Nebraskans have access to 41 degree-granting post-secondary academic institutions. This is based on the data published by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) for the academic year 2016-2017. In terms of the educational sector, there are 15 four-year public institutions, 19 for-profit institutions, and seven for-profit institutions. Based on records published by Data USA, these universities awarded 31,343 degrees in 2016. It is worth noting that the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, conferred 5,239 degrees in the same year. While the University of Nebraska at Omaha comes second with 3,497 and Bellevue University with 3,047 comes in third. These numbers are an indicator of Nebraska’s college graduation rate. Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) continues to prioritize access to education by strengthening its efforts in academic legislation.
Nebraska has faced a slight decrease in the college-going rate in 2017. As opposed to 71.0% in the years 2015 and 2016, it dropped to 70.2%. Although the numbers are not alarming, it is only proper that NDE takes adequate measures to strengthen the state’s higher education programs. Developed by the 2003 LR 174 Higher Education Task Force, it highlighted three priorities in the academic sector. First, the task force seeks to raise the number of Nebraskans who enroll in post-secondary education. Second, monitor and increase the enrollment, retention, and graduation rate in post-secondary institutions. Lastly, encourage Nebraskans to stay. This will reverse the net out-migration rate of college, master’s, and doctorate holders to seek employment elsewhere. To this day, these three priorities guide the curriculum setting and traditional efforts to improve academic outcomes in the state.
Online Higher Education in Nebraska
Nebraska has joined the cause of providing access to equitable, high-quality education. By supporting online education across academic levels, it has successfully reduced the education achievement gap among students in the state. Students in K-12 to post-secondary education are given the leeway to pursue online education. Through the efforts of the Nebraska Department of Education, it created the Network, Education, and Technology Services Team (NEaT). Since 2007, the team has been providing the latest academic tools and technology to every classroom in Nebraska. In 2010, the state’s flagship university, the University of Nebraska, along with its four campuses, opened 65 online degree and certificate programs. Expectedly, this bold move to institutionalize online education increased enrollment rates in the first five years of implementation.
NDE is very keen on introducing the use of current and emerging technologies in academic instruction. By expanding learning opportunities beyond the boundaries of the on-campus setting. The department maintains a strong position in developing the state’s Digital Education Position Statement and approved by the Nebraska State Board of Education. It emphasizes that online education must ensure that it adopts a student-centered approach in online learning. This will not only foster critical thinking skills and learning competencies in online students but will also aid in their practical skill development. By building secure connections with both public and private stakeholders, career opportunities are readily available to Nebraskan professionals.
The Nebraska State Board of Education ensures that all higher education institutions adopt instructional strategies that aid student progress and proficiency. Most importantly, prepare all online learners to be “college, career, and civic ready.” This is what the Nebraska Department of Education stands by. It believes that digital learning or online education is a viable option in providing quality-learning opportunities to every student. This will ultimately make all schools in Nebraska, “Ready for the Future.”
The Distance Education State Almanac 2017 recorded 54,946 college-bound students that have enrolled in at least one online course during the fall semester in 2015. This translates to 40% of the total student population in Nebraska, which is higher compared to the national average. With the initiative University of Nebraska’s central initiative, Online Worldwide has set online education in motion. In 2016, online offerings expanded from 65 to 113 fully online programs with 12 programs primarily available online. This is an impressive 40% increase in online student data over the last five years.
Through the collaborative nature of the initiative, NU Online Worldwide has reached more and more online students, both resident and non-resident students. In just five years, students who study entirely online has increased by 47%, while there has been a 36% increase in non-resident enrollee studying entirely online. Most significantly, 92% of Nebraskan undergraduates have committed to studying exclusively online. The growing enrollment in online programs in Nebraska is an integral part of the state’s strategy in enabling more Nebraskans to earn a postgraduate degree.
Online higher education has grown remarkably well over the last few decades. More and more postsecondary academic educations offer extensive degree programs and concentration areas. All 41 degree-granting institutions in the state are offering online education to both resident and non-resident distance learners.
METHODOLOGY
To assist prospective students with their search for the top online schools in the state, we have put together 5 Top Online Schools in Nebraska. To compile this list, the researchers at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com took into account the most important factors that indicate the high-quality online degree programs that each of these higher learning institutions offers:
- A superior virtual learning platform that features ease of access and technical support,
- Academically rigorous courses that compare with their traditional learning counterparts,
- Competent faculty members (who may also be on-campus instructors) that have contributed to their field of study,
- Full accreditation by academic agencies overseeing online and traditional educational standards.
Find out more about our ranking process. See our Methodology Page.
Clarkson College
Since 1888, Clarkson College has been committed to transforming young Nebraskans into advocates of service leadership. It started as the very first School of Nursing, the state of Nebraska; training nurses to become ethical and compassionate healthcare service providers. Over the last 125 years of operation, Clarkson has successfully built a new campus and has expanded program offerings. Through this remarkable transition, it kept its commitment to excellence.
Choosing to study online at Clarkson College will give you the flexibility you need to excel both in class and in your professional life. Online education in Clarkson is widely popular. It is proud to say that 90% of its students enroll in a minimum of one online course per semester. This can be attributed to reliable online campus instruction. The online college takes pride in delivering top-notch distance learning opportunities with a 99.99% satisfaction guarantee.
Most importantly, with the impressive 25-1 student to faculty ratio, every online student gets to experience excellent interaction with their professors and peers. Through Canvass, online students can easily connect with their classmates as well as access lectures, assignments, and other coursework. Plus, instructors strictly follow the protocol of responding to student queries within 48 hours. This policy alone is a testament to the kind of online education Clarkson College offers.
We would be remiss if we fail to feature the college’s Nursing program. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is the pioneer program offered by Clarkson. To this day, the BSN programs remain to be the most sought-after degree. It is a foundational course with its curriculum designed to train and educate future nursing practitioners for the healthcare industry. Each class size is kept to a minimum, ensuring intensive class instruction with hands-on mentoring. Although the course requires on-campus and on-the-job practice, a significant portion of the coursework can be completed online. Apart from the nursing programs, Clarkson College offers Education & Leadership, Administration & Management, Community Health, Imaging Informatics, and Radiography, among others.
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Admission Requirements:
- Online undergraduate or graduate application
- Proof of graduation from the U.S. accredited high school or equivalent
- ACT or SAT score
- 2.5/4.0 Cumulative GPA
- 2.5 Cumulative GPA for Math and Science majors
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Wayne State College
For over 125 years, Wayne State College continues its mission of academic excellence and student success. At Wayne State, students thrive in a friendly atmosphere. It has an outstanding reputation for having student-centered programs and maintaining its exceptional academic curriculum. The college never fails to land in the national ranking for its affordability, high-quality education, and community service. What started as a teacher’s college in 1891, WSC strives to produce successful, productive, and compassionate Nebraskan graduates.
Wayne State College hosts over 130 programs. Among its most popular course offerings include criminal justice, sport management, business, human resource, education, counseling, graphic design, and industrial technology. It takes pride in its impressive Center for Applied Technology, a $15.2 million state-of-art facility that aims to address critical issues that affect the state of Nebraska. The center will focus on developing strategies to find the solution to the workforce and economic development in the state. Most importantly, it will provide a space for support management training, which will encourage small businesses to expand.
Distance and Continuing Education at WSC is also a growing department. It offers lifelong opportunities for adult learners and professionals to learn and earn a degree. Non-traditional students can gain academic growth without sacrificing quality, while secured in the integrity of Wayne State College. Students can explore three fully online bachelor’s degree, and 24 fully online and partially online master’s degree programs. Online students can access coursework, assignments, and lecture materials through WSC’s eCampus using Sakai Software.
Location: Wayne, Nebraska
Admission Requirements:
- Completed application form
- Graduate of U.S. accredited high school
- Minimum state requirements for high school graduation
- Official transcript of records, ACT or SAT scores (ACT is preferred)
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
University of Nebraska – Lincoln
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is a world-renowned leader and innovator in online education. For over 100 years, it has offered Nebraskans the unique opportunity of earning high-quality education through both online and blended formats. USA News recognizes the university as one of the country’s finest institutions in distance education. UNL received the accolade of having the best online bachelor’s, MBA, graduate education, and graduate in engineering programs in 2018.
At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Online & Distance Education, you can pursue undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. And through the university’s Nebraska Now program, high school students can get a head start in transitioning to college. High school students who get admitted to the program can take college courses and earn college credits, which may be transferred to any accredited institutions of their choice. All courses that are available for on-campus students are offered online and are taught by the same faculty. Whether you choose to come to campus to study or enroll in distance learning, your diploma will look no different. UNL does not make any distinction between its students. There is no disparity between traditional and non-traditional students in terms of academic resources, tools, and advisers.
You may choose to pursue degree completion programs in early childhood education in a mobile society or bachelor of science in applied science. UNL also offers a unique certificate program in meat culinology, which it aims to optimize eating satisfaction. The extensive online graduate distance programs prepare professional students towards achieving proficiency and competence in a given field. Earn a graduate degree in business administration, interior design, finance, merchandising, professional journalism, or youth development. A select number of online graduate programs feature a short residency requirement. This will allow graduate students education to explore various concepts that are best-learned face-to-face.
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Admission Requirements:
- Completed application form
- Nonrefundable
application fee ($45)
Official transcript of records - Completion of at least 16 core course requirement
Accreditation: North Central Association of Higher Education Commission
Creighton University
Creighton University is an icon of excellence in online education. U.S. News & World Report recognizes this and awarded Creighton as one of the Best Online Programs of 2020. You will not only earn a degree from a reputable institution, but you will also experience a transformative, personalized learning experience. As a Jesuit, Catholic institution, Creighton puts primacy on tradition, while welcoming innovation in its online degrees.
Find the online degree that best fits your goals and your schedule. There are over 30 highly customizable online bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and graduate certificate degrees. Among the highly ranked online programs are business, healthcare, and leadership. Creighton University’s online undergraduate degree is primarily offered through the College of Professional Studies and College of Nursing. Choose from the 128-credit bachelor’s degree in emergency medical services degree completion, healthy lifestyle management, or leadership. Online graduate degree programs require at least 54 to 124 credits, while master’s degrees require a minimum of 30 credits for completion. Select programs include a required internship or fieldwork course before completion.
Today, Creighton University is home to more than 2000 online students and nearly 100 faculty who teach online. Convenience and practicality are among the top priorities of Creighton. The university’s recent graduates report a guaranteed success rate of 99%. They have successfully landed employment, pursued higher education, or moved towards volunteer program six months after graduation. There are a total of 8,910 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students that come to Creighton to pursue academic excellence. It remains the No. 1 regional university in the Midwest.
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Admission Requirements:
- Online application
- Application fee
- Official transcript of records from all institutions previously attended
- Recommendation letter
- Personal Statement
- Resume, Entrance exam
- English language proficiency for international students
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Concordia University, Nebraska
Students at Concordia University, Nebraska are free to go higher and achieve greater heights in their academic and professional life. Concordia Nebraska offers career-enhancing degrees while allowing students to enjoy the flexibility and the benefits of a supportive student community and faculty. Concordia delivers a transformative learning experience which develops compassion and social awareness among its students. Founded by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in 1894, it continues to provide Christ-centered education through University Online.
Concordia Nebraska offers 27 online programs across various disciplines. Undergraduate students can earn a degree in business administration or psychology. The university provides endorsement programs designed to cater to students who wish to specialize in reading, special education, English as Second Language or English Language Learners (ELL). Graduate students can choose from an extensive list of graduate programs, including business administration, community health instruction, early childhood education, gerontology, school counseling, and special education. Online Master’s degree may require a minimum of 36 credits of core courses, internship or dissertation.
Online students form part of the whole Concordia University community where Christian beliefs intersect with quality online education. They have access to the same student services, including career service orientation that is available to on-campus students. Committed to providing an exceptional learning experience, Concordia’s library has digital and physical vital materials. A proud member of the Concordia University System, Concordia University, Nebraska adopts the same rigorous admission process. To gain admission, you must complete the application process and prepare the required documents, especially an official transcript from all schools previously attended. The admissions office requires new students to write a letter of intent to assess competency and interests.
Location: Seward, Nebraska
Admission Requirements:
- Completed online application form
- Cumulative GPA, ACT/SAT scores
- Official transcript
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
4 BEST VALUE SCHOOLS IN NEBRASKA
With the increasing popularity of online education, traditional colleges and universities in Nebraska followed suit and started offering hybrid and fully online degree programs. As a thriving rural, agricultural state, Nebraska is an ideal place for online education. Nebraskans are known to have used distance learning tools to complete coursework and online degrees as it promises convenience and flexibility.
The state has given birth to many online initiatives, designed to foster a deeper appreciation of online learning. One of which is the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (Great Plains IDEA). It is a collaboration among public universities in the state, dedicated to bringing quality online programs in human sciences to more Nebraskans. Moreover, the affiliate program, AG*IDEA, focuses on offering online programs in agriculture. This puts primacy on the proud agricultural landscape in the state of Nebraska. The University of Nebraska Online Worldwide is also a remarkable initiative that opens distance learning to the world. Nebraska Digital Learning Association takes on the leadership role in ensuring that every distance learning opportunity addresses professional development and academic growth among online students.
These conscious efforts to bring education closer to the students have made higher education in Nebraska more convenient and affordable. In-State tuition is one of the lowest rates in the United States. Based on the 2017 data released by the College Board, average in-state tuition in a four-year public college is at $8,270, while out-of-state tuition ranges to $20,310.
METHODOLOGY
Because affordability is a major factor for pursuing higher education, we explore the many colleges and universities in Nebraska offering superior distance learning programs. Our Top 4 Best Value Online Schools in Nebraska do not only deliver cheap online degrees, but also high-quality online education to provide value for money.
University of Nebraska, Omaha
The University of Nebraska, Omaha (UNO) is offering more than 200 undergraduate programs, as well as an extensive graduate and certificate degrees. UNO is a preeminent, metropolitan university in the state of Nebraska. It is committed to transforming and improving the lives of Nebraskans, one student at a time. Explore the undergraduate, undergraduate certificate, graduate, graduate certificate, and graduate endorsement programs at UNO Online. All of the University of Nebraska, Omaha’s online degree programs are co-marked on UN Online Worldwide, making it very accessible to everyone.
Pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminology & criminal justice, emergency management, library science, management information systems, religious studies, sociology or multidisciplinary studies. UNO’s Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies is specially designed for adult learners, military personnel and veterans, as well as transfer students. It is a flexible program that addresses various areas of studies, developing students to become holistic professionals. The U.S. News & World Report indicates that UNO is home to two of the country’s top online degree programs – Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) and Masters of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice. It is estimated that at least 1,300 students are pursuing BGS. Tuition rates for resident students are at $280.00 per credit, while non-resident students are charged $432.60 per credit.
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Admission Requirements:
- Application form
- Official high school transcript
- Official GED Equivalency Scores
- Official ACT/SAT scores
- Official Transcript for college courses taken during high school
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
College of Saint Mary
Academic excellence and providing service-learning opportunities are the two core values that the College of Saint Mary uphold. It has a long-standing reputation for supporting, engaging, and empowering women from all walks of life. The college curriculum is rooted in biblical and liberals arts education. Aside from providing an affordable college education to Nebraskans, it also emphasizes academic excellence. It implements a 10:1 student to teacher ratio, which fosters collaboration and higher learning potential.
College of Saint Mary offers an online Doctor of Education, Master of Science in Nursing, and Master of Science in Organizational Leadership. Graduates are sought-after by the most prominent industry players in the state and beyond. Because of the one-on-one instruction, online graduate students gain the confidence, competence, and proficiency to become compassionate leaders. Online courses are charged based on the tuition plan for the specific program. Tuition for Doctor of Education is $685 per credit, while Master of Science in Nursing is $580 per credit.
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Admission Requirements:
- Application form
- Non-refundable $30 application fee
- High school transcripts with GPA and class rank
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- ACT score of 18 or higher
- SAT score of 870 or higher
- Personal interview
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
York College
York College is an affiliate of the Church of Christ. It adopts a Christ-centered education that aims to transform students’ lives and ensure success. Faculty members are experts in their field. Whether you are looking to take one course at a time, or want to catapult your career to the next level, York College Online can provide you with the best academic plan. It is an affordable and convenient choice to earn a degree. Every year, the college awards financial aid to over 90% of new students.
York College Online emphasizes hands-on learning, which leads to experiential knowledge and expertise. Earn a degree in education or organizational and global leadership. York offers a competitive tuition rate which focuses on need-based and merit-based financial assistance. Every school year, the college gives a $1,500 Blue and White Award to exceptional students who earned an above-average class standing. There is a unique “Sibling Scholarship,” which pays homage to family legacies who have committed to their Alma Mater. It is worth mentioning that for a private college, a $19,340 in tuition and fees is an efficient choice.
Location: York, Nebraska
Admission Requirements:
- Admission application
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Complete department’s writing workshop
- Complete background check
- Declared major
- Passing score on Teaching with Technology e-portfolio (EDU230) and Academic Literacy Assessment (SOC/PHIL 202)
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Nebraska Wesleyan University landed on the Top 10% ranking by the U.S. News and World Report among regional universities. Plus, it prides itself as the #1 school in Nebraska that lands its graduates a job within six months after graduation. In 2020, tuition and other fees are $34,202, with 1,584 students earning at least one form of financial assistance. Nebraska Wesleyan implements an 11:1 student to faculty ratio, allowing more class interaction. The curriculum adheres to combined personal attention, emphasizing experiential, and service-learning.
Explore adult undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. Pursue an undergraduate degree in business administration, nursing, organizational leadership and communication, and social work. Online graduate students have the opportunity to earn a master degree in business administration, education, nursing, MSN/MBA joint degree, and MSN to MBA Bridge program.
Location: York, Nebraska
Admission Requirements:
- Completed application form
- Official high school transcript
- SAT/ACT scores
- Written recommendation
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
