10 Best Colleges in Nebraska
What’s Covered:
Nebraska is a state in the midwest known for its farming, agricultural production, and natural attractions, with a couple of major cities like Lincoln and Omaha, sprinkled in. With amazing nature parks to walk through and explore, this helps students lead a very slow and peaceful lifestyle. This relaxed atmosphere is perfect for education, as Nebraska has a wide selection of different colleges and schools to choose from.
Our Ranking Methodology
Below is our list of the 10 best colleges in Nebraska. The list was constructed with a focus on school quality, outcomes, and return on investment (ROI), along with considering a host of other factors such as retention rate, selectivity, endowment per student, student-faculty ratio, median earnings, and cost of attendance. You can find CollegeVine’s rankings in their entirety if you want to see how schools across the country stack up.
Best Colleges in Nebraska
1. Creighton University
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Middle 50% SAT: 1150-1350
Middle 50% ACT: 24-30
Undergrad Enrollment: 4,458
Creighton University is a private, Jesuit institution founded in 1878 in Omaha, Nebraska. With more than 200 student organizations on campus, many students are involved in various student media outlets, including the newspaper, literary magazines, radio stations, and the thriving Greek life community on campus—including more than 10 fraternities and sororities. Ministry plays a significant role in student lives; Creighton offers ministry retreats and community service opportunities. As for education, Creighton University ranks as the #103 National University in the country. The school offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees across their nine colleges:
- College of Arts & Sciences
- College of Nursing
- College of Professional Studies
- Graduate School
- Heider College of Business
- School of Dentistry
- School of Law
- School of Medicine
- School of Pharmacy and Health Professions
Learn more about Creighton University and what it takes to get accepted.
2. University of Nebraska–Lincoln | UNL
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Acceptance Rate: 80%
Middle 50% SAT: 1130-1360
Middle 50% ACT: 22-29
Undergrad Enrollment: 20,286
University of Nebraska–Lincoln is a public institution that was founded in 1869. With over 150 majors to choose from, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is a top-tier research institution and ranked #136 out of all National Universities in the country. Aside from providing a great education, there are more than 400 student organizations to check out and a large Greek community with more than 40 fraternities and sororities on campus. The UNL athletics, known as the Huskers, compete in the NCAA Division I Big Ten Conference.
Learn more about the University of Nebraska–Lincoln | UNL and what it takes to get accepted.
3. Nebraska Wesleyan University
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Acceptance Rate: 72%
Middle 50% SAT: 1010-1270
Middle 50% ACT: 21-28
Undergrad Enrollment: 1,773
Nebraska Wesleyan University is an academic community dedicated to intellectual and personal growth within the environment of the Christian church. Nebraska Wesleyan was founded by Nebraska Methodists and actively maintains its relation to The United Methodist Church. Methodist values like excellence, diversity, community, and stewardship guide the school’s vision and teachings. The university is also ranked #1 of all Regional Universities in Nebraska. With 48 majors, 37 minors, and 16 pre-professional programs, there is something for every student to pursue.
Learn more about Nebraska Wesleyan University and what it takes to get accepted.
4. Doane University-Arts & Sciences
Location: Crete, Nebraska
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Middle 50% SAT: 930-1110
Middle 50% ACT: 20-26
Undergrad Enrollment: 1,255
Ranked as one of the best universities in Nebraska, Doane University’s College of Arts and Sciences offers affordable, world-class education, with the majority of students receiving some form of financial aid. At Doane University’s College of Arts and Sciences, students receive the advantage of small class sizes, encouraging peer interaction, and one-on-one faculty attention. Doane offers students a Four-Year Graduation Guarantee where the school covers the cost of students’ additional classes if they don’t complete their studies within the first four years.
Learn more about Doane University-Arts & Sciences and what it takes to get accepted.
5. Concordia University-Nebraska
Location: Seward, Nebraska
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Middle 50% SAT: 890-1100
Middle 50% ACT: 20-26
Undergrad Enrollment: 2,159
Founded in 1894 by The Lutheran Church, Concordia University-Nebraska is a private, coeducational institution of higher learning. More than 80% of students live on campus, as Seward is ranked as the safest community in Nebraska. Lincoln is also less than 30 minutes away. As for education, the university offers more than 70 undergraduate and 30 graduate programs offered both on-campus and online. Concordia sets students up for success; 98% of graduates were employed or attended graduate school within six months.
Learn more about Concordia University-Nebraska and what it takes to get accepted.
6. College of Saint Mary
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Middle 50% SAT: 970-1180
Middle 50% ACT: 17-23
Undergrad Enrollment: 680
College of Saint Mary is a woman’s college that is committed to developing the full mind, body, and spirit of women who attend. Women can learn to lead, make a difference, and discover a clear path to accomplish their goals. With career-focused, in-demand programs, active service programs, arts enrichment, and athletic opportunities, one can live out their college experience at College of Saint Mary in a supportive and inclusive campus.
Learn more about College of Saint Mary and what it takes to get accepted.
7. Hastings College
Location: Hastings, Nebraska
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Middle 50% SAT: 940-1130
Middle 50% ACT: 19-25
Undergrad Enrollment: 954
Hastings College is a small university in Nebraska where most classes have fewer than 20 students, with the average class size being 13 students. While it may be small, Hastings offers a wide choice of majors with more than 40 majors and over a dozen pre-professional programs, including the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, and Master of Arts in Teaching. Hastings College also has a strong study abroad program, with options for students to study in destinations like England, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, Peru, Honduras, Thailand, Canada, Russia and more.
Learn more about Hastings College and what it takes to get accepted.
8. Bellevue University
Location: Bellevue, Nebraska
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Middle 50% SAT: N/A
Middle 50% ACT: N/A
Undergrad Enrollment: 6,828
Bellevue University believes that first, second, and future chances in education are possible. Known for its adult education offerings, Bellevue pushes boundaries as a nonprofit and open-access university. Its mission is to boldly adapt and innovate in a rapidly changing higher education environment by providing career-oriented and cost-effective programs that empower students, organizations, and communities worldwide.
Learn more about Bellevue University and what it takes to get accepted.
9. University of Nebraska Omaha | UNO
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Middle 50% SAT: 1040-1240
Middle 50% ACT: N/A
Undergrad Enrollment: 12,768
University of Nebraska Omaha | UNO is a metropolitan university home to strong academic values and significant relationships that transform and improve the lives of those on a local and national level. No fences or barriers separate students from the opportunities offered by the greater Omaha area, addressing real issues, providing relevant learning opportunities, and preparing graduates for their professions. With over 400 programs across 8 colleges, there is a degree option for every student.
Learn more about the University of Nebraska Omaha | UNO and what it takes to get accepted.
10. University of Nebraska at Kearney
Location: Kearney, Nebraska
Acceptance Rate: 94%
Middle 50% SAT: 935-1120
Middle 50% ACT: 19-26
Undergrad Enrollment: 4,385
The University of Nebraska at Kearney has three colleges, 170 majors, and 20 pre-professional programs. The school has achieved national recognition for its high quality, multidimensional learning environment, engagement with the community and public interests, and preparation of students for future success. For those interested in campus life, there are more than 170 student organizations, including seven sororities and seven fraternities. Kearney itself is a friendly, bustling town with a vibrant spirit; you can find trendy coffee shops, food trucks, concerts, events, and more. Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy the biking trails, fishing spots, kayaking, and hiking nearby.
Learn more about University of Nebraska at Kearney and what it takes to get accepted.
What Are Your Chances of Acceptance?
Wondering what your odds are of admission at one of these great Nebraska schools? CollegeVine can help. Our free chancing engine uses quantitative data like grades and standardized test scores along with qualitative factors like extracurricular activities, awards, and achievements to predict your odds of acceptance at hundreds of schools all across the country.
Our chancing engine can also help you build a balanced school list of colleges inside and outside of Nebraska. By providing your odds of acceptance, you can strategically assign safety, target, and reach schools and put yourself in the best position to get into a college that fits your needs and meets your expectations. Sign up for your free CollegeVine account today to get started!
