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2023 Best Online Colleges in Nebraska

By OnlineU Staff Writers | Updated 9/21/2023
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Future students interested in online education in Nebraska have several options. Many online institutions in Nebraska provide working professionals with the flexibility to complete their degrees independently and on a budget, helping students focus more on furthering their education rather than stressing over finances. Also, if students transferred from an online community college in Nebraska or another state, they may be eligible to transfer up to 90 credits toward their online degrees at select Nebraska colleges in order to accelerate their learning experience. While attending an online Nebraska college, distance learners often have access to resources that support their learning, like academic advising, an IT help desk, an online library, tutoring, and a military members and veterans center. 

Our 2023 list includes colleges in Nebraska that deliver online degree programs and are ranked by Salary Score. View our methodology for more details about our list, or learn about OnlineU

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2023 Best Online Colleges in Nebraska

RankSchool Salary Score Online Enrollment
# 1 #1 Bellevue University 69 11,048
# 2 #2 University of Nebraska at Omaha 60 3,378
# 3 #3 University of Nebraska at Kearney 55 2,457
# 4 #4 University of Nebraska - Lincoln 54 1,954
# 5 #5 Creighton University 53 1,694
# 6 #6 Concordia University - Nebraska 51 418
# 7 #7 Wayne State College 50 845
# 8 #8 Chadron State College 49 971
# 9 #9 Peru State College 47 976
# 10 #10 University of Nebraska Medical Center 43 553

#1 Bellevue University

  • Salary Score: 69
  • Online Enrollment: 11,048
  • Locations: Bellevue
  • Accreditation: HLC

Bellevue University offers more than 75 online degree programs that are affordable and high quality. The university has online undergraduate and graduate programs delivered in small classes in a traditional format. Sample online programs include child protection and juvenile justice, management information systems, and organizational leadership.

To encourage interaction between online students, Bellevue University has forums to connect them to their peers, and every class is delivered in a cohort format. The university offers 24/7 online library services and tech support, academic advising, tutoring, a writing center, military and veterans services, and more.

#2 University of Nebraska at Omaha

  • Salary Score: 60
  • Online Enrollment: 3,378
  • Locations: Omaha
  • Accreditation: HLC

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) offers online programs that give students the convenience, flexibility, and affordability to help them succeed academically. The university provides online undergraduate and graduate degree programs, certificates, minors, and endorsements. Examples of online majors at UNO include gerontology, women’s and gender studies, and educational administration.

For students interested in online learning, UNO has an online course example they can take. Remote student support services at UNO are academic advising, an online library, a military-connected resource center, accessibility services, a writing center, and other resources.

#3 University of Nebraska at Kearney

  • Salary Score: 55
  • Online Enrollment: 2,457
  • Locations: Kearney
  • Accreditation: HLC

The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) ensures that online students receive the same quality education as traditional students. With over 50 online programs, prospective students can choose from various online undergraduate and graduate degrees and endorsements. Online degree programs at UNK include Early Childhood and Family Advocacy, Health Sciences, and Sociology.

At UNK, new students join a community of over 2,000 distance learners and a low student-to-faculty ratio. UNK offers online student resources like tech support, advising, an online library, and an online bookstore.

#4 University of Nebraska - Lincoln

  • Salary Score: 54
  • Online Enrollment: 1,954
  • Locations: Lincoln
  • Accreditation: HLC

The University of Nebraska - Lincoln (UNL) is a member of the Big Ten Conference, the Big Ten academic Alliance, and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. It’s also an R1 research university. UNL offers online degree programs at all levels in fields such as early childhood education, biological sciences, natural resources, and marketing. Online bachelor’s degree programs require 120 credit hours and are usually completed in four years. Through UNL’s academic partnerships, students have access to extensive library collections, leadership and development programs, and online programs from partnered institutions. UNL has an acceptance rate of 81% and a graduation rate of 67%.

At UNL, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which may be either synchronous or asynchronous, depending on the course. Online students have access to digital libraries, success coaching, academic advising, and tutoring, to name a few resources. UNL does its best to provide every resource possible to support its students, both in-person and online students.

#5 Creighton University

  • Salary Score: 53
  • Online Enrollment: 1,694
  • Locations: Omaha
  • Accreditation: HLC

Creighton University (CU) is a Jesuit University and part of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities (AJCU). CU believes that students should find God in all things, become agents of change, and serve as part of something greater than themselves. CU offers online graduate programs for students who wish to continue their education. This 30-credit program can be completed fully online in about two years. Online programs include fields such as business, health, education, leadership, and ministry. CU accepts 78% of students and 72% of the university’s students graduate.

At CU, students use Blueline, a learning management system made for the university, to access their coursework. Online students have access to all university resources, such as the library, tutoring services, and academic advising. CU is guided by the living mission of the Catholic church, but also hosts several LGBTQ+ professional and student associations, along with resources for students of color, women, and other minority groups.

#6 Concordia University - Nebraska

  • Salary Score: 51
  • Online Enrollment: 418
  • Locations: Seward
  • Accreditation: HLC

Concordia University - Nebraska (CUN) is a Lutheran, Christ-centered institution that emphasizes the Gospel in higher education and implements a Lutheran Guarantee to provide 100% of full time undergraduate students with financial aid. CUN offers several online master’s programs that range from 30 to 50 credit hours. Fields of study include education, healthcare administration, finance, and marketing. CUN’s online programs are self-paced and online, so students can earn their degrees on their own schedule. With an acceptance rate of 85% and a graduation rate of 62%, CUN prides itself on being a challenging but supportive institution that supports its students’ success.

At CUN, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is entirely online and asynchronous. Online students have access to the university library, tutoring services, counseling services, and academic advising.

Importantly CUN is not an LGBT-friendly school. CUN’s student handbook explicitly forbids “active involvement in a homosexual lifestyle” and warns that anyone participating in those activities will receive disciplinary punishment.

#7 Wayne State College

  • Salary Score: 50
  • Online Enrollment: 845
  • Locations: Wayne
  • Accreditation: HLC

Prospective online learners can pursue online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs at Wayne State College (WSC). WSC has several online majors students can choose from across multiple specialties. Some of the online majors available at WSC include business management, curriculum and instruction, and special education.

WSC allows online students to transfer up to 90 credit hours from an accredited institution to accelerate the length of their online degrees. In addition, WSC provides affordable and flexible online programs for distance learners. WSC’s student support includes academic advising, writing help, disability services, and counseling.

#8 Chadron State College

  • Salary Score: 49
  • Online Enrollment: 971
  • Locations: Chadron
  • Accreditation: HLC

Chadron State College (CSC Online) offers online undergraduate and graduate degree programs. CSC Online’s courses are delivered in an 8-week format to help students accelerate their programs. The online degree programs offered at CSC Online include mathematics, psychological sciences, and athletic training.

All online degrees at CSC Online have a flat rate, so there’s no out-of-state tuition. Online students at CSC Online get 24/7 online support whenever they need assistance. Online student resources at CSC Online are disability services, counseling, career and internship services, and an online library.

#9 Peru State College

  • Salary Score: 47
  • Online Enrollment: 976
  • Locations: Peru
  • Accreditation: HLC

For more than 20 years, Peru State College has been delivering online education programs. The college provides affordable and flexible online degree programs to fit students' unique needs. Some online degree programs available at Peru include business administration in finance, criminal justice in counseling, and entrepreneurial and economic development.

Online students who’ve taken college courses may be able to transfer up to 90 credit hours toward their online degree in Peru. In addition, Peru provides students with one-on-one faculty interaction to create a more personalized learning experience. Peru offers online student resources like academic advising, tutoring, career services, a bookstore, writing assistance, and IT support.

#10 University of Nebraska Medical Center

  • Salary Score: 43
  • Online Enrollment: 553
  • Locations: Omaha
  • Accreditation: HLC

The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is a large, public institution that offers online degrees of varying levels in fields such as biostatistics, health administration, and perfusion science. Nearly half of Nebraska’s doctors, dental professionals, pharmacists, nurses, and allied health professionals have graduated from UNMC, and UNMC’s percentage of graduates practicing in rural areas is tied for seventh in the nation. Overall, 85% of students graduate from UNMC within 2-4 years.

At UNMC, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is entirely online and asynchronous. UNMC has a robust eLearning program that includes digital equipment, EZStudio video recording, e-learning scorecards, and funded awards. Since 2013, the Funded Awards Program has funded 127 projects, created 260 modules, and supported 559 participants. Online students should expect to spend 9-15 hours a week working on classwork, which includes recorded lectures, readings, weekly discussions, research, and projects.

#11 Clarkson College

  • Salary Score: N/A
  • Online Enrollment: 697
  • Locations: Omaha
  • Accreditation: HLC

Clarkson College promises online students reliable online education and support. The college offers online undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Examples of Clarkson College’s online degrees include healthcare business management, RN to BSN, and community health.

If prospective students are looking for a more intimate online learning environment, Clarkson’s classes typically have a 25:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Clarkson is constantly providing updates, launching new features, and providing tech support to ensure online students have a great distance learning experience. Remote student resources at Clarkson College include a virtual bookstore, a digital library, career services, disability accommodations, tutoring, a writing lab, mentoring, and counseling.

#12 Nebraska Methodist College

  • Salary Score: N/A
  • Online Enrollment: 442
  • Locations: Omaha
  • Accreditation: HLC

Nebraska Methodist College (NMC) offers several online health-focused degree programs for students wanting to pursue health careers. Online students can choose between certificates, associate, bachelor's, and doctoral degrees that are delivered online at this Methodist college. Some online programs offered at NMC include RN to BSN, imaging science, and healthcare management, to name a few options.

Interestingly, NMC’s online degree programs allow distance learners to complete some online courses at partnering institutions if they are unavailable at NMC. Online student support at NMC includes tutoring, writing assistance, supplemental instruction, disability services, advising, and mentoring.

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Higher Education in Nebraska

Nebraska is home to 33 colleges with degree programs. Students can enroll in everything from certificates and associate degrees at Nebraska community colleges to bachelor's and graduate degrees at large universities. Nearly half of these institutions are in the Omaha or Lincoln metropolitan areas, and most of the rest are in rural or small town settings.

A sizable portion of Nebraska's college-educated residents have left for other states in recent years. This trend may challenge Nebraska's economy because most of its projected job growth is in occupations that require a college degree. Therefore, there is likely to be a great deal of opportunity for educated employees in the Cornhusker State.

Many Nebraska colleges offer online degree programs to students looking for flexible study options. Most online degrees let students complete coursework at convenient times instead of attending live classes, which can help them balance school with work and other obligations.

Read through our lists of online MSW programs in Nebraska and online nursing programs in Nebraska if you're interested in helping fill the case worker and nursing gaps in this state.

FAQs About Online Colleges in Nebraska

How Many Colleges Are in Nebraska?


There are 33 degree-granting schools in Nebraska. The largest of these is the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. You can find online degree programs at UN but also at small, private colleges and everything in between.

Can I Go to College for Free in Nebraska?


You might be able to attend college at no cost if you use a combination of financial aid. One possible route is through the Nebraska Promise program. The Nebraska Promise grants free tuition to Nebraska residents studying for an undergraduate degree at one of the University of Nebraska institutions (either on campus or online). Recipients must meet requirements for financial need, study full time, and maintain a 2.5 GPA.

How Many Public Colleges Are in Nebraska?


Sixteen of Nebraska's colleges are publicly funded. This includes a number of community colleges and tribal colleges and universities.

How Much Is College in Nebraska?


College costs differ by school, but we can use the following average average tuition and fee rates from the National Center for Education Statistics to get an idea.

  • Public four-year college, in-state resident: $8,761
  • Public four-year college, out-of-state resident: $22,277
  • Private four-year college: $24,985
  • Public two-year college, in-state resident: $3,179
  • Public two-year college, out-of-state resident: $3,956

These averages are all for the 2020-2021 academic year, so prices have most likely increased since then.

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