Best Colleges in Nebraska

Established in 1869, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln remains a leader in higher education. While students may enroll in a traditional program on campus, the university also provides engaging online programs for students who require flexible access to coursework. UNL offers dozens of online undergraduate and graduate programs in cutting-edge fields such as media studies, education, and agriculture. UNL also offers notable minors in animal science or leadership and communications. For instance, learners can complete an online bachelor of science in early childhood education in a mobile society. This unique degree prepares graduates to work with children and families who are highly mobile, such as parents who need to travel for a living, homeless children, or military families. This 120-credit program includes 33 general education credits, 45 core course credits, and 42 elective credits. On average, students can earn their degree in four years of full-time attendance. However, the school accepts transfer credits from accredited colleges and universities, which can shorten students' time commitment.

Located in the heart of the city, the University of Nebraska Omaha is a comprehensive research institution that provides bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs across six colleges. The school also offers a robust selection of fully online degrees in fields such as religious studies, sociology, cybersecurity, and political science. Learners at UNO can choose from either fully online degrees or blended delivery programs in which at least 64% of coursework is available online. For instance, the 60-credit bachelor of science in gerontology is a fully online program that includes 24 gerontology core credits, nine gerontology elective credits, three gerontology practicum credits, three statistics credits, three research methods credits, and 18 concentration credits. The practicum course requires at least 156 hours of in-person experience at an approved site. Distance learners complete coursework through the Canvas learning management system. Assignments include essays, exams, discussion boards, and group work. Distance learners can access over 200 digital databases, librarian support, and online tutoring. UNO accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions.

Established in 1891 as a teacher's college, today Wayne State College offers more than 130 programs across 15 departments and four schools. This top online college in Nebraska enrolls over 3,500 students each year from 36 states and 33 countries. A 20-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio preserves small class sizes and individualized instruction. Graduate students who wish to pursue leadership roles in business can earn their MBA online with no in-person attendance. This 30-credit program includes 24 core credits and six elective hours. Wayne State also offers a concentration in public accounting, which requires an additional six hours. Notable courses include seminar in organizational behavior, managerial communications, and dispute resolution management. Distance coursework typically follows an asynchronous format, allowing students to complete assignments on their own time within deadline dates. Wayne State uses the Canvas online learning management system to administer coursework.

With four campuses throughout Nebraska, Doane University delivers rigorous programs to students living all over the state. Additionally, Doane's learning communities bring together like-minded students through service-learning and travel. Undergraduates can select from over three dozen majors including criminal justice, engineering, and health and society. Graduate degrees at this Nebraska university emphasize business and education. The Honors Program at Doane accepts academically talented freshmen. Program benefits include off-campus cultural events, priority registration, and study abroad scholarships. In their senior year, honors students complete a collaborative research project. Degree-seekers in the Honors Program must maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA to stay in good academic standing. Doane does not charge an application fee. Applicants with GED scores submit high school transcripts as well as ACT or SAT scores. Merit-based scholarship opportunities award up to $15,000 per year and can renew as long as students earn a 3.25 GPA each semester.

Founded in 1966, Bellevue University enrolls more than 9,000 students through its main campus, locations in four states, and online. The diverse student body hails from all 50 states and multiple countries around the world. Military members can take advantage of BU's three Air Force base learning centers. Online students can choose from more than 75 programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. For example, the online bachelor of science in child protection and juvenile justice prepares graduates to address crisis situations that include adolescents. The 127-credit program includes 36 general education credits, 40 credits in the major, and 51 elective credits. Bellevue's online programs use an asynchronous format, meaning students can complete coursework when it fits their schedule. Distance learners also benefit from comprehensive IT support, an online library, dedicated writing and tutoring support, and online forums to connect with their peers.

Affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, Hastings College enrolls nearly 1,200 students across undergraduate programs in fields such as exercise science, music, special education, and many other liberal arts and STEM subjects. Unlike other Nebraska colleges and universities on this ranking, Hastings does not offer online degrees. Hastings provides motivated learners with valuable academic opportunities. Students in the Honors Program enjoy small class sizes and an individualized curriculum. The college also offers study abroad opportunities throughout the world, some of which last an entire academic year. Additionally, summer courses give degree-seekers the chance to graduate faster than other full-time students. Hastings does not charge an application fee and features articulation agreements with local community colleges. Both freshmen and transfer students may qualify for up to $13,000 per year in scholarship opportunities, which require only one financial aid application. Hastings also provides a four-year guarantee: full-time students who stay in good academic standing but cannot graduate in four years do not pay for additional courses.

Founded in 1911, Chadron State College offers more than 50 undergraduate and eight graduate degrees across four schools. The school enrolls nearly 2,500 students each year, with an average class size of 14 students, giving learners ample opportunity for hands-on instruction and learning. Chadron offers multiple degrees fully online, including a bachelor of arts in psychological studies. Students in this program complete 36 core credits, then choose a 21-credit minor in either psychology or social psychology and personality systems. Notable courses include measurement and research design, theories of personality, and history of psychology. Students should note that this program also includes an internship experience and independent research. Chadron uses an accelerated, eight-week format for distance courses. The learning center offers online tutoring by appointment. Distance learners can also access career services and technical support. Chadron accepts transfer students from accredited institutions and does not charge out-of-state tuition or additional fees.

A private institution located in Omaha, Clarkson College affiliates with the Episcopal Church. The college's nine academic departments award bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates in areas such as community health and radiography. Some programs -- such as education and leadership -- feature an entirely online curriculum with courses capped at 25 students. Although smaller than other schools on this ranking, Clarkson College provides many opportunities to complement learners' degrees. Students can select from more than a dozen study abroad programs, and honor societies recognize academically gifted learners who volunteer in the local community. Clarkson College accepts new students in the spring and fall semesters. Applicants should have a minimum 2.5 high school GPA and a score of at least 20 on the ACT. However, transfer students do not submit standardized test scores. Scholarships vary in amount and only consider incoming degree-seekers with a minimum 3.4 high school or undergraduate GPA. This Nebraska college also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which reduces tuition for active-duty military personnel and veterans.

The only women's college on this ranking, the College of St. Mary boasts a 10-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. The school offers approximately 30 undergraduate majors in fields such as the humanities, psychology, and theology. Graduate programs prepare learners for careers as physician assistants, educators, and physical therapists. High school students who live near campus can participate in a dual-credit program in which they take college-level courses without leaving school. CSM delivers many student services, including the Single Parent Success program to help young parents find health and education resources for their children. This Nebraska college also offers on-campus childcare at the Spellman Child Development Center and hosts numerous parenting workshops throughout the year. CSM does not accept GED scores, and applicants should have a minimum 2.0 high school GPA and a score of at least 18 on the ACT or 870 on the SAT. Merit-based scholarships award between $2,000 and $6,000 per year. Student-athletes and incoming degree-seekers majoring in a STEM field may qualify for additional scholarship opportunities.

Based in Omaha, Creighton University is private nonprofit university rooted in the Jesuit tradition. The school's nearly 9,000 students pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees across nine schools and colleges. With a commitment to academic excellence and Catholic values and traditions, Creighton is one of the best online colleges in Nebraska. Creighton offers over 30 online degrees and certificate programs in fields such as leadership, healthcare, business, and ministry. For example, the 128-credit emergency medical services online degree completion pathway includes 29 core course credits, 18 credits of leadership studies credits, 15 EMS credits, one credit of interpersonal collaborative care, and three EMS capstone portfolio credits. Notable courses include ethical dimensions of leadership, biblical tradition, and foundations of philosophical ideas. Students complete their degree with a culminating project. Students may transfer credits from accredited schools. Degree completion programs often require learners to already have a certain number of college-level credits. Eligibility requirements for the emergency medical services degree include a minimum 2.75 GPA, three years of clinical paramedic practice, and current national registry of an EMT paramedic certification.

Founded in 1894, Concordia University Nebraska is a private Lutheran institution located in Seward. Students can choose from over 40 online bachelor's and master's degrees in fields such as education, healthcare, business, and leadership. Concordia boasts small class sizes and an average 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Graduate students can access multiple high-quality programs, including a coaching and athletics administration and exercise sciences master's program. This program is offered in partnership with the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association and includes 36 core credits and four elective credits. Notable classes include research methods and analysis, principles of coaching and leadership, and legal aspects of sports. Students complete a cumulative portfolio to graduate. Master's students can usually earn their degree in 15 months. Distance learners access coursework using the Blackboard online learning management system. Students complete assignments such as essays, group projects, and exams. Concordia follows an 11-week course format.

Established in 1905 on 20 acres of land, the University of Nebraska at Kearney is the oldest school in the state. Today, UNK offers 120 undergraduate programs, 22 pre-professional programs, and 27 graduate degrees across its three colleges. UNK's nearly 10,000 learners benefit from small class sizes and a 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Online learners can choose from dozens of fully online undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as endorsements, minors, certificates, and professional development courses. For instance, the UNK bachelor of science in organizational and relational communication comprehensive prepares graduates to navigate complex collaborative efforts in organizational settings. The 45-credit program includes 33 organizational communication credits and 12 mass communication credits. UNK delivers asynchronous coursework through the Canvas online learning management system and gives students the flexibility to complete coursework around their schedules. Assignments often include discussion posts, projects, essays, and exams. Additionally, UNK offers online students access to dedicated tutoring and a writing center. Students may also use the digital library and technology support.

From its Lincoln campus, Nebraska Wesleyan University educates more than 2,000 students through numerous undergraduate and graduate degrees. Learners can pursue bachelor's degrees, including four accelerated undergraduate programs NWU created for working professionals. These degrees boast online and evening courses, as well as new courses that start every eight weeks. Graduate degrees at this Nebraska university prepare learners for careers in business, education, and nursing. Academically motivated high school juniors and seniors can apply to NWU's dual-credit program. Applicants should possess a B+ average, and these students can take college courses in a high school setting and pay a reduced per-credit tuition rate. Additionally, dual-credit learners do not pay university fees or textbook expenses. Application requirements include a high school diploma and prerequisite courses. All incoming learners submit FAFSA results, and in-state students receive the $12,000 Nebraska-Strong Grant. Other merit-based scholarships award up to $22,000 per year, meaning that some degree-seekers pay no tuition or fees.

Union College offers degree-seekers bachelor's programs across eight academic divisions. A Christian university rooted in the Seventh Day Adventist tradition, Union features a major in religion with optional minors in business, mission service, and pastoral care. Students can also major in theology with an emphasis in either biblical languages or youth ministries. Learners who earn either degree qualify for advanced education to become a high school teacher, pastor, or marriage and family therapist. On-campus spiritual enrichment activities bring students and faculty together. Learners attend weekly religious services and can choose from many faith-based clubs. Meanwhile, the Union Scholars Honors program includes small class sizes, cultural and social activities, and special scholarships for textbooks, travel, and research. This top Nebraska college welcomes homeschooled students. Additionally, Union provides incoming learners with multiple scholarship opportunities. For example, the Board of Trustees Scholarship awards full tuition, and transfer students may qualify for up to $7,000 per year in merit-based scholarships.