Almost half of college students in Nebraska are taking at least one online class—an increase of 29.3% from 2012 to 2019. If you’re looking to attend an accredited college in Nebraska, there’s a good chance you can get your degree partially or fully online.
Online colleges in Nebraska come with built-in advantages, such as attending classes from almost anywhere and being able to fit classes around your busy schedule. Plus, by choosing an in-state school, you have the opportunity to complement your online education with on-campus classes and resources, such as career-development events. You may also qualify for state scholarships and other financial aid.
Nebraska has a wide range of online college programs to choose from, so it may be difficult to decide which is best for you. This guide showcases the best online colleges in Nebraska and breaks down the different types of online learning formats. Keep reading to find the right online college program for your goals and other essential information about earning your degree online.
Top Online Colleges in Nebraska for 2024
Finding the online college in Nebraska that’s best for you is a very personal choice. Some schools stand out in terms of reputation and academic quality. But those characteristics mean little if you can’t get in, they cost more than you’re willing to pay, they don’t offer the degree you need, or you’re unable to attend the classes as scheduled.
The following list of the best online colleges in Nebraska takes these and other practical considerations into account, to help you not only get the best education but also do it in a way that saves money and fits into your schedule. Learn more about our top picks below, which we’ve rated based on their combined scores on affordability, academic quality, student support, number of online programs offered, and student-to-teacher ratio.
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
-
Lincoln, NebraskaPublic $$
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln has offered distance education for over 100 years, and now they provide their bachelor’s completion, master’s, and doctoral degrees in convenient, online, and blended formats. Students can choose from various paths of study, including in-demand programs in education, business, engineering, interior design, media studies, and more. Even if you prefer online study over a traditional on-campus degree, you’ll be taught by the same award-winning faculty members that teach students in person. Once you graduate from UN-Lincoln, your diploma will look the same as the one earned by on-campus students. The only difference is that you chose a path of study that offered you the opportunity to study on your own schedule.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science in Applied Science
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $259-$830/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: HLCE
Master of Science in Finance
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $357-$676/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: HLCE
Master of Arts in Textiles, Merchandising, and Fashion Design
- Credits: 30-36
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $357-$676/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: HLCE
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Omaha, NebraskaPublic $$
At the University of Nebraska at Omaha online, you can pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree with convenient classes that fit into your life. Whether you’re balancing family, work, or other commitments alongside your studies, online learning can offer the flexibility you need. At UNO, you’ll find rigorous coursework that builds relevant skills in your chosen field of study. Synchronous courses meet remotely at set class times, while asynchronous online instruction can be viewed whenever you have time to dedicate to coursework. As an online student, you’ll have the support of UNO’s dedicated online learning team. They’ll work one-on-one with you to answer questions, pinpoint learning goals, and navigate the university’s online resources.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science in Library Science
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $259-$452/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: ALA
Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Credits: 36
- Length: 18 months-2 years
- Cost: $375-$563/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: HLC
Master of Arts in Critical and Creative Thinking
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1.5-2 years
- Cost: $375-$563/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
16/1
-
Kearney, NebraskaPublic $$
At the University of Nebraska at Kearny online, you can earn the same degree online that you’d receive as an on-campus student. From bachelor’s to master’s degrees, UNK’s programs span several disciplines and departments. Plus, small online class sizes and low faculty-to-student ratio ensure you’ll get dedicated attention from committed faculty members and bond with peers as you participate in classes and complete assignments. With many online courses offered, you’re sure to find one that fits your educational and scheduling needs. The result is a personalized education that prepares you with the skills you’ll need to succeed in your chosen industry.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Arts or Science in Sociology
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $259-$296/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: HLC
Master of Science in Biology
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2.5-3 years
- Cost: $315-$504/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: HLC
Supervisor of Special Education Master’s
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2.5-3 years
- Cost: $315-$504/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: CAEP
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
13/1
-
Chadron, NebraskaPublic $$
With Chadron State College, you can choose from several fully online bachelor’s and master’s degree programs to meet your academic and professional goals. Online courses can be completed anytime and from anywhere you have access to a computer and internet connection. All of CSC’s online courses are delivered asynchronously, so you’re truly free to study whenever it’s the best time for you. All instruction and assignments are completed via the virtual classroom portal, meaning you never have to set foot in a classroom. Many courses are even offered in accelerated, eight-week formats, so you could reach graduation day quicker than you would as a part of a traditional degree program. Whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state student, you’ll pay the same affordable tuition when you’re enrolled in an online program with Chadron State.
Program Highlights:
Bachelor of Science – Subject Major in Mathematics
- Credits: 120
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $299/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: HLC
Master of Business Administration
- Credits: 33
- Length: 18 months-2 years
- Cost: $380/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: ACBSP
Master of Science in Organizational Management
- Credits: 36
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $380/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
17/1
-
Omaha, NebraskaPrivate not-for-profit $$$$$
At the College of Saint Mary, you can earn your master’s degree online in as little as 12 months. The Master of Arts in teaching is a hybrid online and on-campus program. This master’s degree is ideal for students who have already completed a bachelor’s degree in another field but would like to launch a teaching career. Even though students meet in person, classes are conveniently scheduled for Saturdays to better accommodate the schedules of busy professionals. The Master of Science in organizational leadership is available entirely online and is suited for working professionals from various backgrounds. Classes are formatted in eight-week sessions, which makes it possible for students to graduate in one to two years, depending on their pace of study.
Program Highlights:
Master of Arts in Teaching
- Credits:39
- Length: 18-30 months
- Cost: $590/credit
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: HLC
Master of Science in Organizational Leadership
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1-2 years
- Cost: $525/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
9/1
-
Peru, NebraskaPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
-
York, NebraskaPrivate not-for-profit $$$$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Wayne, NebraskaPublic $$
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
20/1
or
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
- Create List of Eligible Schools and Programs
- Institutional accreditation from an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- At least one program in the subject area offered partially or fully online.
- Assign Weightings
- Number of online programs in subject area reported by school to the U.S. Department of Education. Because exact numbers change often and can be difficult to verify, we use a range-based scoring system: 0-5 online programs = 1 star; 6-10 = 2 stars; 11-15 = 3 stars; 16-20 = 4 stars; 21+ = 5 stars. In our design, laptop icons = stars.
- For degree-specific pages, ex: Psychology degrees, we list the current number of online programs available at that school for that degree type, as self-reported by the schools.
- Cost – Relative cost of attendance compared to peer schools on the list. Based on tuition and fees per academic year.
- Students w/ Institutional Aid – Percentage of students who receive financial aid from the school itself.
- Academic Counseling – Existence of this service on campus or online.
- Career Placement – Existence of this service on campus or online.
-
North Platte, NebraskaPublic $
If you want to learn online at Mid-Plains Community College, you’ll find courses that are accessible, flexible, and suited to your lifestyle. You’ll work with your own personal education advisor and academic and career advisor to help with the enrollment process and to map out your educational and career path. Resources include access to online libraries and opportunities to connect online with faculty and fellow students.
Program Highlights:
AAS in Business Administration
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $116-$146/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Associate of Arts (Academic Transfer)
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $116-$146/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
11/1
-
Lincoln, NebraskaPublic $
Southeast Community College (SCC) understands that not all students can attend classes in person. The SCC online learning division makes it possible for students to take classes in a flexible format to fit their busy schedules. Not only will virtual students be able to interact with faculty and classmates in a state-of-the-art online classroom, but they also won’t have to pay a technology fee to take courses online! SCC offers over 300 online classes taught each term and many online and hybrid programs. Students studying virtually still have access to the admissions office, academic advisors, the Tutoring and Transitions Center, campus stores, and SCC’s library resource centers.
Program Highlights:
AAS Office Professional
- Credits: 64
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $102-$123/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
AAS in Law Enforcement and Homeland Security
- Credits: 61
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $102-$123/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
AA/AAS in Early Childhood Education
- Credits: 60-68
- Length: 4 semesters
- Cost: $102-$123/credit
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: NAEYC
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
12/1
-
Omaha, NebraskaPublic $
Metropolitan Community College (MCC) offers several online class formats—MCC Live Online (synchronous), MCC Anytime (asynchronous), and MCC Blended (hybrid). All courses are delivered through the Canvas learning management system, which streamlines the process of submitting assignments, participating in discussions, collaborating with other students, and taking tests. Though many online courses can be completed on the student’s own schedule, students are expected to log in on the first day of class to read the syllabus. Instructors may also state in the syllabus the date by which students must participate in certain activities in Canvas to remain in the class. Distance-learning students have access to a new-student online orientation and the Learning & Tutoring Center.
Program Highlights:
AS in Computer Technology Transfer-Management Information Systems
- Credits: 63
- Length: 4-5 semesters
- Cost: $68-$102/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
AAS in Health Data and Information Management
- Credits: 60.5
- Length: 4-5 semesters
- Cost: $68-$102/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
AA in Liberal Arts-Creative Writing
- Credits: 64.5
- Length: 4-6 semesters
- Cost: $68-$102/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Grand Island, NebraskaPublic $
Central Community College (CCC) has been in the business of distance education for over 30 years, and the school’s commitment hasn’t changed. Students use the Canvas learning management system to submit assignments, participate in discussions, take quizzes, check grades, chat, and watch videos. CCC’s virtual campus technicians hold several workshops at the beginning of each semester to assist students with the use of Central Online. The workshops are held at various times as online webinars. A self-paced Canvas training workshop is also available. Only Nebraska residents and students living in states that are part of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) may take courses through Central Online.
Program Highlights:
AAS in Business Administration
- Credits: 62-65
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $110-$157/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
AAS in Environmental Health & Safety
- Credits: 61
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $110-$157/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
AAS in Early Childhood Education
- Credits: 62
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $110-$157/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
-
Norfolk, NebraskaPublic $
Northeast Community College (NCC) believes you shouldn’t sacrifice quality for convenience or cost, which is why they’ve created an online experience with all the support systems in place to help students be successful. Students choose from 23 online degrees and certificates in areas such as business, education, administration, criminal justice, human services, and psychology. Distance learning students have access to NCC’s writing center, tutoring services, support classes, one-on-one research assistance from NCC’s library, and the Hawk shop (campus store). While NCC’s online classes don’t have scheduled meeting times, students still have deadlines for completing assignments, quizzes, and tests.
Program Highlights:
AA in Criminal Justice-Corrections Emphasis
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $128-$171/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
AA in Social Work
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $128-$171/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
AA in Paraprofessional Education
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $128-$171/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
18/1
-
Curtis, NebraskaPublic $
The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis is a very hands-on school—with one exception. The only entirely online program is a certificate in agronomy and agricultural mechanics. It requires 16 credits for completion and provides foundational knowledge in crop and animal food production systems and natural resource and agribusiness management. Students also learn about the great diversity of agricultural careers and have the opportunity to choose one agricultural or general education course as an elective. A few online courses are available each semester and may offer students a little more flexibility they choose a different program.
Program Highlights:
Certificate in Agronomy and Agricultural Mechanics
- Credits: 16
- Length: 1-2 semesters
- Cost: $139/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: HLC
Online Programs
Academic Counseling
Yes
Career Placement
Yes
Student/Faculty Ratio
14/1
or
Base Methodology for OnlineColleges.me’s 2024 Online College Rankings
To be eligible for this ranking, schools were required to meet the following criteria based on government data provided by The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS).
After creating the list of eligible schools, OnlineColleges.me data scientists assigned weights and ranked schools based on a mix of affordability, support services, and online program availability metrics. Online program availability and overall affordability metrics received the heaviest weightings.
Online Program Availability
Affordability
Support Services
About Our Data
OnlineColleges.me’s rankings use the latest official data available from The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Most recent data pull: January of 2024
Understanding Format: Online College Learning in Nebraska
Online colleges in Nebraska offer different types of course delivery and programs. These differences may not matter to some students, but they could be a game changer for you. Read on to learn more about these differences and which ones could be best for your learning style and goals.
Fully Online vs. Hybrid or Blended
After checking an online program’s cost of attendance, one of the next important considerations is if the program has any hands-on learning components. Whether a program is fully or partially online is largely dependent on the educational directives of the school and/or professor, as well as the subject being taught. Some skills are best taught through experiential learning; for example, it’s common for online programs in education and nursing to have in-person curriculum requirements such as internships or practicums.
For most students, it’s easier from a scheduling perspective to attend a fully online program. However, for programs with in-person requirements, schools strive to make them as accessible as possible, such as having them during the evening, on weekends, or sparingly throughout a semester.
One thing to note about partially online programs is that the terms “hybrid” and “blended” are often used interchangeably. However, a blended program specifically refers to online components that supplement or complement in-person coursework, while a hybrid program uses online learning to replace certain in-person curriculum requirements.
Check out these examples of blended/hybrid and fully online college programs in Nebraska to see what is the best fit for you.
Master of Education Administration at Chadron State College (Blended/Hybrid)
Teachers interested in acquiring advanced teaching skills or who want to shift into administration should consider the Master of Education Administration in Curriculum and Instruction program at Chadron State College. Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), this online college program in Nebraska offers several benefits that maximize convenience. Academic sessions last eight weeks, making it easier to fit classes into busy schedules. Students have three entry points during the year when they can begin their coursework, and the program offers 10 specialty tracks to choose from. Most of these are fully online; however, the special education track is a hybrid program requiring at least 250 hours for a supervised internship and the elementary education track has an optional internship that students can replace with a thesis or research project. The time to complete the program varies, as the number of required credits ranges from 36 to 51, depending on the concentration.
MS in Analytics at Creighton University (Fully Online)
The Master of Science in Analytics from Creighton University prepares students to analyze and manage data and use information from that analysis to make strategic organizational decisions. The 33-credit curriculum covers topics such as database management, machine learning, and data visualization. Because many students in the program are working professionals, this online college program in Nebraska lets students pace their learning so they can graduate in as little as two years or take a bit longer to fit classes into their busy schedule.
The program is 100% online, with no in-person requirements. Online students have access to the same career and academic assistance services as on-campus students. Online learners also enjoy plenty of time and engagement from their faculty, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 11:1.
Asynchronous vs. Synchronous: What’s the Difference?
Asynchronous refers to online learning that lets you take classes at a time of your choosing. In contrast, synchronous online courses require you to be online and attend class at a scheduled time. The former is ideal if you have a busy and/or unpredictable schedule, while the latter is great if you prefer live interactions with your classmates and professors.
Most online colleges in Nebraska offer both types of online formats, as some professors or programs may prefer one format over the other for certain classes and topics. To give you an idea of how synchronous and asynchronous classes work, the following section provides examples of each online format.
MBA at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (Asynchronous)
The Master of Business Administration program at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln is a perfect example of why online programs exist, as it maximizes the advantages of online learning. For example, students earn their MBA degree 100% online, with no on-campus or other in-person requirements. However, students are encouraged to visit the campus or attend their graduation in person if they’d like.
Another benefit of online learning in this program is that all class requirements can be completed on a student’s own schedule. This lets each learner attend class at a time that works for them, such as after work in the evenings. They can set the pace of their learning, taking just one class at a time or several each semester. MBA students customize their learning by choosing a specialization, including marketing, international business, supply chain management, and business analytics to name a few.
MSE in School Counseling at Wayne State College (Synchronous)
Wayne State College’s School Counseling–Master of Science in Education program is designed to help individuals become certified school counselors in Nebraska. The curriculum is comprised of 63 credits, with three types of course formats. Asynchronous classes allow students to complete the class on their own schedule. Synchronous classes have pre-determined schedules for students to attend class. And finally, students can complete courses through the residency cohort, which meets two weekends each semester at either the Wayne or South Sioux City campuses. Students are required to complete two internships, which must be at the kindergarten through 8th grade and 7th grade through 12th grade levels. In addition to the flexible learning options, the cost of attendance is also very affordable, with a $380/credit tuition rate.
Full-Time or Part-Time Programs?
Even before the dramatic growth of online learning, one way schools tried to accommodate students with busy schedules was by offering part-time programs. Most online college programs in Nebraska are available for completion full time or part time.
BS in Cybersecurity at Bellevue University (Part-Time)
The Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity from Bellevue University is a 100% online degree, although students can choose to earn their degree on campus. Part-time students take as few as one course at a time to fit their education into busy personal and/or professional lives. The curriculum consists of 127 credits; 39 relate to the cybersecurity major, 37 are general education, and 51 are electives. With so much of the curriculum devoted to electives, students have plenty of opportunities to customize their learning. Online students have access to a student coach throughout the program, who provides support and assistance with the remote learning process.
BS/BA in Sociology at the University of Nebraska–Kearney (Full-Time)
University of Nebraska–Kearney’s sociology undergraduate program has several features that make it one of the better online sociology programs in Nebraska. It’s 100% online, with no in-person requirements to earn a degree, and students can customize their degree by earning a bachelor of science or a bachelor of arts. Learners also have ample opportunity to take elective courses to tailor their degree to their professional and academic interests. The entire program requires the completion of 120 credits, which a full-time student can complete in eight semesters or four years. To give you an idea of the workload, full-time students can expect a 15-credit semester to require roughly 40 to 50 hours each week for attending class and completing course requirements.
What to Know About Accreditation
When selecting which online college to attend in Nebraska, you’ll want to make sure that school is accredited. This means an independent organization has confirmed the school or program being offered meets basic quality standards. This is important to not only ensure you get a quality education, but so that you’re eligible for financial aid and any certifications or licenses you might need after you graduate.
For many accredited online college programs on Nebraska, you just need to make sure the school itself has institutional accreditation. Most Nebraska online schools receive this from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which is a regional accrediting agency. But some Nebraska schools have national accreditation, such as from the National Accrediting Commission of Career Arts and Sciences. Finally, you want to consider if the specific program you’re considering is accredited, even if it’s offered by a school that already has HLC accreditation. This is especially important for programs that produce graduates who will enter a regulated profession, such as teaching (accredited by CAEP) or nursing (accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education or the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing).
Cost of Online College in Nebraska
The average cost of a college education in Nebraska may be below the national average, but that doesn’t mean price isn’t a major concern when choosing an online college in Nebraska. Luckily, the cost of online degrees tends to be lower than the equivalent on-campus degrees. One reason for this is because if you’re in an online program, you’re probably commuting to campus infrequently and don’t need to move near the school you’re attending.
You may also see cost savings if you’re a Nebraska resident and get in-state tuition. However, some online programs offer the same tuition rate to online students, regardless of residency status. The chart below gives a rough picture of what you can expect in terms of tuition costs at an online college in Nebraska.
| School Name | On-Campus In-State | On-Campus Out-of-State | Online In-State | Online Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nebraska – Lincoln | $8,300/year | $22,004/year | $8,300/year | $22,004/year |
| University of Nebraska – Kearney | $6,705.50/year | $6,705.50/year | $7,622/year | $10,910/year |
| Chadron State College | $5,992.80/year | $5,992.80/year | $7,166/year | $7,166/year |
| Creighton University | $45,620/year | $45,620/year | $14,122/year | $14,122/year |
| Bellevue University | $8,540/year | $8,540/year | $11,060/year | $11,060/year |
* Costs include tuition and required fees of undergraduate programs.
Your Financial Aid Options in Nebraska
If you’re thinking about how to pay for your online college education in Nebraska, you’re not alone. There are several financial aid options available, some of which are exclusive to Nebraska students. For example, if you demonstrate financial need, you may be eligible for the Nebraska Opportunity Grant. And if you decide to attend one of the four campuses (or technical college) of the University of Nebraska, you may qualify for the Nebraska Promise, which covers your undergraduate tuition costs, less any other sources of any gift-based financial aid. If you’re not eligible for a gift-based grant or scholarship, consider a student loan from the federal government or from a private financial institution. To learn more about financial aid options for Nebraska students, please visit the Financial Aid Information page from Nebraska.gov.
Nebraska Careers on the Rise for College Grads
Online colleges and programs in Nebraska have evolved to a point where most subjects are available for online study. One way to help narrow your choices is to look for professions that are expected to be in high demand over the next decade. The following chart offers a glimpse at some of the most-needed jobs in Nebraska that typically require at least a college degree.
| Career | Job Growth (2020-2030) | Annual Mean Wage (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Agents and Business Managers of Artists, Performers, and Athletes | 100% | $80,090 |
| Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons | 100% | $311,460 (National) |
| Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | 50% | $102,840 (National) |
| Epidemiologists | 50% | $75,490 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants | 42.9% | $58,630 |
| Nurse Practitioners | 39.6% | $112,670 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | 35.1% | $55,010 |
| Information Security Analysts | 34.7% | $89,490 |
| Logisticians | 34.6% | $83,370 |
| Curators | 33.3% | $47,880 |
Online Resources for Nebraska College Students
This organization is all about providing free services and information to anyone looking to attend a college or university in Nebraska. Information is designed for specific groups, including high school students, current college students, and adult learners.
Using the Kuder Journey tool, current and prospective college students input their career objectives and receive advice on how to plan their college education to meet those goals.
Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education
This organization’s mission is to promote college education in Nebraska. The website has plenty of information for students and parents thinking about college, a directory of postsecondary institutions in Nebraska, and financial aid options to help pay for college.
Nebraska Department of Education
The Nebraska Department of Education is the agency that oversees all levels of education in the state. Its website has a host of resources for prospective college students, such as information about community colleges, college preparation materials for high school students, and college readiness resources.
This is the primary source of information about how to transfer college credits among the various Nebraska institutions of higher learning. Resources include contacts for transfer information from specific schools, a transfer credit estimating tool, and a basic FAQ section.
University of Nebraska System–Resources for Digital Education
This is a list of online resources for individuals looking for information about online coursework in the University of Nebraska System, as well as how to go about the school and program selection process. There’s also information about how to help pay for school.