Rankings / By State
Best Education Colleges in Nebraska
- 16
- Schools
- $50,158
- Avg. Earnings
- 52%
- Avg. Graduation
- $17,601
- Avg. Net Price
- $21,428
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
-
Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $38,729 at the low end to $56,887 at the top. That 1.5× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
-
Western Nebraska Community College offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $38,729 against $5,474 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
-
The most budget-friendly option on this list is Western Nebraska Community College, at $5,474 annually in net price.
-
Completion rates separate this field: Nebraska Wesleyan University graduates 67% of its students, well above the 52% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
-
Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Western Nebraska Community College: graduates owe only 0.23× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to Chadron State College ($47,002 earnings), not the highest earner, University of Nebraska-Lincoln ($56,887). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Western Nebraska Community College ($5,474/yr) and Doane University ($26,364/yr) produce graduates earning $38,729 and $53,316 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $20,890 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Western Nebraska Community College outperforms University of Nebraska-Lincoln: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
The through line among the top-ranked schools is plain. They pair solid graduate earnings with affordable costs and meaningful social mobility. Prestige and selectivity matter far less than whether students end up better off.
What This Means for Students
Your shortlist should start with Western Nebraska Community College and Nebraska Wesleyan University. For each school, look up the net price your family would actually pay, weigh it against typical graduate earnings, and build the decision around the return instead of the name recognition.
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 $52K 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 Chadron State College #1 overall | $47,002 ▼ -6% vs avg | $12,549 | 44% | 76 |
| 2 Wayne State College #2 overall | $47,075 ▼ -6% vs avg | $15,360 | 54% | 75 |
| 3 Peru State College #3 overall | $47,071 ▼ -6% vs avg | $11,632 | 38% | 73 |
| $52,163 ▲ +4% vs avg | $26,267 | 43% | 71 | |
| $52,415 ▲ +4% vs avg | $23,965 | 64% | 71 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Education Colleges in Nebraska
This analysis ranks 16 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $50,158 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 52% and an average net price of $17,601.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Western Nebraska Community College — Net Price: $5,474 | Graduation Rate: 36%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Nebraska Wesleyan University — 67% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: University of Nebraska-Lincoln — Median alumni earnings: $56,887
Our Analysis Found
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Educator Pipeline Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the educator pipeline?
$51,733
Median earnings (10yr)
53%
Median graduation rate
$17,169
Median net price
1.3%
Avg. mobility rate
Society needs more teachers than it is producing, yet pay and working conditions make retention a persistent problem. Education programs are the gateway to the profession. The best of them pair pedagogical training with strong clinical practice and placement networks that keep graduates in the profession.
The median graduation rate across these 16 schools is 53%. Median graduate earnings reach $51,733 ten years after enrollment, roughly $3,733 more than the national worker average of $48,000. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $17,169 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $21,688. Some 30% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 1.3%.
In education, low debt matters as much as a solid paycheck. Graduates earn a median of $51,733 against a typical net price of $17,169. That ratio makes cost-conscious program selection essential in a profession with modest pay and a public mission.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Chadron State College lands at #1 with a 76/100 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, 6% 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 #2
Wayne State College lands at #2 with a 75/100 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, 6% 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 #3
Peru State College lands at #3 with a 73/100 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, 6% 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 #4
Midland University lands at #4 with a 71/100 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% above 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Concordia University-Nebraska lands at #5 with a 71/100 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, 4% above 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 #6
Nebraska Wesleyan University lands at #6 with a 71/100 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, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $18,327 a year. 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 #7
Northeast Community College lands at #7 with a 70/100 composite, led by value per dollar (82/100) and pulled down by academic quality (60/100). Graduates earn a median $42,634 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $8,544 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
Western Nebraska Community College lands at #8 with a 69/100 composite, led by value per dollar (87/100) and pulled down by academic quality (61/100). Graduates earn a median $38,729 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,474 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
University of Nebraska at Kearney lands at #9 with a 68/100 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, 0% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,242 a year. 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 #10
Hastings College lands at #10 with a 68/100 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, 2% above 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.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Doane University lands at #11 with a 65/100 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, 6% above 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 carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
University of Nebraska at Omaha lands at #12 with a 65/100 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, 7% 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 carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
University of Nebraska-Lincoln lands at #13 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, 13% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,747 a year. 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 #14
York University lands at #14 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, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,951 a year, above the field. 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 #15
Union Adventist University lands at #15 with a 58/100 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, 10% 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 #16
College of Saint Mary lands at #16 with a 55/100 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, 8% above this list's average, and net price runs $16,590 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
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
Education colleges in Nebraska offer a range of programs aimed at preparing future teachers and educators. With 16 institutions on this list, prospective students can find options that align with both their career goals and financial situations.
What sets the highest-performing schools apart from the rest? Key metrics such as graduate earnings, completion rates, and student debt tell a compelling story. The schools listed below have demonstrated strong outcomes, but they vary widely in their financial implications and graduation success.
For instance, the University of Nebraska at Omaha leads in earnings with $53,909, but it has a lower graduation rate of 47%. In contrast, Concordia University-Nebraska has a slightly higher earning potential of $52,415 and a better graduation rate of 64%. This illustrates the trade-offs students may face when choosing between programs.
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
The backbone of this ranking is social-mobility data from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, which draws on more than 30 million tax records. A school's mobility rate is the share of its students who move from the bottom income quintile to the top. Among the 9 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.3%. Chadron State College leads the group at 1.9%, with Northeast Community College (1.8%) and Western Nebraska Community College (1.7%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 8.7% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Western Nebraska Community College leads at 15.7%, which signals an admissions door that is actually open to low-income students. Schools that pair high access with high mobility are the ones driving generational change.
Once low-income students enroll, their odds of reaching the top income quintile average 16% across this list. Doane University posts the highest success rate at 24.7%. Access without completion and career momentum is an incomplete picture, and this is the number that completes it.
Social capital, measured by economic connectedness, captures the degree of cross-class friendship on campus, another dimension Opportunity Insights ties to long-run outcomes. Across these schools it averages 1.56 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Nebraska Wesleyan University reaches 1.72, the highest on the list.
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
While reviewing the data, it's clear that earnings and graduation rates are not always aligned. For example, the University of Nebraska at Omaha has the highest earnings potential at $53,909, yet it also has the lowest graduation rate of 47% among the top five colleges. This could reflect challenges students face, suggesting that potential financial benefits may come with risks.
As you weigh this information, consider how these outcomes fit with your own priorities. Think about what matters most to you: Is it the potential earnings right after graduation? The amount of debt you are willing to take on? Or perhaps the school's environment and support systems? Identifying your personal criteria can help you make a more informed decision.
Ultimately, the path to a stable career can hinge on the right college choice. Families need to think critically about how each school prepares its graduates for the workforce. For instance, a higher graduation rate may indicate more support for students, leading to better job prospects down the line. Balancing these factors can have lasting implications for your future.
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 Education Colleges in Nebraska: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Education Colleges in Nebraska ranking? +
Chadron State College in Chadron, NE ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Education Colleges in Nebraska ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $47,002 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 44% 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? +
University of Nebraska-Lincoln posts the highest median earnings on this list: $56,887 ten years after enrollment, well above the $50,158 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, Western Nebraska Community College leads: graduates earn a median $38,729 against net price of about $5,474 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? +
Nebraska Wesleyan University has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 67%, compared with a 52% 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 $17,601 a year across the 16 ranked schools with cost data. Western Nebraska Community College is among the most affordable at roughly $5,474. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Education 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
Related Rankings
