Top 4 Tuition-Free Online Colleges in Nebraska

A bachelor's degree can enable college graduates to earn $600,000 to $900,000 more than high school graduates.

Unfortunately, tuition costs can make college degrees difficult to attain for many students. While loans and work-study programs can help, full-price degrees may still be out of reach.

Thankfully, there are multiple ways for students to access free college in Nebraska. A range of programs, such as the Nebraska Promise, can reduce or eliminate the cost of a bachelor's degree for Nebraska residents.

Online Colleges and Universities with Free Courses

Here is a guide to some great colleges and universities that offer free college in Nebraska.

1. University of Nebraska, Lincoln

University of Nebraska in Lincoln offers free college tuition for all four years to students with a household income of less than $65,000. Students must be eligible for the Pell Grant and remain in good academic standing.

Only residents of Nebraska qualify for the Nebraska Promise program. Those in the program must enroll on a full-time basis and keep a 2.5 GPA while in the program.

In order to apply for the program, simply apply to the University of Nebraska and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). An admissions representative will contact you about your eligibility.

2. Union College

Alumni from Union College can earn a second bachelor's degree completely for free through the Union College guarantee.

Students simply need to enroll in a program within two to six years after completing their first degree.

Not all degree programs are included in the guarantee, so reach out to the admissions team to learn more about the terms and conditions of the program.

3. University of Nebraska, Omaha

The Nebraska Promise provides free college in Nebraska for students at the University of Nebraska in Omaha.

Nebraska residents with a combined family income below $65,000 may be eligible for the program.

Other requirements include enrolling in a full-time program, maintaining a GPA of 2.5 or above, and completing the FAFSA.

This program will cover costs for up to 15 credit hours per semester or 30 credits per year.

4. University of Nebraska, Kearney

University of Nebraska in Kearney (UNK) is also a part of the Nebraska Promise program. It hopes to provide a pathway for students to earn their degree who otherwise would not be able to afford the cost of tuition.

The Nebraska Promise program covers the remaining degree costs after all scholarships and financial aid has been applied.

Students who participate in the Nebraska Promise can still apply for and receive other scholarships provided by the university.

Apply to UNK and complete the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for the program.

How To Make College Free

Attending college with zero out-of-pocket costs is an ambitious goal but the range of available programs can make it a reality for many students.

Due to the personalized nature of many programs, some additional research may be needed to determine eligibility, but it is well worth the effort.

Grants, scholarships, employer reimbursement programs, and tuition waivers can add up to knock out the entire cost of tuition for some students.

Apply for Grants

Grants are funds that have been set aside for a dedicated purpose, such as college tuition, for certain populations.

One federal-level grant that students should always look into is the Pell Grant. Eligibility for the Pell Grant is determined through income information entered on the FAFSA.

Other grants which are available to Nebraska students include:

• Nebraska Opportunity Grant
• University Tuition Grant
• University Tuition Assistance Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
• Federal TEACH Grant

Apply for Scholarships

Scholarships are another form of financial assistance that can cut down on college tuition costs. In some cases, scholarships can cover the entire cost of a college degree.

Some great Nebraska scholarship programs include:

• Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship
• Resident Nebraska Housing Credit
• Native American Heritage Tuition Scholarship
• Pepsi Service Scholarship
• Ponca Tribe Scholarship

Get Tuition Reimbursement from an Employer

A great option for making college more affordable is to participate in a tuition reimbursement program. Some employers will cover the cost of your degree while you maintain your employment.

Ask your employer if they provide tuition assistance or tuition reimbursement and how you can enroll in the program.

Look Into Tuition and Fee Waivers

Tuition waivers are typically awarded on the basis of community service, veteran status, or heritage.

For example, veterans and dependents of veterans may be eligible for a 100% tuition waiver.

Find a Free or Low-Cost Degree in Nebraska Today

If you or someone you know is interested in getting free college in Nebraska, this list is a great place to start.

Finding a free or reduced-cost online degree program is a great way to gain a new qualification while accruing minimal to no student debt.