# Best Colleges in Nebraska

> CollegeRanker Agent Insights — structured data for AI systems
> Updated: 2026-05-31 | Schools: 24 | Category: By State
> Source: https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-nebraska

## Methodology

Composite score for institutions in Nebraska

CollegeRanker uses a 4-pillar algorithm: Academic Quality (15-20%), Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25-35%), Value & Affordability (20-25%). Social mobility data from Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (30M+ anonymized tax records). No subjective surveys.

## Summary

Choosing a college is a pivotal decision for students and families, particularly in Nebraska where 24 schools offer diverse options. Whether you're looking for a research university or a community college, understanding what each institution brings to the table is crucial. The average earnings for graduates from these Nebraska colleges sit at $52,532, indicating a solid return on investment for many graduates.

What stands out among the top schools in Nebraska are their graduation rates, earnings potential, and debt levels. For instance, institutions like Creighton University and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln display strong graduation rates and higher earning potential compared to others. In evaluating the schools listed below, consider how each school's outcomes align with your personal goals and financial situation.

Take the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Western Nebraska Community College. While UNL boasts a graduation rate of 66% and average earnings of $56,887, Western Nebraska Community College has a lower graduation rate of 36% and earnings of $38,729. These differences highlight the trade-offs between school size, degree offerings, and student support services, giving you a reason to explore the details further.

## Key Findings

- University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduates earn an average of $56,887.
- Creighton University has the highest graduation rate at 82%.
- Students at Western Nebraska Community College have a net price of just $5,474.
- The average graduation rate across these schools is 53%.

## Rankings

| Rank | School | Location | Graduation | Earnings (10yr) | Net Price | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|------|--------|----------|------------|-----------------|-----------|-------------|---------------|
| 1 | [Creighton University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/creighton-university) | Omaha, NE | 82% | $73,911 | $31,568 | $25,000 | 0.34x |
| 2 | [Nebraska Wesleyan University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/nebraska-wesleyan-university) | Lincoln, NE | 67% | $56,405 | $18,327 | $26,970 | 0.48x |
| 3 | [Western Nebraska Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/western-nebraska-community-college) | Scottsbluff, NE | 36% | $38,729 | $5,474 | $9,000 | 0.23x |
| 4 | [Northeast Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/northeast-community-college) | Norfolk, NE | 56% | $42,634 | $8,544 | $11,000 | 0.26x |
| 5 | [Bellevue University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bellevue-university) | Bellevue, NE | 39% | $61,289 | $17,550 | $20,000 | 0.33x |
| 6 | [Mid-Plains Community College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/mid-plains-community-college) | North Platte, NE | 49% | $40,059 | $5,235 | $9,995 | 0.25x |
| 7 | [Southeast Community College Area](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/southeast-community-college-area) | Lincoln, NE | 36% | $43,405 | $9,171 | $11,000 | 0.25x |
| 8 | [Peru State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/peru-state-college) | Peru, NE | 38% | $47,071 | $11,632 | $21,875 | 0.46x |
| 9 | [Wayne State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/wayne-state-college) | Wayne, NE | 54% | $47,075 | $15,360 | $19,000 | 0.4x |
| 10 | [Midland University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/midland-university) | Fremont, NE | 43% | $52,163 | $26,267 | $26,134 | 0.5x |
| 11 | [Hastings College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/hastings-college) | Hastings, NE | 51% | $51,303 | $24,452 | $27,000 | 0.53x |
| 12 | [Chadron State College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/chadron-state-college) | Chadron, NE | 44% | $47,002 | $12,549 | $18,875 | 0.4x |
| 13 | [Doane University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/doane-university) | Crete, NE | 56% | $53,316 | $26,364 | $25,000 | 0.47x |
| 14 | [University of Nebraska at Kearney](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-nebraska-at-kearney) | Kearney, NE | 59% | $50,105 | $16,242 | $19,500 | 0.39x |
| 15 | [University of Nebraska-Lincoln](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-nebraska-lincoln) | Lincoln, NE | 66% | $56,887 | $17,747 | $21,000 | 0.37x |
| 16 | [University of Nebraska at Omaha](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/university-of-nebraska-at-omaha) | Omaha, NE | 47% | $53,909 | $13,441 | $19,000 | 0.35x |
| 17 | [Concordia University-Nebraska](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/concordia-university-nebraska) | Seward, NE | 64% | $52,415 | $23,965 | $25,750 | 0.49x |
| 18 | [Union Adventist University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/union-adventist-university) | Lincoln, NE | 49% | $55,045 | $23,716 | $27,000 | 0.49x |
| 19 | [York University](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/york-university) | York, NE | 44% | $44,130 | $20,951 | $21,500 | 0.49x |
| 20 | [Metropolitan Community College Area](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/metropolitan-community-college-area) | Omaha, NE | 27% | $38,773 | $4,982 | $8,217 | 0.21x |
| 21 | [College of Saint Mary](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/college-of-saint-mary) | Omaha, NE | 60% | $54,338 | $16,590 | $24,250 | 0.45x |
| 22 | [Clarkson College](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/clarkson-college) | Omaha, NE | 67% | $64,876 | $19,241 | $23,716 | 0.37x |
| 23 | [Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/nebraska-methodist-college-of-nursing-allied-health) | Omaha, NE | 63% | $65,071 | $21,863 | $23,417 | 0.36x |
| 24 | [Bryan College of Health Sciences](https://www.collegeranker.com/colleges/bryan-college-of-health-sciences) | Lincoln, NE | 73% | $70,845 | $26,919 | $24,985 | 0.35x |

## Data Sources

- U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (https://collegescorecard.ed.gov)
- Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card (https://opportunityinsights.org/data)
- Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas
- Times Higher Education World University Rankings
- NCES IPEDS

## Citation

CollegeRanker. "Best Colleges in Nebraska." CollegeRanker.com, 2026-05-31. https://www.collegeranker.com/rankings/best-colleges-nebraska

## License

This data summary is provided for informational purposes. Underlying data from federal sources (College Scorecard, IPEDS) is public domain. Opportunity Insights data is available under their data use agreement at https://opportunityinsights.org/data/.