This article features school rankings for the top online colleges in Nebraska.
For a flexible college experience, many students are choosing to pursue a college education online. Online degree programs allow you to forgo the strict scheduling involved with attending school on campus. Instead, you can often take classes at your own pace when it is convenient for you. Additionally, you can study from anywhere in the world. Have you ever considered attending one of the top Nebraska colleges? With online programs, you can, no matter where you live!
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Prospective students considering an online college may find this list helpful. Below is our ranking of the top online universities and colleges in Nebraska.
Methodology for the Top Online Colleges in Nebraska
To find the ten best Nebraska online universities, we consulted NCES College Navigator. First, we looked for accredited institutions offering undergraduate or graduate degrees. We also included those online schools offering professional certificates. Then, we created school rankings for the top online Nebraska colleges based on affordability.
Please note that the tuition listed is based on the cost per academic year for undergraduate students. The costs can differ for out-of-state students and those pursuing a graduate online degree. However, some of the top online schools in Nebraska offer the same tuition costs for in-state and out-of-state students.
These online schools are all regionally accredited. And each has had its non-profit status verified.
See also: Nonprofit vs For-Profit Colleges
School Rankings: Best Online Colleges in Nebraska
| School | Tuition | |
| 1. | Wayne State College | $7,786 |
| 2. | Chadron State College | $7,834 |
| 3. | Peru State College | $7,920 |
| 4. | University of Nebraska at Kearney | $7,984 |
| 5. | University of Nebraska-Omaha | $8,136 |
| 6. | Bellevue University | $8,790 |
| 7. | University of Nebraska-Lincoln | $9,872 |
| 8. | York University | $20,900 |
| 9. | Concordia University-Nebraska | $37,720 |
| 10. | Creighton University | $45,590 |
Online School Rankings: Best Online Universities in Nebraska
1. Wayne State College
Wayne, Nebraska
Wayne State College is a public college and part of the NSC system. Located in Wayne, Nebraska, it has a student population of around 4,500. The school is known for its affordability, friendly atmosphere, and academic excellence. This comprehensive university has more than 13 colleges and schools. And it features more than 370 academic programs. The school only offers three online bachelor’s programs. However, the ecampus at Wayne State College features over 25 online graduate programs. The online bachelor’s programs are only $299 per credit hour. They can be taken as a BA or a BS and include:
- Criminal Justice
- Business Management
- Human Resource Management Online
No GMAT/GRE is required for admission to the master’s programs. And they are affordable at just $350-$380 per credit hour. Some of the master’s online degree programs include:
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Business and Information Technology Education
- Early Childhood Education
- Family and Consumer Sciences Education
- Industrial Technology Education
- School Administration Athletic Administration
- Special Education Supervision
- MBA
- Human Resource Management
- Public Accounting
- Supply Chain Management
- Organizational Management
- Human Performance and Wellness Management
- Public Relations Management
- Public Affairs
- Sport and Recreation Management
- Interdisciplinary Studies
The Interdisciplinary Studies Program allows online students to gain skills in emerging specializations. Distance learners can direct their studies toward specific career goals. Then, they combine online courses from two or more programs and create an academic path that works for them.
The Wayne State ecampus offers many resources for its online learners. For example, all online learners have access to academic advising and coaching. And writing help and free tutoring is available for most subjects. Other resources on the ecampus at Wayne State include:
- Online Library
- Disability Services
- Career and Personal Coaching
- Assistance in Applying for Federal Student Aid
- Person Telehealth Mental Counseling
- Technology Help
WSC offers a high-quality online education and is the most affordable school on our list. That makes it our top choice for some of the best online degrees in Nebraska.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $7,786
Financial Aid Available? Yes
Related: Best Online Graduate Schools
2. Chadron State College
Chadron, Nebraska
Chadron State College is a public institution. And it is a member of the Nebraska State College System. Founded in 1911, the school serves about 2,200 students. The school features 60 majors, and several are offered online. Chadron features eight undergraduate online programs. And there are five online graduate degree options with 24 pathways. A student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1 makes CSC one of the best Nebraska online colleges. The eight online bachelor’s degree programs include:
- Applied Sciences in Technical Occupations
- Business
- Education
- Family & Consumer Sciences
- Geoscience
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Mathematics
- Psychological Sciences
Some components of the Geoscience program require distance learners to attend in person. This is also true for the master’s online degree programs. In addition, many of them may have short residency requirements. Prospective online students should be sure to inquire about any required travel before they enroll. The online degrees for graduate students include:
- Arts in Education
- Education
- MBA
- Organizational Management
- Athletic Training
Chadron uses Canvas as its online learning management system. Online learners complete coursework in the virtual learning environment. However, distance learners will get to engage with their classmates and instructors regularly. The online courses are taught by the same esteemed instructors that teach on campus. And you will earn the same degree. Out-of-state students pay the same low cost as in-state students.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $7,984
Financial Aid Available? Yes
Related: Affordable Nonprofit Online Colleges
3. Peru State College
Peru, Nebraska
Peru State College is a four-year public university. The school offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. Located in Peru, Nebraska, it has a student population of about 2,000. The school was founded in 1865. It is the first and oldest college in Nebraska. Peru offers a wide range of majors, several of which can be completed online. The bachelor’s degrees online include:
- MBA in Accounting
- MBA in Healthcare
- MBA in Finance
- MBA in Computer Management Information Systems (CMIS)
- MBAin Management Applied Science (BAS)
- MBA in Marketing
- MBA in Management
- MBA in Public Administration
- MBA in Human Resources and Risk Management
- Criminal Justice in Administration
- Criminal Justice in Counseling
- Criminal Justice in Legal Studies
- Psychology
Peru State also offers two online programs for graduate students. These programs can be tailored according to your goals and interests. You can customize each program with specializations and specific coursework. They include:
- Master of Science in Education (MSED) – Curriculum and Instruction
- Master of Science in Organizational Management (MSOM)
These flexible programs are convenient and designed for busy working adults. Classes are asynchronous with no set login times. There are also multiple start dates per year. Additionally, it’s easy to get started. There is no application fee. And transfer students and first-timers enjoy a simple enrollment process.
Pricing is straightforward as well. Undergraduate online programs are less than $300 per credit hour. Graduate online programs are under $400 per credit hour. There are no additional fees.
Peru accepts up to 90 hours of credit from another accredited four-year college. Transfer students can bring up to 66 credits from a community college.
The virtual classroom environment takes place through the Canvas learning management system. All online learners will have academic advising to encourage them throughout the program. In addition, Peru offers free online tutoring, career services, tech support, and more.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $7,984
Financial Aid Available? Yes
4. University of Nebraska at Kearney
Kearney, Nebraska
The University of Nebraska at Kearney is a public university established in 1905. Located in Kearney, it is part of the University of Nebraska system. UNK serves around 6,200 students each year. The school is known for its scholarship, public service, and excellent graduate education. For a public university, it has an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1. That makes it rank as a top online school in Nebraska.
The school offers bachelor’s, master’s, and certificate programs. Students can choose from around 175 majors. In addition, many of UNK’s programs can be completely 100% online. Some of the fully online bachelor’s degree programs include:
- Applied Health Sciences
- Business Administration
- Communication Studies
- Criminal Justice
- Early Childhood and Family Advocacy
- Family Science
- History
- Psychology
- Social Work
- Sociology
UNK also offers over 40 online master’s degrees. A few of the programs may require short on-campus residencies. Some of the online programs for graduate distance learners at UNK include:
- Art Education
- Biology
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Educational Administration
- General Kinesiology and Sport Sciences
- Health Sciences
- Higher Education Student Affairs
- History
- Learning, Design, and Technology
- MBA
- English
- Music Education
- Public Communication
- Long-Term Care Management
- School Counseling
The school also offers close to 20 online educational endorsements. Additionally, on-campus students at UNK can also choose from over 500 courses taught online.
UNK Online offers the same degree you would receive as an on-campus student. Class sizes are small, and the full-time faculty is committed to academic excellence. Distance learners will form a close-knit, supportive community with peers from all over the world. And they will enjoy a personalized online education. University of Nebraska at Kearney is also one of the most affordable online colleges on our list. In-state students pay less than $8,000 per academic year.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $7,984
Financial Aid Available? Yes
5. University of Nebraska-Omaha
Omaha, Nebraska
University of Nebraska Omaha is a four-year public research university. Founded in 1908, the school is known for its academic values and strong ties to the community. Around 15,000 students attend this large college. It offers nationally recognized bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. There are over 200 programs in all. And the school has an impressive catalog of fully online degree programs. That makes it one of the best online colleges in Nebraska. Some of the undergraduate featured online programs at the University of Nebraska at Omaha include:
- Business Administration
- Human Resources Management
- Logistics & Supply Chain Management
- Criminology & Criminal Justice
- Education – Library Science
- Emergency Management
- Intelligence and Security
- Logistics Management
- Nonprofit Management
- Tribal Management & Emergency Services
- Management Information Systems
- Multidisciplinary Studies
- Political Science
- Religion
- Sociology
- Women’s and Gender Studies
Many of these programs have multiple areas of concentration. This allows students to tailor a program that meets their educational and professional goals. The same is true with the online master’s degrees. Some of the online graduate programs include:
- Counseling
- Computer Science Education
- Criminology & Criminal Justice
- Critical and Creative Thinking
- Cybersecurity
- Educational Leadership
- Elementary Education
- Gerontology
- History and Government
- Music
- Political Science
- Public Administration
- Social Work
- Special Education
- Writing
UNO also offers many undergraduate and graduate online endorsements and certificates. And there is one doctoral program online. It’s a Doctor of Education in Educational Administration.
Coursework may be asynchronous, synchronous, or both, depending on the program. The school uses Canvas as its online learning management system. Students can complete their work on any device, including a mobile phone. The college features excellent support resources for its online students. Some of these include:
- Academic Advising
- UNO Libraries
- Military-Connected Resource Center
- Academic and Career Development Center
- Accessibility Services Center
- Free Tutoring
- Writing Center
- Speech Center
- Computer Science Learning Center
- Gender & Sexuality Resource Center
- Multicultural Affairs
- Office of Research and Creative Activity
- Service Learning Academy
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $20,900
Financial Aid Available? Yes
6. Bellevue University
Bellevue, Nebraska
Bellevue University is a private on-campus and online college in Bellevue, Nebraska. This nonprofit university has been offering remote degree programs for almost 25 years. It is known as one of the best online colleges in Nebraska. Students can choose from over 80 career-focused programs. Depending on your needs, these programs can be completed on-campus, 100% online, or a mix of both. Some of the online undergraduate degrees at this Nebraska online college include:
- Behavioral Science
- Business Analytics
- Child Protection and Juvenile Justice
- Communication Studies
- Computer Information Systems
- Cybersecurity
- Data Science
- Emergency Management
- Graphic Design
- Healthcare Management
- Legal Studies
- Marketing
- Nursing (RN to BSN)
- Project Management
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Software Development
- Sport Management
- Supply Chain and Logistics Management
- Sustainability Management
- Web Development
Some of the master’s online degrees at Bellevue University include:
- Acquisition and Contract Management
- MBA
- Child, Youth, and Family Studies
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Computer Information Systems
- Criminal Justice
- Cybersecurity
- Educational Leadership
- Human Resource Strategic Management
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Instructional Design and Technology
- Organizational Leadership
- Organizational Performance
- Project Management
- Strategic Finance
- Strategic Marketing
Bellevue is one of the only schools on our list featuring online doctoral degrees. Students can choose from two 100% remote programs with no residency requirements:
- Business Administration – DBA
- Human Capital Management – PHD
As a leader in online education, Bellevue is committed to the success of its students. This online school offers a wealth of resources for students, including:
- Academic Advising
- Career Services
- Mental Health Counseling
- Accommodations Resource Center
- Library
- Military-Veteran Services
- Tutoring Services
- Writing Center
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $8,790
Financial Aid Available? Yes
7. University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a large public research university in Lincoln. Founded in 1869, it is the most prominent member of the UN system. Over 24,000 students attend this university. It is considered to have “very high research activity” based on the Carnegie Classification.
The college is organized into nine different schools. It offers over 200 undergraduate and graduate degrees. Many of the programs are available online, helping UNL rank among Nebraska’s best online colleges. The school offers two online bachelor’s degree completion programs:
- Early Childhood Education in a Mobile Society
- Bachelor of Applied Science
While there are few bachelor’s programs, the school has many master’s online programs. A few of the programs do have brief in-person requirements. Prospective students should inquire about these before enrolling. Some of the featured online programs for graduate students include:
- MBA With Multiple Specializations
- Beef Cattle Production
- Community Development
- Interior Design
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing Education
- Dietetics
- Early Childhood Special Education
- Finance
- Business Analytics
- Engineering Management
- Entomology
- Family and Community Services
- Family Financial Planning
- Higher Education Administration
- Human and Family Services Administration
- Integrated Media Communications
- International Family Studies
- Merchandising
- Professional Journalism
- Space, Cyber, and Telecommunications Law
The MBA program at UNL has been ranked the No. 1 best-value online MBA program in the world by Financial Times. And US News and World Report consistently rank UNL’s distance degrees as some of the best online programs in the nation.
For those seeking a doctoral degree online, UNL offers two programs. These are hybrid programs with some in-person residency requirements:
Ph.D. in Educational Studies-Educational Leadership and Higher Education
Ed.D. in Educational Administration-P-12 School Leadership (Superintendent endorsement)
Courses are taught by nationally recognized faculty. All of them are experts in their fields. The curriculum is identical to the on-campus programs. Students earn the same degree and complete the same rigorous coursework. In addition, UNL offers a wide range of resources for its online students. They include:
- First-Year Experience and Transition Center
- Academic Advising
- Military and Veterans Success Center
- Career Services
- Lgbtqa+ Resource Center
- Services for Students With Disabilities
- Resources for Students With Children
- Student Organizations
- Trio Student Support Services
- Women’s Center
- Counseling and Psychological Services
- Academic Success Resources
- University Libraries
- Writing and Media Center
- Tutoring Center
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $9,872
Financial Aid Available? Yes
See Also: Largest Nonprofit Online Universities
8. York University
York, Nebraska
York University is a four-year private nonprofit college in York, Nebraska. This small Christian college serves around 650 students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 11:1, and class sizes are small. This ranks it as one of the best online colleges in Nebraska. The school offers several traditional areas of study. And seven of the programs can be completed online. They include:
- Masters in Education
- Masters in Education With Principal Endorsement
- Masters in Organizational & Global Leadership
- Bachelors in Psychology
- Bachelors in Business
- Bachelor’s in General Studies
- Associate Degree in General Studies
York University also has a unique dual enrollment program for high school students. This program allows students to take online college-level coursework while still in high school. Then, the high school students will earn accredited and transferable college credits.
The coursework for the online programs is flexible with no set login times required. Distance learners use canvas to access all of their course materials and assignments. Online students will have the same instructors that teach on campus. And they will graduate with the same respected degree.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $20,900
Financial Aid Available? Yes
9. Concordia University-Nebraska
Seward, Nebraska
Concordia University Nebraska is a private nonprofit university in Seward, Nebraska. It is affiliated with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. It’s one of several schools in the Concordia University system. CUNE enrolls close to 3,000 students and features over 70 academic programs. Over 20 of the school’s graduate programs can be completed online. Some of these include:
- Curriculum & Instruction
- Early Childhood Education
- Early Childhood Special Education
- Educational Administration with Principal Endorsement
- Healthcare Administration
- Literacy
- MBA-General
- MBA-Accounting
- MBA-Finance
- MBA-Human Resources
- MBA-Marketing
- MBA-Nonprofit Management
- Public Health
- School Counseling
All distance learners can access online tutoring, career services, mental health resources, and more. Financial aid is available. And 100% of undergraduates receive some sort of financial aid. In addition, 98 percent of students who graduate are either employed or attending graduate school within six months.
CUNE uses Blackboard as its learning management system. On Blackboard, students will log on to complete coursework and access course materials. Coursework is flexible and self-paced. So you can study when it is convenient for you. In addition, there are multiple start dates throughout the year. So you can get started on your degree when the time is right for you.
The online programs are taught by instructors who are professionals in their fields. And distance learners will be immersed in a supportive, Christ-centered community. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1, you’ll get plenty of individualized instruction. That makes CUNE one of the best online schools in Nebraska.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $37,720
Financial Aid Available? Yes
10. Creighton University
Omaha, Nebraska
Creighton University is a private Jesuit college in Omaha. Founded in 1878, this nonprofit school serves almost 9,000 students a year. It has been nationally ranked for its renowned programs in business, health sciences, and more. The Center for World University Rankings ranks CU in the top five percent of schools worldwide. And US News & World Report ranks it among the top third for best colleges in the nation.
Creighton features over 140 programs across nine schools and colleges. Many of the school’s degrees and certificates can be completed online. Undergraduate online degrees include:
- Bachelor of Science in Leadership
- Bachelor of Science in Paramedicine
Creighton offers some accelerated bachelor’s to master’s programs as well. Most can be completed 100% online. These programs allow students to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees simultaneously. And they enable distance learners to save both time and money. Some of the bachelor’s to master’s online programs include:
- Educational Specialist Areas
- Accounting
- Integrative Health and Wellness
- Neuroscience
- Organizational Leadership
- Paramedicine
- Secondary School Teaching
The online master’s programs at Creighton include:
- Bioethics
- MBA
- Educational Leadership
- Finance
- Financial Planning and Financial Psychology
- Investment Management and Financial Analysis
- Medical Humanities
- Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
- Nursing
- Public Health
- School Counseling
Creighton also features four online doctoral programs. There may be some short residency requirements, so be sure to get all the details before applying. The online doctoral programs include:
- Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
- Interdisciplinary Leadership EdD Degree (Doctor of Education)
- Nursing Practice DNP (Doctorate)
- Occupational Therapy (Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy)
The online coursework can be completed at your own pace. And most classes are offered in accelerated eight-week terms. Financial aid is available. And 95% of Creighton’s students receive some form of financial assistance. Creighton’s programs emphasize educating the whole person—socially, academically, and spiritually. And that’s why we’ve ranked it among the best online colleges in Nebraska.
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Bachelor’s Degree In-state Tuition: $45,590
Financial Aid Available? Yes
More About the Best Nebraska Online Schools
Nebraska is home to 50 universities and colleges. This figure includes community colleges as well. The largest school in Nebraska by enrollment is the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with over 24,000 students. As our list shows, there are many excellent online schools in Nebraska. So if you are conducting a school search in Nebraska, you will find plenty of options.
What Is the Higher Learning Commission?
You will note that each school on our list of the best online colleges in Nebraska is accredited. Accreditation is the progress of recognizing institutions for performance, integrity, and academic quality. In Nebraska, the Higher Learning Commission is the accrediting body.
HLC accreditation ensures that the college you plan to attend meets specific academic criteria. It also demonstrates that the institution is doing everything possible to consistently improve its programs.
What Are the Benefits of Attending Nebraska University Online?
As with any other state, attending an online college in Nebraska has many benefits. In addition to flexibility and convenience, here are some other advantages:
PERSONALIZED LEARNING
Online colleges in Nebraska offer many different methods of delivery. For example, students can choose part or full-time programs. And they can decide how little or how much structure will work for them. This means they can complete coursework in their preferred learning environment. As a result, students have a more effective and personalized learning experience.
AFFORDABILITY
Some online schools often have lower tuition rates. But online school is more affordable for other reasons as well. For example, paying for a dorm room, meal plans, or transportation to and from the campus is unnecessary. This makes a college education accessible to more people.
NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Online colleges go to great lengths to facilitate networking opportunities. As a result, you will have plenty of chances to collaborate with other students, instructors, and professionals in your field. You will also connect with other people from all over the world. These valuable networking opportunities can help you find a job or even advance your career after graduation.
ACCESS TO DIVERSE PROGRAMS
Online schools allow students more choices than ever before. If you have a very specific interest that isn’t offered at a school near you, no problem. You can almost always find a program at an online college that aligns with your goals and interests.
POTENTIAL FOR DEGREE COMPLETION
Lots of people drop out of college for various reasons. However, many online colleges offer degree completion programs online. This allows students an affordable and convenient way to complete their degrees.
Need more help with your school search? Check Out 50 Best Online Bachelor Degree Programs at Nonprofit Colleges
This Concludes Our School Rankings of the Best Online Colleges in Nebraska
NCO Staff
