Rankings / By State
Best Nursing Colleges in Nebraska
- 15
- Schools
- $54,504
- Avg. Earnings
- 55%
- Avg. Graduation
- $17,925
- Avg. Net Price
- $20,279
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $38,729 at the low end to $73,911 at the top. That 1.9× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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Metropolitan Community College Area offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $38,773 against $4,982 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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The most budget-friendly option on this list is Metropolitan Community College Area, at $4,982 annually in net price.
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Completion rates separate this field: Creighton University graduates 82% of its students, well above the 55% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Metropolitan Community College Area: graduates owe only 0.21× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Metropolitan Community College Area ($4,982/yr) and Creighton University ($31,568/yr) produce graduates earning $38,773 and $73,911 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $26,586 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Metropolitan Community College Area outperforms Creighton University: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
- Completion is where this ranking's schools diverge most: Creighton University graduates 82% of its students versus 27% at Metropolitan Community College Area. Access without completion is opportunity unclaimed.
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 Metropolitan Community College Area and Creighton 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
Healthcare is one of the higher-return fields in the economy, but the payoff depends heavily on where you study it. Graduates of these programs earn a median of about $54K within a decade, and registered nurse roles are projected to grow 6%. We rank programs by the outcomes they produce for graduates, not by reputation.
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 ▲ +36% vs avg | $31,568 | 82% | 81 |
| 2 Western Nebraska Community College #2 overall | $38,729 ▼ -29% vs avg | $5,474 | 36% | 78 |
| 3 Nebraska Wesleyan University #3 overall | $56,405 ▲ +3% vs avg | $18,327 | 67% | 73 |
| $42,634 ▼ -22% vs avg | $8,544 | 56% | 72 | |
| $55,045 ▲ +1% vs avg | $23,716 | 49% | 70 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Nursing Colleges in Nebraska
This analysis ranks 15 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $54,504 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 55% and an average net price of $17,925.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Metropolitan Community College Area — Net Price: $4,982 | Graduation Rate: 27%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Creighton University — 82% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Creighton University — Median alumni earnings: $73,911
Our Analysis Found
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Healthcare Workforce Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the U.S. healthcare workforce?
$54,338
Median earnings (10yr)
56%
Median graduation rate
$18,327
Median net price
1.4%
Avg. mobility rate
Health-professions programs sit at the center of one of the country’s most acute labor stories. An aging population and chronic shortages in nursing and allied health mean these programs are, in effect, staffing the health system. The schools that rise here pair classroom training with real clinical placements and strong licensure pass rates. That pairing is the difference between holding a credential and holding a job.
The median graduation rate across these 15 schools is 56%. Median graduate earnings reach $54,338 ten years after enrollment, roughly $6,338 more than the national worker average of $48,000. Average net price, the cost after grants, is $18,327 a year, and median federal debt at graduation is about $23,716. Some 28% of students receive Pell grants, and mobility, the share of low-income students who reach the top quintile, averages 1.4%.
One pattern runs through this list: programs with deep clinical partnerships move their graduates into the workforce faster. Creighton University tops the ranking, and the median graduate here earns $54,338 ten years after enrollment. Demand outruns supply in this field, so the bottleneck is training capacity and credential attainment rather than hiring.
The podium
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Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Creighton University lands at #1 with a 81/100 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, 36% 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
Western Nebraska Community College lands at #2 with a 78/100 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, 29% 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 #3
Nebraska Wesleyan University lands at #3 with a 73/100 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, 3% 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 #4
Northeast Community College lands at #4 with a 72/100 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, 22% 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 #5
Union Adventist University lands at #5 with a 70/100 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, 1% 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 #6
Mid-Plains Community College lands at #6 with a 69/100 composite, led by value per dollar (86/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $40,059 a decade after enrolling, 27% below this list's average, and net price runs $5,235 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 #7
Bellevue University lands at #7 with a 69/100 composite, led by social mobility (90/100) and pulled down by academic quality (46/100). Graduates earn a median $61,289 a decade after enrolling, 12% above this list's average, and net price runs $17,550 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 #8
Midland University lands at #8 with a 68/100 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 #9
College of Saint Mary lands at #9 with a 65/100 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. 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
University of Nebraska at Kearney lands at #10 with a 65/100 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, 8% 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 #11
Doane University lands at #11 with a 63/100 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, 2% 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 carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Clarkson College lands at #12 with a 62/100 composite, led by academic quality (73/100) and pulled down by social mobility (38/100). Graduates earn a median $64,876 a decade after enrolling, 19% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,241 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
Omaha, NE · 73% accepted · $21,863 net
Why it ranks #13
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health lands at #13 with a 61/100 composite, led by academic quality (75/100) and pulled down by social mobility (29/100). Graduates earn a median $65,071 a decade after enrolling, 19% above this list's average, and net price runs $21,863 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
Metropolitan Community College Area lands at #14 with a 57/100 composite, led by value per dollar (88/100) and pulled down by academic quality (47/100). Graduates earn a median $38,773 a decade after enrolling, 29% below this list's average, and net price runs $4,982 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, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
Bryan College of Health Sciences lands at #15 with a 57/100 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, 30% 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 15 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs — and the jobs are
Where these graduates work
Graduates of these programs most often become Registered Nurses and related roles — a field with $86,070 median pay and 6% projected growth.
See the Registered Nurse career guide →Choosing the right nursing college can be a pivotal decision for students looking to enter a rewarding healthcare career. In Nebraska, 16 institutions stand out for their nursing programs, offering varied paths to prepare graduates for the workforce. With an average earning potential of $53,810, these colleges provide options that cater to different financial and educational needs.
What sets the strongest schools apart in this list are their outcomes. Key metrics like earnings, graduation rates, student debt, and overall program concentration play a crucial role in informing your decision. The schools below not only prepare students for nursing careers but also demonstrate varying levels of success in helping graduates secure stable jobs with manageable debt.
For instance, Creighton University leads the pack with impressive earnings of $73,911 and a graduation rate of 82%. In contrast, Western Nebraska Community College, while more affordable with a net price of $5,474, has a significantly lower graduation rate of just 36%. This contrast illustrates the trade-offs between cost and potential outcomes that students must consider as they explore their options.
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 8 schools on this list with available data, that rate averages 1.4%. Mid-Plains Community 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 8.8% 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 19.9% across this list. Creighton University posts the highest success rate at 53.4%. 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 1.51 against a national benchmark of 1.0. Creighton University reaches 1.78, 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
A closer look at the data reveals notable disparities between schools. Creighton University not only has the highest earnings at $73,911 but also boasts an 82% graduation rate. In contrast, Western Nebraska Community College's earnings are significantly lower at $38,729, reflecting its 36% graduation rate. This suggests that while affordability matters, it’s crucial to evaluate the long-term return on investment when choosing a program.
As you weigh these options, think about your personal priorities. Consider factors like location, the type of nursing program that fits your career goals, and your financial situation. If you value a high graduation rate and earning potential, schools like Creighton and Nebraska Methodist College might be worth the investment. On the other hand, if cost is your primary concern, Western Nebraska Community College could be appealing, despite its lower outcomes.
Ultimately, this data speaks to the broader implications of choosing a nursing college. The right decision can lead to a stable, fulfilling career in healthcare, impacting not just the individual but their family and community. As we know, one family's choice today can shape their financial landscape for years to come.
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 Nursing Colleges in Nebraska: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Nursing Colleges in Nebraska ranking? +
Creighton University in Omaha, NE ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Nursing 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 $54,504 average across the 15 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, Metropolitan Community College Area leads: graduates earn a median $38,773 against net price of about $4,982 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 55% 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 $17,925 a year across the 15 ranked schools with cost data. Metropolitan Community College Area is among the most affordable at roughly $4,982. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best Nursing 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 15 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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