Best Online Colleges in Nebraska

Established in 1869, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln remains a leader in higher education. While students may enroll in a traditional program on campus, the university also provides engaging online programs for students who require flexible access to coursework.

UNL offers dozens of online undergraduate and graduate programs in cutting-edge fields such as media studies, education, and agriculture. UNL also offers notable minors in animal science or leadership and communications.

For instance, learners can complete an online bachelor of science in early childhood education in a mobile society. This unique degree prepares graduates to work with children and families who are highly mobile, such as parents who need to travel for a living, homeless children, or military families. This 120-credit program includes 33 general education credits, 45 core course credits, and 42 elective credits.

On average, students can earn their degree in four years of full-time attendance. However, the school accepts transfer credits from accredited colleges and universities, which can shorten students' time commitment.

Established in 1891 in Omaha, Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing and Allied Health is a private institution affiliated with the Methodist Health System. With around 1,000 students, the school offers small class sizes and hands-on instruction across all on-campus and online courses.

One of the best online colleges in Nebraska, NMC provides undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, including a master of science in nursing. This advanced degree prepares graduates for leadership roles in the field, and students can choose from the RN-to-MSN nurse educator, executive, or informatics tracks. NMC also offers an MSN nurse executive or nursing informatics path for students who already hold a bachelor's degree. Notable courses include collaborative nursing leadership in a global society and critical appraisal of knowledge for practice.

These online programs require 21-30 months of study with full-time attendance and no in-person requirements. NMC holds programmatic accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Located in Lincoln, Bryan College of Health Sciences is a private nonprofit institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The school offers postsecondary coursework to prepare learners for a variety of careers in the health field. With low student-to-faculty ratios and extensive opportunities for hands-on learning, Bryan is one of the best online colleges in Nebraska.

Distance learners can choose from completely online programs or hybrid programs that offer a 75% online and 25% in-person attendance ratio. For instance, the 100% online, 128-credit RN-to-BSN program includes 43 pre-licensure credits, 62 general education credits, and 23 nursing credits. Students complete courses in research and evidence-based practice in nursing, issues and trends for practicing nurses, and health assessment across the lifespan.

Students access digital coursework through the Canvas online learning management system. The RN-to-BSN program at Bryan College of Health Sciences meets the standards of the Nebraska State Board of Nursing. Transfer students may apply, though the school only accepts coursework from accredited colleges and universities.

Based in Omaha, Creighton University is private nonprofit university rooted in the Jesuit tradition. The school's nearly 9,000 students pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees across nine schools and colleges. With a commitment to academic excellence and Catholic values and traditions, Creighton is one of the best online colleges in Nebraska.

Creighton offers over 30 online degrees and certificate programs in fields such as leadership, healthcare, business, and ministry. For example, the 128-credit emergency medical services online degree completion pathway includes 29 core course credits, 18 credits of leadership studies credits, 15 EMS credits, one credit of interpersonal collaborative care, and three EMS capstone portfolio credits. Notable courses include ethical dimensions of leadership, biblical tradition, and foundations of philosophical ideas. Students complete their degree with a culminating project.

Students may transfer credits from accredited schools. Degree completion programs often require learners to already have a certain number of college-level credits. Eligibility requirements for the emergency medical services degree include a minimum 2.75 GPA, three years of clinical paramedic practice, and current national registry of an EMT paramedic certification.

Founded in 1966, Bellevue University enrolls more than 9,000 students through its main campus, locations in four states, and online. The diverse student body hails from all 50 states and multiple countries around the world. Military members can take advantage of BU's three Air Force base learning centers.

Online students can choose from more than 75 programs at the bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. For example, the online bachelor of science in child protection and juvenile justice prepares graduates to address crisis situations that include adolescents. The 127-credit program includes 36 general education credits, 40 credits in the major, and 51 elective credits.

Bellevue's online programs use an asynchronous format, meaning students can complete coursework when it fits their schedule. Distance learners also benefit from comprehensive IT support, an online library, dedicated writing and tutoring support, and online forums to connect with their peers.

Established in 1905 on 20 acres of land, the University of Nebraska at Kearney is the oldest school in the state. Today, UNK offers 120 undergraduate programs, 22 pre-professional programs, and 27 graduate degrees across its three colleges. UNK's nearly 10,000 learners benefit from small class sizes and a 14-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Online learners can choose from dozens of fully online undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as endorsements, minors, certificates, and professional development courses. For instance, the UNK bachelor of science in organizational and relational communication comprehensive prepares graduates to navigate complex collaborative efforts in organizational settings. The 45-credit program includes 33 organizational communication credits and 12 mass communication credits.

UNK delivers asynchronous coursework through the Canvas online learning management system and gives students the flexibility to complete coursework around their schedules. Assignments often include discussion posts, projects, essays, and exams. Additionally, UNK offers online students access to dedicated tutoring and a writing center. Students may also use the digital library and technology support.

Located in the heart of the city, the University of Nebraska Omaha is a comprehensive research institution that provides bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs across six colleges. The school also offers a robust selection of fully online degrees in fields such as religious studies, sociology, cybersecurity, and political science.

Learners at UNO can choose from either fully online degrees or blended delivery programs in which at least 64% of coursework is available online. For instance, the 60-credit bachelor of science in gerontology is a fully online program that includes 24 gerontology core credits, nine gerontology elective credits, three gerontology practicum credits, three statistics credits, three research methods credits, and 18 concentration credits. The practicum course requires at least 156 hours of in-person experience at an approved site.

Distance learners complete coursework through the Canvas learning management system. Assignments include essays, exams, discussion boards, and group work. Distance learners can access over 200 digital databases, librarian support, and online tutoring. UNO accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions.

Founded in 1911, Chadron State College offers more than 50 undergraduate and eight graduate degrees across four schools. The school enrolls nearly 2,500 students each year, with an average class size of 14 students, giving learners ample opportunity for hands-on instruction and learning.

Chadron offers multiple degrees fully online, including a bachelor of arts in psychological studies. Students in this program complete 36 core credits, then choose a 21-credit minor in either psychology or social psychology and personality systems. Notable courses include measurement and research design, theories of personality, and history of psychology. Students should note that this program also includes an internship experience and independent research.

Chadron uses an accelerated, eight-week format for distance courses. The learning center offers online tutoring by appointment. Distance learners can also access career services and technical support. Chadron accepts transfer students from accredited institutions and does not charge out-of-state tuition or additional fees.

Established in 1891 as a teacher's college, today Wayne State College offers more than 130 programs across 15 departments and four schools. This top online college in Nebraska enrolls over 3,500 students each year from 36 states and 33 countries. A 20-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio preserves small class sizes and individualized instruction.

Graduate students who wish to pursue leadership roles in business can earn their MBA online with no in-person attendance. This 30-credit program includes 24 core credits and six elective hours. Wayne State also offers a concentration in public accounting, which requires an additional six hours. Notable courses include seminar in organizational behavior, managerial communications, and dispute resolution management.

Distance coursework typically follows an asynchronous format, allowing students to complete assignments on their own time within deadline dates. Wayne State uses the Canvas online learning management system to administer coursework.