Rankings / By State
Best Biology Colleges in Nebraska
- 16
- Schools
- $54,120
- Avg. Earnings
- 56%
- Avg. Graduation
- $20,381
- Avg. Net Price
- $23,302
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 16 schools run from $44,130 to $73,911, a 1.7× gap. The category label alone says little about payoff.
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Peru State College delivers the most for the money: roughly $47,071 in median earnings against $11,632 a year in net price, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio on the list.
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Peru State College is the lowest-cost school here at $11,632 a year in net price.
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Creighton University graduates 82% of its students, versus a 56% average across the list. Completion, more than selectivity, signals whether a degree actually gets finished.
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Creighton University carries the healthiest debt load, with graduates owing just 0.34× their annual earnings.
Surprising Comparisons
- Peru State College costs $11,632 a year and Creighton University costs $31,568. Yet their graduates earn $47,071 and $73,911, nowhere near the $19,936 price gap.
- On value, Peru State College beats Creighton University: comparable career payoff at a fraction of the net price.
- Graduation rates split the field: Creighton University finishes 82% of students while Peru State College finishes 38%. Same ranking, very different odds of leaving with a degree.
The Takeaway
The schools that win this ranking are not the priciest or the most selective. They turn students into earners without burying them in debt, which is exactly what our outcomes-first methodology is built to surface.
What This Means for Students
If you are choosing from this list, start with Peru State College and Creighton University. Pull each school's net price for your income band, weigh projected earnings against the debt you would take on, and let payoff rather than prestige drive your shortlist.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $53K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Creighton University #1 overall | $73,911 ▲ +37% vs avg | $31,568 | 82% | 76 |
| 2 Nebraska Wesleyan University #2 overall | $56,405 ▲ +4% vs avg | $18,327 | 67% | 74 |
| 3 Hastings College #3 overall | $51,303 ▼ -5% vs avg | $24,452 | 51% | 69 |
| $47,071 ▼ -13% vs avg | $11,632 | 38% | 67 | |
| $47,075 ▼ -13% vs avg | $15,360 | 54% | 67 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Biology Colleges in Nebraska
This analysis ranks 16 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $54,120 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 56% and an average net price of $20,381.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Peru State College — Net Price: $11,632 | Graduation Rate: 38%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Creighton University — 82% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Creighton University — Median alumni earnings: $73,911
CollegeRanker Primary Research
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Nebraska Opportunity Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about higher education and opportunity in Nebraska?
$52,866
Median earnings (10yr)
55%
Median graduation rate
$19,639
Median net price
1.2%
Avg. mobility rate
Higher education is intensely local: most students enroll close to home and stay to work nearby, so a state's colleges are also its talent pipeline. This ranking looks at the mix of public and private institutions across Nebraska, asking who keeps graduates in-state, who delivers earnings against the local cost of living, and who moves residents up the income ladder.
Across the 16 schools on this list, graduates earn a median of $52,866 ten years after they first enrolled, about $4,866 more than the roughly $48,000 a typical American worker takes home. The median graduation rate is 55%. Net price, what students pay after grants, runs a median of $19,639 a year, with about $24,618 in median federal debt at graduation. An average of 29% of students receive Pell grants, and the typical school moves low-income students into the top income quintile at a rate of 1.2%.
What we’re seeing: the schools that matter most for Nebraska pair affordability with outcomes that keep talent local. A median net price of $19,639 and median earnings of $52,866 show which institutions strengthen the regional economy rather than simply enrolling students.
The podium
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Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Creighton University lands at #1 with a 76/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $73,911 a decade after enrolling, 37% above this list's average, and net price runs $31,568 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #2
Nebraska Wesleyan University lands at #2 with a 74/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $56,405 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,327 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Hastings College lands at #3 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $51,303 a decade after enrolling, 5% below this list's average, and net price runs $24,452 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Peru State College lands at #4 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (62/100). Graduates earn a median $47,071 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $11,632 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Wayne State College lands at #5 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (58/100). Graduates earn a median $47,075 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,360 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Midland University lands at #6 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $52,163 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $26,267 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
Chadron State College lands at #7 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $47,002 a decade after enrolling, 13% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,549 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Doane University lands at #8 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (42/100). Graduates earn a median $53,316 a decade after enrolling, 1% below this list's average, and net price runs $26,364 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
University of Nebraska-Lincoln lands at #9 with a 64/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (68/100) and pulled down by social mobility (59/100). Graduates earn a median $56,887 a decade after enrolling, 5% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,747 a year, well under the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
University of Nebraska at Omaha lands at #10 with a 64/100 composite, led by value per dollar (69/100) and pulled down by social mobility (58/100). Graduates earn a median $53,909 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,441 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
University of Nebraska at Kearney lands at #11 with a 63/100 composite, led by academic quality (66/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (63/100). Graduates earn a median $50,105 a decade after enrolling, 7% below this list's average, and net price runs $16,242 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
York University lands at #12 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (64/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $44,130 a decade after enrolling, 18% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,951 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Concordia University-Nebraska lands at #13 with a 61/100 composite, led by academic quality (75/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $52,415 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,965 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Union Adventist University lands at #14 with a 60/100 composite, led by academic quality (75/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (45/100). Graduates earn a median $55,045 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $23,716 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
College of Saint Mary lands at #15 with a 54/100 composite, led by academic quality (68/100) and pulled down by social mobility (38/100). Graduates earn a median $54,338 a decade after enrolling, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,590 a year, well under the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
Bryan College of Health Sciences lands at #16 with a 47/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (74/100) and pulled down by social mobility (26/100). Graduates earn a median $70,845 a decade after enrolling, 31% above this list's average, and net price runs $26,919 a year, above the field. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 16 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
When considering a biology degree in Nebraska, prospective students are often drawn to schools that offer strong academic programs and promising career outcomes. The right school can make a significant difference in both earning potential and job readiness after graduation. For example, graduates from Creighton University in Omaha earn an average of $73,911 annually, which highlights the potential financial benefits of choosing the right program.
What sets the top schools apart in this list are key outcomes such as graduation rates, earnings after graduation, and manageable levels of debt. The data below ranks biology programs based on these critical factors, giving you a clearer picture of what to expect from each institution. Look for schools with higher graduation rates and earnings, as these often indicate stronger support systems and successful job placements for graduates.
Take Creighton University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as examples. Creighton boasts an 82% graduation rate and higher average earnings of $73,911, compared to Nebraska-Lincoln's 66% graduation rate and $56,887 earnings. This stark contrast suggests that while both schools offer solid biology programs, Creighton may provide a more supportive environment that translates into better outcomes for students. Weighing these factors can guide you in selecting the school that best fits your needs.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 8 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 1.2%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Chadron State College leads the group at 1.9%, with Creighton University (1.6%) and Doane University (1.5%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 6.5% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Chadron State College enrolls the most, at 10.9%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 21.6% across the list, peaking at 53.4% at Creighton University.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.67, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Creighton University is highest at 1.78.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
One key pattern that emerges from the data is the correlation between graduation rates and post-graduation earnings. For instance, Creighton University leads with an 82% graduation rate and average earnings of $73,911, while the University of Nebraska at Omaha lags with only a 47% graduation rate and average earnings of $53,909. This difference suggests that Creighton not only supports its students better through to graduation but also prepares them for higher-paying careers.
As you sift through this list of schools, it's essential to weigh the data against your personal priorities. Consider factors like campus culture, location, and specific biology concentrations that align with your career goals. For example, if financial concerns are paramount, you might favor schools with lower net prices, such as the University of Nebraska at Omaha, which has a net price of $13,441. Finding the right balance between potential earnings and your individual needs will be crucial.
Ultimately, the path from college to a stable career hinges on making informed choices. The data shows that the right biology program can lead to better financial outcomes and job opportunities. With the stakes this high, each family's decision about where to invest in education can have lasting implications for their future stability and success.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Biology Colleges in Nebraska: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Biology Colleges in Nebraska ranking? +
Creighton University in Omaha, NE ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Biology Colleges in Nebraska ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $73,911 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 82% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Creighton University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $73,911 ten years after enrollment, well above the $54,120 average across the 16 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Peru State College leads: graduates earn a median $47,071 against net price of about $11,632 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Creighton University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 82%, compared with a 56% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $20,381 a year across the 16 ranked schools with cost data. Peru State College is among the most affordable at roughly $11,632. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Biology Colleges in Nebraska ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 16 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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