Best Universities in Nebraska
Top 10 Universities in Nebraska
Nebraska is home to several prestigious universities offering a wide range of academic programs and vibrant campus life. Here are the top 10 universities in Nebraska:
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is the flagship campus of the University of Nebraska system. Established in 1869, UNL is a leading research institution offering over 150 undergraduate majors and more than 100 graduate programs. With a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and community engagement, UNL provides students with opportunities for academic excellence and personal growth.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #134 in National Universities (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 25,000 students
Degrees Offered:
UNL offers degrees in fields such as agriculture, engineering, business, education, arts and sciences, and architecture.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 80%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1220.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Intramural Sports
- Performing Arts Groups
- Research and Academic Clubs
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
Famous Alumni:
- Warren Buffett (Investor and Philanthropist)
- Gabrielle Union (Actress)
- Johnny Carson (Former Host of “The Tonight Show”)
- Willa Cather (Author)
- Clayton Anderson (NASA Astronaut)
Top Employers:
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln
- Union Pacific Railroad
- Nelnet
- Nebraska Medicine
- Lincoln Public Schools
Creighton University
Creighton University, located in Omaha, is a private Jesuit university known for its strong programs in health sciences, business, and law. Founded in 1878, Creighton offers a rigorous academic curriculum grounded in the Jesuit tradition of service, leadership, and ethics.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #79 in National Universities (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 8,000 students
Degrees Offered:
Creighton offers degrees in fields such as medicine, nursing, pharmacy, dentistry, law, business, arts and sciences, and education.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 72%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1280.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Campus Ministry and Service Programs
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Intramural Sports
- Performing Arts Groups
- Research and Academic Clubs
Famous Alumni:
- Bob Gibson (MLB Hall of Fame Pitcher)
- Joe Ricketts (Founder of TD Ameritrade)
- Tom Osborne (Former Nebraska Congressman and Football Coach)
- David Thoreson (Explorer and Photographer)
- Michael Kutza (Founder of the Chicago International Film Festival)
Top Employers:
- Creighton University
- Mutual of Omaha
- First National Bank of Omaha
- Union Pacific Railroad
- Omaha Public Schools
University of Nebraska Medical Center
The University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), located in Omaha, is a leading academic health science center dedicated to education, research, and patient care. Established in 1880, UNMC offers a wide range of health professions programs and is renowned for its contributions to biomedical research and healthcare innovation.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #79 in Best Medical Schools: Research (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 4,000 students
Degrees Offered:
UNMC offers degrees in fields such as medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, public health, and allied health professions.
Acceptance Rate:
Varies by program; typically competitive
Average SAT Score:
SAT scores are not required for admission to most programs.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Clinical and Research Internships
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Health Outreach and Volunteer Programs
- Professional Development Workshops
- Health and Wellness Initiatives
Famous Alumni:
- Harold M. Maurer (Former Chancellor of UNMC)
- Virginia Apgar (Inventor of the Apgar Score)
- Marlin Perkins (Former Host of “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom”)
- Eileen T. Breslin (Nursing Educator and Leader)
- Charles R. Korsmo (Actor and Legal Scholar)
Top Employers:
- University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Nebraska Medicine
- CHI Health
- Children’s Hospital & Medical Center
- VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System
University of Nebraska Omaha
The University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) is a public research university located in Omaha. Established in 1908, UNO offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its strong emphasis on community engagement and innovation.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #272 in National Universities (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 15,000 students
Degrees Offered:
UNO offers degrees in fields such as business, education, engineering, arts and sciences, public administration, and communication.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 80%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1120.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Intramural Sports
- Performing Arts Groups
- Research and Academic Clubs
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
Famous Alumni:
- Larry the Cable Guy (Comedian)
- Marlin Briscoe (Former NFL Player)
- Cathy Hughes (Media Executive)
- Ben Sasse (U.S. Senator)
- Nick Nolte (Actor)
Top Employers:
- University of Nebraska Omaha
- Mutual of Omaha
- Union Pacific Railroad
- Omaha Public Schools
- First National Bank of Omaha
Bellevue University
Bellevue University, located in Bellevue, is a private non-profit university offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs designed for working adults. Established in 1966, Bellevue specializes in adult education and online learning, providing flexible options for students to earn degrees while balancing work and family commitments.
U.S. News Ranking:
Ranked #124 in Regional Universities Midwest (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 10,000 students (including online students)
Degrees Offered:
Bellevue University offers degrees in fields such as business, information technology, healthcare, education, and criminal justice.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 100% (Open Admission)
Average SAT Score:
SAT scores are not required for admission.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Online Student Clubs and Organizations
- Professional Development Workshops and Webinars
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
- Industry Networking Events
- Virtual Study Groups and Peer Support
Famous Alumni:
- Lee Terry (Former U.S. Congressman)
- Sheree J. Wilson (Actress)
- Jennifer Stanonis (Miss Nebraska USA 2007)
- John Boehner (Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives)
- William “Bill” J. Kintner (Former Nebraska State Senator)
Top Employers:
- Bellevue University
- Offutt Air Force Base
- First Data Corporation
- PayPal
- Mutual of Omaha
These universities in Nebraska provide students with diverse academic opportunities, vibrant campus life, and pathways to success in their chosen fields. Whether pursuing a degree in healthcare, business, engineering, or the arts, students can find a supportive and enriching learning environment in the Cornhusker State.
Certainly! Continuing with the list of the top universities in Nebraska:
Wayne State College
Wayne State College, located in Wayne, is a public liberal arts college founded in 1910. With a focus on undergraduate education, WSC offers a variety of academic programs in arts and sciences, education, business, and health professions. The college is committed to providing students with a personalized learning experience and opportunities for research and hands-on learning.
U.S. News Ranking:
Wayne State College is ranked #31 in Regional Colleges Midwest (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 3,500 students
Degrees Offered:
Wayne State College offers degrees in fields such as education, arts and sciences, business, health professions, and pre-professional programs.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 68%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1040.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Intramural Sports
- Performing Arts Groups
- Honor Societies and Academic Clubs
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
Famous Alumni:
- Robert L. Brooks (Former Governor of Nebraska)
- Bud Grant (Former NFL Player and Coach)
- Susan LaFlesche Picotte (First Native American Woman to Earn a Medical Degree)
- Ron Samford (Former NFL Player)
- Matthew Heimbach (White Supremacist Leader)
Top Employers:
- Wayne State College
- Wayne Community Schools
- Wayne State Bank
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska
- Providence Medical Center
Chadron State College
Chadron State College, located in Chadron, is a public college founded in 1911. Offering a range of undergraduate programs in arts and sciences, education, business, and health professions, CSC is dedicated to providing a high-quality, affordable education to students in the region.
U.S. News Ranking:
Chadron State College is ranked #59 in Regional Colleges Midwest (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 3,000 students
Degrees Offered:
Chadron State College offers degrees in fields such as education, arts and sciences, business, health professions, and pre-professional programs.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 76%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1010.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Intramural Sports
- Performing Arts Groups
- Honor Societies and Academic Clubs
- Outdoor Recreation Clubs (Hiking, Camping)
Famous Alumni:
- Tom Osborne (Former U.S. Congressman and Nebraska Football Coach)
- Sam Francis (Political Theorist and Columnist)
- Rick Huseman (Professional Off-Road Racer)
- Rulan Gardner (Olympic Gold Medalist in Wrestling)
- Jon Talton (Author and Journalist)
Top Employers:
- Chadron State College
- Chadron Public Schools
- Regional West Medical Center
- Walmart
- Sandhills Publishing
Doane University
Doane University, with campuses in Crete, Lincoln, and Grand Island, is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the United Church of Christ. Founded in 1872, Doane offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in arts and sciences, education, business, and health professions.
U.S. News Ranking:
Doane University is ranked #20 in Regional Colleges Midwest (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 2,500 students
Degrees Offered:
Doane University offers degrees in fields such as education, arts and sciences, business, health professions, and pre-professional programs.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 69%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1100.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Performing Arts Groups
- Honor Societies and Academic Clubs
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
- Intramural Sports
Famous Alumni:
- Gerald Ford (Former President of the United States)
- Brandon Benitz (Radio Personality)
- Terence Crawford (Professional Boxer)
- Francis Townsend (Physician and Social Activist)
- Dean Skelos (Former New York State Senator)
Top Employers:
- Doane University
- Lincoln Public Schools
- Crete Public Schools
- Bryan Health
- Walmart
Hastings College
Hastings College, located in Hastings, is a private liberal arts college founded in 1882. Offering a personalized learning environment and small class sizes, Hastings College provides students with opportunities for academic excellence, research, and leadership development.
U.S. News Ranking:
Hastings College is ranked #18 in Regional Colleges Midwest (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 1,100 students
Degrees Offered:
Hastings College offers degrees in fields such as arts and sciences, education, business, and pre-professional programs.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 68%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1080.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Performing Arts Groups
- Honor Societies and Academic Clubs
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
- Intramural Sports
Famous Alumni:
- Margrethe II of Denmark (Queen of Denmark)
- George Beadle (Nobel Prize-winning Geneticist)
- Gwen Ifill (Journalist and Television Host)
- Joseph R. Biden Sr. (Father of President Joe Biden)
- Jack Stark (Former CEO of Mutual of Omaha)
Top Employers:
- Hastings College
- Hastings Public Schools
- Mary Lanning Healthcare
- Walmart
- First National Bank of Omaha
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Nebraska Wesleyan University, located in Lincoln, is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1887, NWU offers a comprehensive liberal arts education with a focus on critical thinking, communication skills, and ethical leadership.
U.S. News Ranking:
Nebraska Wesleyan University is ranked #26 in Regional Universities Midwest (2022)
Number of Students:
Approximately 2,000 students
Degrees Offered:
Nebraska Wesleyan University offers degrees in fields such as arts and sciences, education, business, and pre-professional programs.
Acceptance Rate:
Approximately 76%
Average SAT Score:
The average SAT score for admitted students is around 1120.
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities:
- Student Government and Leadership Organizations
- Performing Arts Groups
- Honor Societies and Academic Clubs
- Community Service and Volunteer Programs
- Intramural Sports
Famous Alumni:
- Maxey Dell Moody Jr. (Former CEO of National Geographic Society)
- John M. Swanson (Founder of ANSYS, Inc.)
- Charles G. Thone (Former Governor of Nebraska)
- Delos Brown (Former Mayor of Lincoln, Nebraska)
- Jay Moore (Former NFL Player)
Top Employers:
- Nebraska Wesleyan University
- Lincoln Public Schools
- Bryan Health
- Lincoln Electric System
- State of Nebraska
These universities in Nebraska offer students a diverse range of academic programs, vibrant campus life, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Whether students are interested in pursuing degrees in liberal arts, education, business, or healthcare, they can find a supportive and enriching learning environment in the Cornhusker State.