Rankings / By State
Best Psychology Colleges in Nebraska
- 14
- Schools
- $52,859
- Avg. Earnings
- 55%
- Avg. Graduation
- $19,675
- Avg. Net Price
- $22,918
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Median graduate earnings across these 14 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 55% 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
- #1 Hastings College ($51,303 earnings) outranks the list's highest earner, Creighton University ($73,911), because it does more on mobility and cost.
- 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.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with Peru State College and Creighton University. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
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 Hastings College #1 overall | $51,303 ▼ -3% vs avg | $24,452 | 51% | 66 |
| 2 Peru State College #2 overall | $47,071 ▼ -11% vs avg | $11,632 | 38% | 64 |
| 3 Nebraska Wesleyan University #3 overall | $56,405 ▲ +7% vs avg | $18,327 | 67% | 63 |
| $73,911 ▲ +40% vs avg | $31,568 | 82% | 62 | |
| $47,002 ▼ -11% vs avg | $12,549 | 44% | 60 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best Psychology Colleges in Nebraska
This analysis ranks 14 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $52,859 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 55% and an average net price of $19,675.
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
Research Note
Private nonprofit colleges cost 110% more in net price than publics, while their graduates earn 21% more.
Human Services Workforce Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the human-services and social-work workforce?
$52,289
Median earnings (10yr)
55%
Median graduation rate
$18,037
Median net price
1.2%
Avg. mobility rate
Psychology, social work, and counseling programs train a workforce in high and rising demand. Mental-health needs, child and family services, and an aging population all pull for licensed practitioners. The work is essential and licensure-gated. Pay is modest, which makes the economics of the degree unusually sensitive to cost.
Start with the medians across these 14 schools. Graduates earn a median of $52,289 ten years after enrollment, or about $4,289 above the $48,000 a typical American worker earns. The median graduation rate is 55%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $18,037 a year with about $23,063 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 29% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 1.2%.
What we’re seeing: demand is strong and growing, but the salary ceiling means affordability decides the return. With median earnings around $52,289 and a median net price of $18,037, the best value comes from programs that keep debt well below early-career pay.
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
Hastings College lands at #1 with a 66/100 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, 3% 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 #2
Peru State College lands at #2 with a 64/100 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, 11% 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 #3
Nebraska Wesleyan University lands at #3 with a 63/100 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, 7% 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
Creighton University lands at #4 with a 62/100 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, 40% 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 #5
Chadron State College lands at #5 with a 60/100 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, 11% 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 #6
Midland University lands at #6 with a 60/100 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, 1% 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
Wayne State College lands at #7 with a 60/100 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, 11% 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 #8
York University lands at #8 with a 58/100 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, 17% 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 puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Doane University lands at #9 with a 58/100 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% 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 puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
University of Nebraska-Lincoln lands at #10 with a 56/100 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, 8% 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 #11
University of Nebraska at Omaha lands at #11 with a 56/100 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, 2% 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 #12
University of Nebraska at Kearney lands at #12 with a 56/100 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, 5% 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 #13
College of Saint Mary lands at #13 with a 52/100 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, 3% 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 #14
Concordia University-Nebraska lands at #14 with a 52/100 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, 1% 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
Cut it by what you care about
The same 14 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Choosing the right psychology program in Nebraska can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. Each of these schools offers unique strengths, but they all share a commitment to preparing students for careers in psychology and related fields.
The key factors that set these programs apart include graduation rates, average earnings after graduation, student debt levels, and overall program concentration. As you look through the list, pay attention to how these metrics reflect each school’s ability to support students both academically and financially.
For example, Creighton University stands out with an impressive $73,911 in average earnings and an 82% graduation rate, while Peru State College shows lower average earnings of $47,071 and a graduation rate of just 38%. This contrast highlights the potential trade-offs in program choice, making it essential to weigh your options carefully as you consider your future.
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 1.2%. Chadron State College leads the group at 1.9%, with Creighton University (1.6%) and Doane University (1.5%) close behind.
Who gets in matters as much as what happens after. Across these schools, an average of 6.5% of students start in the bottom income quintile. Chadron State College leads at 10.9%, 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 21.6% 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 1.67 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
When examining the data, a clear pattern emerges: Creighton University not only has the highest average earnings but also boasts the best graduation rate at 82%. In contrast, Peru State College lags with a graduation rate of just 38% and lower average earnings of $47,071. This disparity emphasizes the importance of program support and student outcomes in determining long-term success.
As you navigate this list and explore each school, consider your personal priorities. Think about what matters most to you: Is it the financial investment, the campus culture, or the specific psychology focus areas? By aligning your values with the data, you can make a more informed choice that fits your needs.
Ultimately, the decision about where to study psychology can impact your trajectory in life. Choosing a program with strong outcomes can lead to greater job stability and earnings, helping to support your future goals. One family’s choice today could shape their financial well-being 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 Psychology Colleges in Nebraska: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best Psychology Colleges in Nebraska ranking? +
Hastings College in Hastings, NE ranks #1 in our 2026 Best Psychology Colleges in Nebraska ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $51,303 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 51% 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 $52,859 average across the 14 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 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 $19,675 a year across the 14 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 Psychology 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 14 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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