounts of debt in the country. Some of this low debt can be contributed to the high number of scholarships and grants offered by the state, colleges and universities, businesses, and individuals to assist those seeking to better their future in Nebraska.

STBFS

Susan T. Buffett Foundation Scholarships

https://buffettscholarships.org/eligibility-selection
Amount: $4,350 (per semester)
Deadline: February 1
The Susan T. Buffett Foundation awards up to $4,350 each semester to individuals who plan to study at a Nebraska community college, state college, or any University of Nebraska location. All applicants must be able to prove their financial need and merit to be considered. You will be required to submit a FAFSA form, an autobiographical essay, a transcript, and two recommendations. Applicants must also be a graduate from a Nebraska high school, be a full-time student, meet a 2.5 minimum GPA or 80 overall average and the expected family contribution must be below $10,000.

TSCNS-logo

TSCNS

The Sowers Club of Nebraska Scholarships

https://thesowersclub.com/what-we-do/
Amount: $1,000 ($500 each award); $1,000 (High school senior); $1,000 (continuing education)
Deadline: February 25; November 16
The Sowers Club of Nebraska awards two scholarships each with a $500 value. Eligible applicants can either be continuing undergraduates or high school seniors. One scholarship is dedicated to the children of employees at Burlington Northern Railroad. The other is dedicated to applicants in pursuit of the culinary arts. All applicants must provide three letters of recommendations, be a permanent, legal resident of Nebraska, maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA and be involved in extracurricular activities.

LCF-logo

LCF

Lincoln Community Foundation (LCF) Scholarships

https://www.lcf.org/impacting-community/student-scholarships
Amount: $1,600 (estimated)
Deadline: March 15
The Lincoln Community Foundation is responsible for over 80 scholarships with more than 270 awards.

WCRS

Wubbena C. Rand Scholarships

https://omahafoundation.org/how-we-help-the-community/community-foundation-of-southwest-iowa/scholarships/
Amount: $1,000 (4 Awards)
Deadline: March 31
The Wubbena C. Rand Scholarships are funded by the Omaha Community Foundation. They offer four scholarships valued at $1,000 each. Applicants must be residents of Washington County in Nebraska or Harrison County in Iowa. This scholarship is dedicated to those with medical aspirations. Applicants must complete an application and provide a transcript and personal statement. Additional requirements include admission to a four-year US college and maintaining a C average to be eligible for renewal.

TDCS-logo

TDCS

The Davis-Chambers Scholarships

https://www.nscs.edu/information-for/students/scholarships
Amount: $2,000 (per year for 2 years)
Deadline: February 1
The Davis-Chambers Scholarships are dedicated to minority high school graduating seniors who are high achieving and hoping to study at any University of Nebraska location. All applicants must be from diverse ethnic backgrounds and provide an essay, transcript, and financial aid information. Those who qualified or received reduced or free lunches will have an advantage. Applicants must be a legal resident of Nebraska, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have satisfactory grades and scores on their ACT or SAT exams.

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