Rankings / By State (Affordable)

Most Affordable Colleges in Nebraska

By David Krug, Co-Founder, CollegeRanker · Updated 2026-05-31 · 25 schools · Agent Insights

Schools Analyzed

$52,007

Avg. Earnings (10yr)

53%

Avg. Graduation Rate

$17,007

Avg. Net Price

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Finding an affordable college can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially when balancing costs with quality. In Nebraska, several community colleges are stepping up to the plate, providing education at a fraction of the cost compared to traditional four-year institutions. The lowest net price among these options is around $4,982, making higher education more accessible for many students and families.

What sets these schools apart is not just their affordability, but also the outcomes that come with attending them. The average earnings of graduates from these colleges stand at $52,007, while the graduation rate across the board is 53%. This combination of low debt and reasonable completion rates offers a clearer picture of how these institutions can help students transition into the workforce.

Take Metropolitan Community College Area, for instance, which has a net price of $4,982 and a graduation rate of 27%. In contrast, Northeast Community College, with a net price of $8,544, boasts a higher graduation rate of 56%. This highlights a tradeoff between immediate savings and long-term success, making it crucial to consider all aspects before making a decision.

Key Findings

Metropolitan Community College Area has a net price of just $4,982 with average earnings of $38,773.

Northeast Community College graduates earn an average of $42,634 but have a higher debt load of $11,000.

Mid-Plains Community College shows a solid 49% graduation rate while maintaining a low net price of $5,235.

The average debt for graduates across these colleges is around $8,992, providing insight into post-college financial expectations.

Quick Numbers

Schools ranked 25

Avg. earnings at 10yr $52,007

Avg. graduation rate 53%

Avg. net price $17,007

Avg. median debt $19,887

How We Ranked

Ranked by lowest net price in Nebraska

Read our full methodology →

Earnings vs. Cost

Each dot is a ranked school. Up = higher earnings. Right = higher cost. Top-left is the best value.

Graduation Rates

Longer bars = higher graduation rate.

Top 3

Mid-Plains Community College

North Platte, NE

Graduation49%

Earnings$40,059

Net Price$5,235

View full profile →

Western Nebraska Community College

Scottsbluff, NE

Graduation36%

Earnings$38,729

Net Price$5,474

View full profile →

Metropolitan Community College Area

Omaha, NE

Graduation27%

Earnings$38,773

Net Price$4,982

View full profile →

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Full Rankings

Mid-Plains Community College

North Platte, NE · 937 students · Public

Mid-Plains Community College in North Platte is home to a tight-knit community of 937 students, where personalized attention is part of the learning experience. The graduation rate of 49% shows that nearly half of the students successfully complete their programs, which bodes well for those seeking to enter the workforce quickly or transfer to further education. Graduates can expect a median earning of $40,059 after ten years, demonstrating the college's effectiveness in preparing students for the job market.

49% graduate $40,059 earnings

Mid-Plains's full profile

Western Nebraska Community College

Scottsbluff, NE · 893 students · Public

At Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff, students benefit from an intimate campus setting with just 893 enrolled. The graduation rate of 36% suggests that while challenges exist, many students are finding their paths to success. With median earnings of $38,729 ten years after they graduate, this college offers solid prospects for those entering the workforce in various fields.

36% graduate $38,729 earnings

Western's full profile

Metropolitan Community College Area

Omaha, NE · 8,775 students · Public

With 8,775 students, Metropolitan Community College Area in Omaha presents a diverse campus experience that caters to a wide range of academic interests. The graduation rate of 27% may seem low at first glance, but it reflects the challenges many community college students face while balancing work and family responsibilities. However, the median earnings of $38,773 ten years after enrollment suggest that graduates can find solid employment opportunities in the local economy.

27% graduate $38,773 earnings

Metropolitan's full profile

Central Community College

Grand Island, NE · 3,353 students · Public

Central Community College in Grand Island serves a student body of 3,353, creating an engaging academic atmosphere. A graduation rate of 46% reflects the college's ability to help students navigate their educational journeys. Graduates see median earnings of $39,429 a decade after enrollment, which suggests that the college equips them with the skills needed in today’s job market.

46% graduate $39,429 earnings

Central's full profile

Northeast Community College

Norfolk, NE · 2,387 students · Public

At Northeast Community College in Norfolk, Nebraska, students appreciate a close-knit environment with a student population of just under 2,400. With a graduation rate of 56%, this school supports many students on their journey to complete their degrees, leading to median earnings of $42,634 within a decade of graduation.

56% graduate $42,634 earnings

Northeast's full profile

Southeast Community College Area

Lincoln, NE · 6,773 students · Public

Southeast Community College Area in Lincoln is home to a diverse student body of nearly 6,800. While the graduation rate is lower at 36%, the school encourages students to develop practical skills that translate into real-world job opportunities, with median earnings of $43,405 ten years after graduation.

36% graduate $43,405 earnings

Southeast's full profile

Peru State College

Peru, NE · 1,092 students · Public

Peru State College, located in a small town, caters to about 1,100 students and offers a unique, community-focused atmosphere. With a graduation rate of 38%, the college prepares students for diverse career paths, leading to median earnings of $47,071 ten years post-graduation.

38% graduate $47,071 earnings

Chadron State College

Chadron, NE · 1,540 students · Public

With 1,540 students, Chadron State College fosters a close-knit community in the heart of Nebraska. This public institution has a strong focus on providing personalized attention, which can be especially beneficial for students seeking support in their academic journey.

44% graduate $47,002 earnings

Chadron's full profile

University of Nebraska at Omaha

Omaha, NE · 11,488 students · Public

The University of Nebraska at Omaha is a vibrant urban campus that welcomes over 11,000 students. With a diverse range of programs and activities, it fosters an environment where 47% of students graduate and go on to earn a median income of $53,909 within ten years of their degree.

87% accepted 47% graduate $53,909 earnings

University's full profile

#10

Wayne State College

Wayne, NE · 3,010 students · Public

Wayne State College is a public institution with a student body of 3,010, set in a friendly Nebraska town. With a graduation rate of 54%, it offers students a chance to engage in a diverse array of programs while enjoying a close-knit campus atmosphere.

54% graduate $47,075 earnings

University of Nebraska at Kearney

Kearney, NE · 4,088 students · Public

The University of Nebraska at Kearney is a vibrant public university with over 4,000 students, known for its welcoming atmosphere and a diverse range of programs. The 89% acceptance rate indicates a commitment to inclusivity, making it an excellent option for students from various backgrounds looking for a supportive educational experience.

89% accepted 59% graduate $50,105 earnings

University's full profile

#12

College of Saint Mary

Omaha, NE · 445 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Omaha, the College of Saint Mary is a private nonprofit institution that emphasizes a strong liberal arts education within a nurturing environment. With a 60% graduation rate and a student population of 445, it provides a tighter community where students can thrive both academically and personally.

45% accepted 60% graduate $54,338 earnings

College's full profile

#13

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE · 19,178 students · Public

With nearly 19,200 students, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has a vibrant campus life that embraces diversity and community. Its 66% graduation rate reflects a commitment to student success, and the median earnings of $56,887 a decade after graduation suggest that students leave well-prepared for the workforce.

87% accepted 66% graduate $56,887 earnings

University's full profile

#14

Nebraska Wesleyan University

Lincoln, NE · 1,453 students · Private nonprofit

Nebraska Wesleyan University, a smaller institution with around 1,450 students, fosters close relationships between students and faculty. With a graduation rate of 67% and median earnings of $56,405 after ten years, students can expect a personalized education that prepares them for their careers.

80% accepted 67% graduate $56,405 earnings

Nebraska's full profile

#15

Bellevue University

Bellevue, NE · 10,220 students · Private nonprofit

Bellevue University serves over 10,200 students and focuses on adult learners and nontraditional students, making its flexible programs appealing. Although the graduation rate is lower at 39%, the median earnings of $61,289 after ten years indicate that graduates can find well-paying jobs in their fields.

39% graduate $61,289 earnings

Bellevue's full profile

#16

York University

York, NE · 428 students · Private nonprofit

With a close-knit community of just 428 students, York University in York, Nebraska, provides an intimate learning environment. This private nonprofit institution has a notable acceptance rate of 52%, making it accessible for many students seeking a personal touch in their education.

52% accepted 44% graduate $44,130 earnings

Clarkson College

Omaha, NE · 622 students · Private nonprofit

At Clarkson College, a smaller institution with around 622 students, specialized programs in healthcare prepare graduates for in-demand careers. The school has a graduation rate of 67% and offers median earnings of $64,876 after ten years, which reflects the strong job placement rates in this field.

78% accepted 67% graduate $64,876 earnings

Clarkson's full profile

#18

Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health

Omaha, NE · 781 students · Private nonprofit

Located in Omaha, Nebraska, Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health focuses on preparing students for careers in healthcare. With an acceptance rate of 73% and a graduation rate of 63%, the college aims to equip its 781 students with practical skills and a strong foundation in nursing and allied health professions.

73% accepted 63% graduate $65,071 earnings

Nebraska's full profile

#19

Hastings College

Hastings, NE · 891 students · Private nonprofit

With a median earning of $51,303 ten years after graduation, Hastings College sets a solid foundation for its graduates. The small campus atmosphere, home to just 891 students, encourages close connections between peers and faculty, fostering a supportive learning environment that can enhance educational outcomes.

72% accepted 51% graduate $51,303 earnings

Hastings's full profile

#20

Concordia University-Nebraska

Seward, NE · 1,283 students · Private nonprofit

In Seward, Nebraska, Concordia University-Nebraska serves a diverse student body of 1,283, offering a range of programs rooted in Lutheran values. With a graduation rate of 64% and an acceptance rate of 86%, this private nonprofit institution is committed to nurturing students both academically and personally.

86% accepted 64% graduate $52,415 earnings

Concordia's full profile

#21

Union Adventist University

Lincoln, NE · 471 students · Private nonprofit

Union Adventist University in Lincoln, Nebraska, welcomes all students with a 100% acceptance rate, making it an appealing option for those seeking an inclusive educational setting. With 471 students, the school promotes a close community atmosphere, fostering connections among peers and faculty alike.

100% accepted 49% graduate $55,045 earnings

Midland University

Fremont, NE · 1,159 students · Private nonprofit

Midland University in Fremont, Nebraska, serves a diverse student body of 1,159, giving students a chance to engage with peers from various backgrounds. While the graduation rate sits at 43%, the environment is rich with opportunities for personal growth and hands-on learning that can lead to strong career outcomes.

66% accepted 43% graduate $52,163 earnings

Midland's full profile

#23

Doane University

Crete, NE · 978 students · Private nonprofit

Doane University, located in Crete, Nebraska, hosts a tight-knit community of around 978 students. With a graduation rate of 56%, this institution emphasizes personalized education, which has led to successful outcomes, including median earnings of $53,316 a decade after students walk across the stage.

98% accepted 56% graduate $53,316 earnings

Bryan College of Health Sciences

Lincoln, NE · 553 students · Private nonprofit

At Bryan College of Health Sciences in Lincoln, Nebraska, the commitment to health education is clear, with a graduation rate of 73%. The college's focus on healthcare professions not only equips students with essential skills but also leads to impressive median earnings of $70,845 ten years after graduation, reflecting the demand for qualified professionals in this field.

67% accepted 73% graduate $70,845 earnings

Creighton University

Omaha, NE · 4,348 students · Private nonprofit

At Creighton University, located in Omaha, Nebraska, students engage in a community-focused environment that emphasizes ethical leadership and service. With a graduation rate of 82%, it’s clear that many students find support and resources to help them succeed during their college journey. The university’s commitment to academic excellence is reflected in the impressive median earnings of $73,911 ten years post-graduation, suggesting that graduates are well-prepared for the workforce. Additionally, 12% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating that Creighton is accessible to a diverse range of students from varying financial backgrounds.

80% accepted 82% graduate $73,911 earnings

Creighton's full profile

Looking closely at the data reveals some interesting patterns. For example, Mid-Plains Community College has a graduation rate of 49% and a net price of $5,235, while Western Nebraska Community College shows a lower graduation rate at 36% but a slightly higher net price of $5,474. This suggests that while both schools are affordable, one may offer a better support system for completing a degree.

After going through this list, think about what factors are most important for you or your student. Is the focus on the lowest possible cost, or is it more about outcomes like graduation rates and potential earnings? Consider your personal circumstances: location, program offerings, and campus culture can significantly impact the overall college experience. Weigh these factors against the data presented here to make an informed choice.

In the end, the decision to attend college is about more than just numbers; it's about paving the way for a stable future. Selecting a school that balances affordability with strong outcomes can mean the difference between graduating with manageable debt and facing significant financial hurdles. For one family, choosing a college with a lower net price and a solid graduation rate can lay the groundwork for a path toward economic stability.

Data Sources

U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard

Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card

Social Capital Atlas

Times Higher Education World Rankings

NCES IPEDS

Sources & Citations

[1]

U.S. Department of Education. College Scorecard Data. Federal Student Aid, National Center for Education Statistics. →

[2]

National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). →

David Krug

Co-Founder, CollegeRanker

David Krug is the co-founder of CollegeRanker and a data systems architect focused on making institutional research accessible to families. He builds the data pipelines and ranking algorithms that power CollegeRanker, drawing from federal datasets and Raj Chetty's Opportunity Insights research to measure what traditional rankings ignore: whether a college actually changes a family's economic trajectory.

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