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2023 Most Popular Schools in Nebraska

39 Schools Ranked
$44,616 Average Earnings
$24,924 Avg Student Debt

A student has lots of options to pick from when considering higher education opportunities. With more and more schools offering online options, you could even register for a great program on the other side of the country. On top of that, there are a considerable number of trade schools and bootcamps that offer fast-track entry to many fields.

Along with in-depth profiles of schools and the programs they offer, Course Advisor has created the Most Popular Schools in Nebraska to help you in your search for the best school for you. Our analysis looked at 39 schools in Nebraska to see which programs were the most popular for students. To create this ranking we looked at how many students graduated from each school on the list.

Learn more about these popular schools below:

#1

University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Lincoln, Nebraska
6,179 Total Awards
$44,380 Average Earnings
$21,763 Avg Student Debt

Our analysis found University of Nebraska - Lincoln to be the most popular school for students in Nebraska. This large public school is located in Lincoln, Nebraska, and it awarded 6,179 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from UNL accumulate an average of $21,763 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $298, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UNL, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,380 during the early years of their career. Around 49% of those degree recipients were women.

Full University of Nebraska - Lincoln Report

3,611 Total Awards
$43,015 Average Earnings
$22,890 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 39 schools in Nebraska that were part of this year’s ranking, University of Nebraska at Omaha landed the # 2 spot on the list. Located in Omaha, Nebraska, the fairly large public school handed out 3,611 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,890 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $158, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UNOMAHA, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $43,015 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 58% were women.

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#3

Bellevue University

Bellevue, Nebraska
3,533 Total Awards
$54,053 Average Earnings
$29,741 Avg Student Debt

A rank of #3 on this year’s list means Bellevue University is a great place for students. Bellevue University is located in Bellevue, Nebraska and has a fairly large student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 3,533 degrees to qualified students.

Degree recipients from Bellevue University accumulate an average of $29,741 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Bellevue University graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $54,053 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 53% were women.

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#4

Creighton University

Omaha, Nebraska
2,878 Total Awards
$58,756 Average Earnings
$25,325 Avg Student Debt

Out of the 39 schools in Nebraska that were part of this year’s ranking, Creighton University landed the # 4 spot on the list. Located in Omaha, Nebraska, the medium-sized private not-for-profit school handed out 2,878 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $25,325 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $518, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Creighton graduates make an average of $58,756 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

Full Creighton University Report

#5

Central Community College

Grand Island, Nebraska
2,747 Total Awards
$35,791 Average Earnings
$10,096 Avg Student Debt

You’ll be in good company if you attend Central Community College. The school came in at #5 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Nebraska list. Located in Grand Island, Nebraska, the medium-sized public school handed out 2,747 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Central Community College accumulate an average of $10,096 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. Once they receive their degree, Central Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $35,791 during the early year of their career. Around 46% of those degree recipients were women.

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1,876 Total Awards
$37,258 Average Earnings
$13,886 Avg Student Debt

Metropolitan Community College ranked #6 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Nebraska list. Located in Omaha, Nebraska, the fairly large public school handed out 1,876 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $13,886 in student loans.After graduating from MCC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $37,258 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 52% were women.

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1,448 Total Awards
$39,814 Average Earnings
$22,258 Avg Student Debt

University of Nebraska at Kearney did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #7 on the list. UNK is a medium-sized public school situated in Kearney, Nebraska. It awarded 1,448 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,258 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $153 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, UNK graduates make an average of $39,814 annually. Around 66% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on University of Nebraska at Kearney

#8

Southeast Community College Area

Lincoln, Nebraska
1,330 Total Awards
$38,034 Average Earnings
$17,221 Avg Student Debt

Southeast Community College Area did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #8 on the list. Southeast Community College is a public institution located in Lincoln, Nebraska. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 1,330 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $17,221 in loans while pursuing their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $150. Once they receive their degree, Southeast Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $38,034 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 47% were women.

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#9

Concordia University, Nebraska

Seward, Nebraska
1,272 Total Awards
$45,364 Average Earnings
$24,880 Avg Student Debt

Concordia University, Nebraska came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Nebraska ranking. Located in Seward, Nebraska, the small private not-for-profit school awarded 1,272 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $24,880 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Concordia University, Nebraska, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $45,364 during the early years of their career. Around 76% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Concordia University, Nebraska Report

1,202 Total Awards
$84,128 Average Earnings
$20,903 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #10, University of Nebraska Medical Center did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. UNMC is a public institution located in Omaha, Nebraska. The school has a small population, and it awarded 1,202 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $20,903 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $236, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from UNMC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $84,128 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 74% were women.

Full University of Nebraska Medical Center Report

#11

Northeast Community College

Norfolk, Nebraska
972 Total Awards
$34,151 Average Earnings
$13,035 Avg Student Debt

Northeast Community College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #11 on the list. Northeast Community College is a medium-sized public school located in Norfolk, Nebraska that handed out 972 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Northeast accumulate an average of $13,035 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. During the early years of their career, Northeast graduates make an average of $34,151 annually. Around 51% of those degree recipients were women.

Full Northeast Community College Report

#12

Wayne State College

Wayne, Nebraska
934 Total Awards
$42,000 Average Earnings
$21,937 Avg Student Debt

Wayne State College came in at #12 in this year’s edition of the Most Popular Schools in Nebraska ranking. Located in Wayne, Nebraska, the small public school awarded 934 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $21,937 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from WSC, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $42,000 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

Read full report on Wayne State College

#13

Doane University

Crete, Nebraska
689 Total Awards
$40,305 Average Earnings
$30,859 Avg Student Debt

Doane University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #13 on the list. Doane Crete is located in Crete, Nebraska and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 689 degrees to qualified students.

On average, students take out $30,859 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $269, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, Doane Crete graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $40,305 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

Read full report on Doane University

#14

Nebraska Wesleyan University

Lincoln, Nebraska
496 Total Awards
$45,410 Average Earnings
$27,239 Avg Student Debt

Nebraska Wesleyan University landed the #14 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. This small private not-for-profit school is located in Lincoln, Nebraska, and it awarded 496 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $27,239 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $534, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. Once they receive their degree, NWU graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $45,410 during the early year of their career. Around 62% of those degree recipients were women.

Read full report on Nebraska Wesleyan University

#15

Chadron State College

Chadron, Nebraska
491 Total Awards
$44,696 Average Earnings
$22,709 Avg Student Debt

Chadron State College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #15 on the list. Chadron, Nebraska is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 491 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $22,709 in student loans.After graduating from Chadron State College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $44,696 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 60% were women.

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#16

Mid-Plains Community College

North Platte, Nebraska
420 Total Awards
$33,959 Average Earnings
$14,135 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #16, Mid-Plains Community College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. North Platte, Nebraska is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out degrees to 420 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $14,135 in student loans. Once they receive their degree, Mid-Plains Community College graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $33,959 during the early year of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 61% were women.

Read full report on Mid-Plains Community College

#17

Midland University

Fremont, Nebraska
385 Total Awards
$45,838 Average Earnings
$27,319 Avg Student Debt

Midland University did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #17 on the list. Midland U is located in Fremont, Nebraska and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 385 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,319 in student loans. Those who take out this much in loans have to make a monthly payment of about $295 if they are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Midland U graduates make an average of $45,838 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

Read full report on Midland University

#18

Peru State College

Peru, Nebraska
372 Total Awards
$37,169 Average Earnings
$27,366 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #18, Peru State College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Peru State is located in Peru, Nebraska and has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 372 degrees to qualified students.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $27,366 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Peru State graduates make an average of $37,169 annually. Of those students who received their degree, 63% were women.

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379 Total Awards
$56,311 Average Earnings
$33,366 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #19, Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Nebraska Methodist College is a private not-for-profit institution located in Omaha, Nebraska. The school has a small population, and it awarded 379 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $33,366 in loans while pursuing their degree. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $186, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan.After graduating from Nebraska Methodist College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $56,311 during the early years of their career. Around 88% of those degree recipients were women.

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#20

Clarkson College

Omaha, Nebraska
342 Total Awards
$71,813 Average Earnings
$30,558 Avg Student Debt

Clarkson College did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #20 on the list. Clarkson College is a small private not-for-profit school located in Omaha, Nebraska that handed out 342 degrees in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $30,558 in student loans. During the early years of their career, Clarkson College graduates make an average of $71,813 annually. Around 88% of those degree recipients were women.

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#21

College of Saint Mary

Omaha, Nebraska
319 Total Awards
$49,946 Average Earnings
$20,105 Avg Student Debt

College of Saint Mary landed the #21 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Saint Mary is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Omaha, Nebraska. It awarded 319 degrees in 2020-2021.

Degree recipients from Saint Mary accumulate an average of $20,105 in student debt by the time they complete their degree. For those students on a 10-year repayment plan, the average payment due each month is around $306. Once they receive their degree, Saint Mary graduates enter the workforce, making an average salary of $49,946 during the early year of their career. Around 97% of those degree recipients were women.

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#22

Hastings College

Hastings, Nebraska
299 Total Awards
$36,308 Average Earnings
$22,689 Avg Student Debt

With a ranking of #22, Hastings College did quite well on this year’s most popular schools for students working. Hastings is a very small private not-for-profit school situated in Hastings, Nebraska. It awarded 299 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $22,689 in loans while pursuing their degree.After graduating from Hastings, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $36,308 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 54% were women.

Read full report on Hastings College

#23

Western Nebraska Community College

Scottsbluff, Nebraska
249 Total Awards
$16,872 Avg Student Debt

Western Nebraska Community College ranked #23 on this year’s Most Popular Schools in Nebraska list. Located in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, the small public school handed out 249 degrees in 2020-2021.

On average, students take out $16,872 in loans while pursuing their degree. Of those students who received their degree, 51% were women.

Read full report on Western Nebraska Community College

#24

Union College Nebraska

Lincoln, Nebraska
233 Total Awards
$58,962 Average Earnings
$29,084 Avg Student Debt

Union College Nebraska did quite well in this year’s ranking of the most popular places for students. It came in at #24 on the list. Lincoln, Nebraska is the setting for this very small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out degrees to 233 students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $29,084 in student loans.After graduating from Union College, students go on to jobs where they make an average of $58,962 during the early years of their career. Of those students who received their degree, 68% were women.

Full Union College Nebraska Report

#25

Bryan College of Health Sciences

Lincoln, Nebraska
160 Total Awards
$91,243 Average Earnings
$32,079 Avg Student Debt

Bryan College of Health Sciences landed the #25 spot in the 2023 rankings for the most popular programs. Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, the very small private not-for-profit school awarded 160 diplomas to qualifed students in 2020-2021.

By the time they get their degree, students from this school have racked up an average of $32,079 in student loans. If you borrow this amount, expect your monthly student loan payment to be around $234, assuming you are on a 10-year repayment plan. During the early years of their career, Bryan College of Health Sciences graduates make an average of $91,243 annually. Around 87% of those degree recipients were women.

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Notes and References

Footnotes

*These averages are for the top 25 schools only.

References

  • The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) serves as the core of our data about colleges.
  • Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
  • Information about the national average student loan default rate is from the U.S. Department of Education and refers to data about the 2016 borrower cohort tracking period for which the cohort default rate (CDR) was 10.1%.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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