The Best Colleges in Nebraska

The oldest public university in the state, the University of Nebraska - Lincoln enrolls over 25,000 undergraduate and graduate students on its Lincoln campuses and online. The university's 10 colleges award degrees in a wide range of fields, including journalism, law, and architecture.

For undergraduates, nearly all majors feature over a dozen optional minors. Most graduate programs at this Nebraska university also include both master's and doctoral tracks.

From the day degree-seekers start a program, they can access Nebraska's knowledgeable career coaches. These highly trained professionals work with students to discover academic strengths and possible career paths. Coaches also help learners explore internship opportunities in the Lincoln area.

Like many public colleges and universities on this ranking, Nebraska accepts GED scores. Other application materials include ACT or SAT scores.

All incoming students apply for scholarship opportunities by submitting FAFSA results. However, some competitive scholarships also require a one-page essay.

A private institution located in Omaha, Clarkson College affiliates with the Episcopal Church. The college's nine academic departments award bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, as well as certificates in areas such as community health and radiography. Some programs -- such as education and leadership -- feature an entirely online curriculum with courses capped at 25 students.

Although smaller than other schools on this ranking, Clarkson College provides many opportunities to complement learners' degrees. Students can select from more than a dozen study abroad programs, and honor societies recognize academically gifted learners who volunteer in the local community.

Clarkson College accepts new students in the spring and fall semesters. Applicants should have a minimum 2.5 high school GPA and a score of at least 20 on the ACT. However, transfer students do not submit standardized test scores.

Scholarships vary in amount and only consider incoming degree-seekers with a minimum 3.4 high school or undergraduate GPA. This Nebraska college also participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which reduces tuition for active-duty military personnel and veterans.

The only women's college on this ranking, the College of St. Mary boasts a 10-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio.

The school offers approximately 30 undergraduate majors in fields such as the humanities, psychology, and theology. Graduate programs prepare learners for careers as physician assistants, educators, and physical therapists. High school students who live near campus can participate in a dual-credit program in which they take college-level courses without leaving school.

CSM delivers many student services, including the Single Parent Success program to help young parents find health and education resources for their children. This Nebraska college also offers on-campus childcare at the Spellman Child Development Center and hosts numerous parenting workshops throughout the year.

CSM does not accept GED scores, and applicants should have a minimum 2.0 high school GPA and a score of at least 18 on the ACT or 870 on the SAT. Merit-based scholarships award between $2,000 and $6,000 per year. Student-athletes and incoming degree-seekers majoring in a STEM field may qualify for additional scholarship opportunities.

A Jesuit university situated in Omaha, Creighton University educates nearly 9,000 students. The university's 10 schools award terminal degrees in medicine, dentistry, and law. All undergraduate degree-seekers complete the Magis Core Curriculum, rigorous courses that impart knowledge and skills relevant to nearly all careers as well as graduate school.

Each year, Creighton hosts a special Welcome Week to introduce new learners to campus life and instill community values. Student engagement opportunities include dozens of clubs and organizations, fraternities and sororities, and an on-campus recreation and wellness center. Degree-seekers who need tutoring resources can visit Creighton EDGE at any point during the academic year.

Prospective students can attend a webinar that explains the application process. Creighton does not charge an application fee, and applicants should have a high school diploma. Other required materials include an essay and a high school counselor evaluation. Graduate program admission requirements vary by program.

This Nebraska university awards dozens of scholarships to freshmen and transfer students. Some scholarships use a separate application.

The University of Nebraska at Kearney offers degrees and certificates to prepare graduates for in-demand careers in fields such as education and healthcare. The university's 19 pre-professional programs feature a rigorous liberal arts education and emphasize the courses students need to enter graduate school.

Prospective distance education learners can select from dozens of entirely online bachelor's and master's programs.

UNK features multiple programs that help degree-seekers succeed academically. The Handshake and First-Year programs introduce freshmen to the university's many resources for academic support and career planning. Students can access additional resources when they become upperclassmen, including mock interviews and resume critiques.

UNK accepts GED scores, and all prospective students should take the ACT or SAT. This Nebraska university requires that transfer credit reflect a minimum 2.0 GPA.

In-state students save approximately 60% on tuition compared to out-of-state learners. Incoming degree-seekers with an excellent high school GPA and standardized test scores may qualify for the UNK Board of Regents Scholarship, which awards full tuition.

From its Lincoln campus, Nebraska Wesleyan University educates more than 2,000 students through numerous undergraduate and graduate degrees. Learners can pursue bachelor's degrees, including four accelerated undergraduate programs NWU created for working professionals. These degrees boast online and evening courses, as well as new courses that start every eight weeks.

Graduate degrees at this Nebraska university prepare learners for careers in business, education, and nursing.

Academically motivated high school juniors and seniors can apply to NWU's dual-credit program. Applicants should possess a B+ average, and these students can take college courses in a high school setting and pay a reduced per-credit tuition rate. Additionally, dual-credit learners do not pay university fees or textbook expenses.

Application requirements include a high school diploma and prerequisite courses. All incoming learners submit FAFSA results, and in-state students receive the $12,000 Nebraska-Strong Grant. Other merit-based scholarships award up to $22,000 per year, meaning that some degree-seekers pay no tuition or fees.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha enrolls over 15,000 students across more than 200 academic programs. Undergraduates can select an optional concentration or minor to pair with their major, while many programs -- such as emergency management and informational technology -- boast online learning options. The university's three Omaha campuses also offer recently updated facilities and new dormitories.

UNO's Academic Advising Council trains faculty on how to provide excellent academic and career planning advice. The university also offers a search engine that allows students to research and select an advisor. Other valuable student services at UNO include campus recreation centers and a course that introduces first-year learners to academic success skills.

UNO accepts GED scores but requires that all applicants for undergraduate programs complete specific high school prerequisite courses. Each academic department has unique GPA requirements for transfer students.

The Regents Scholarships awards full tuition to incoming degree-seekers with a minimum 30 ACT score and a high school GPA of 3.25 or above.