6 Best Online Colleges in Nebraska 2025

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), nearly 29% of Nebraska college students are enrolled in online college programs exclusively. Maybe you'd like to find out more about online colleges in Nebraska and which schools offer the best online degrees.

Keep reading as we discuss some top online colleges in the state. We'll also look at some popular online degrees in Nebraska and provide general information about pursuing accredited degrees online.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Nebraska

The best online colleges are affordable and convenient for busy learners. Let's take an in-depth look at some of the top Nebraska online colleges in the state, including average tuition rates and areas of study.

1. University of Nebraska at Omaha

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is another member of the University of Nebraska System. Many undergraduate and graduate programs are available, including degrees, minors, and certificates. Options include:

• criminology and criminal justice
• political science
• gerontology
• multidisciplinary studies
• applied behavior analysis

About 94% of students at this school receive financial aid. Affordable in-state tuition rates are available, and the wealth of high-quality programs makes this one of the best online colleges in Nebraska.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $8,370

Out-of-State: $22,358

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $6,322

Out-of-State: $15,204

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 87%

Retention Rate: 76%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: HLC

2. University of Nebraska at Kearney

The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) is a public school also belonging to the University of Nebraska System. Students can pursue online degrees, minors, certificates, endorsements, and more. Some of the areas of study include:

• general studies
• curriculum and instruction
• special education
• business administration
• social work

Students at this school receive financial aid in about 93% of cases. Tuition rates are the lowest of any school in the university system, and flexible online courses enable busy students to get their degrees in a way that works for them.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $8,302

Out-of-State: $14,260

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $6,432

Out-of-State: $14,136

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 86%

Retention Rate: 77%

Institution Type: Public university

Accreditation: HLC

3. Bellevue University

Bellevue University is a private school in Bellevue with an enrollment of more than 13,000 students. It provides online degrees and certificates designed for busy working adults. Some of the options include:

• health science
• information technology
• business analytics
• financial planning
• behavioral science

The school offers financial aid to only about 64% of students, but tuition rates are affordable by private school standards. Courses are highly flexible, and the school has a generous transfer policy for students with associate degrees, other college, or work experience credits.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $8,886

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $11,682

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Retention Rate: 51%

Institution Type: Private nonprofit university

Accreditation: HLC

4. Peru State College

Peru State College is located in Peru, NE. It is a public school providing online and in-person bachelor's and master's degrees and certificate programs. Some of the online options include:

• psychology
• business administration
• criminal justice
• education
• organizational management

As many as 99% of students receive financial aid when attending this college. Most online programs offer various concentrations so students can tailor their education toward their specific career goals and interests.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $8,280

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $9,408

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Retention Rate: 63%

Institution Type: Public college

Accreditation: HLC

5. Chadron State College

Chadron State College is located in Chadron. Students studying online at this school can pursue one of eight online bachelor's degrees, including the following:

• family and consumer sciences
• mathematics
• interdisciplinary studies
• applied sciences in technical occupations
• psychological sciences

The school provides financial aid for 99% of students along with affordable tuition prices. Students pursuing higher education at this institution can benefit from flexible classes, including some convenient eight-week class sessions.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $8,078

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $4,800

Out-of-State: $9,600

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Retention Rate: 70%

Institution Type: Public college

Accreditation: HLC

6. Wayne State College

Wayne State College is a public school in Wayne, NE. It offers four online bachelor's programs students can pursue as full degrees or degree completion programs. Areas of study are:

• human resource management
• criminal justice
• business management
• supply chain management

Up to 99% of students receive financial aid at this school, which offers some of the lowest tuition in the state. Programs offer both affordability and flexibility, along with multiple yearly start dates and generous transfer policies that make this postsecondary institution an ideal choice for traditional and nontraditional students.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State & Out-of-State: $7,970

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State: $4,320

Out-of-State: $8,640

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Retention Rate: 73%

Institution Type: Public college

Accreditation: HLC

Other Featured Online Schools

Online college programs are available to students regardless of their physical location. With that in mind, let's consider some top out-of-state schools offering online learning opportunities for students throughout the nation.

Liberty University

Liberty University is a private school located in Lynchburg, VA. It offers many online programs from associate to doctoral levels, with areas of study including:

• accounting
• applied apologetics
• ethnomusicology
• creative writing
• business administration

Tuition is affordable, and flexible eight-week course sessions make it possible to progress at an accelerated pace. The institution is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University is a private online school headquartered in Millcreek, UT. It provides online associate, bachelor's, and master's programs in various areas including:

• special education
• healthcare administration
• information technology
• nursing
• cloud computing

Students benefit from the school's competency-based learning model, which enables them to truly study at their own pace and earn their degrees on their terms. The school is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University Global is a public online institution. It provides a wealth of bachelor's and master's degrees and certificates. Some of the options include:

• artificial intelligence
• legal studies
• human services
• project management
• cybersecurity

The school makes it easy for students to transfer previously earned credits and to save money with affordable coursework. The Higher Learning Commission accredits this institution.

How We Rank Schools

We used data from the NCES and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard as sources for this article. We chose the schools based on the following selection criteria:

• Accreditation: All schools are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission or another nationally recognized accrediting body.
• Reputation: Each school is known for its high academic standards and the quality of its online programs.
• Accessibility: Students can access affordable tuition and financial aid options, flexible coursework, generous transfer policies, and other features that make education more accessible.

Pros and Cons of Online Degrees in Nebraska

As with everything in life, online education has benefits and drawbacks. Let's look closer at some of the most common pros and cons.

Pros of earning an online degree:

• Flexibility: Online programs typically offer asynchronous coursework, enabling students to set their own schedules and study whenever it works for them.
• Study from anywhere: Distance education allows students to study from any location with an internet connection.
• Affordability: Distance learners receive a quality education on a budget, as most online programs have fewer fees and lower tuition rates than in-person programs.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• Isolation: Online students sometimes feel isolated from their peers and professors, which in turn can cause them to feel unsupported.
• Lack of structure: Flexible online programs tend to lack the more structured environment that students are used to, making it hard for them to stay on track academically.
• Employer skepticism: Though most employers accept online learners, some still question the viability of online programs and prefer to hire those who study on-campus.

How To Choose the Best Online College in Nebraska

When exploring the best colleges online, the first thing you'll want to do is make sure they are accredited and reputable. This will ensure you receive a high-quality education that is accepted in the workforce.

Consider what each school offers, in terms of affordability, student resources, online degree programs, and transfer credit acceptance. Understand your own priorities when choosing a school and weigh each potential institution against those priorities to determine which one aligns best with your interests.

How Much Does an Online Degree in Nebraska Cost?

Exact college costs vary from student to student, and there can be wide discrepancies in average costs from school to school. Among the colleges and universities in this article, average yearly tuition rates range from around $4,300 to more than $27,000 per year.

It's important to remember that tuition doesn't tell the whole story. As an online student, you will also be subject to some mandatory fees and may have additional expenses like technology and books.

Tips on How To Make Online College in Nebraska More Affordable

There's no question that even affordable online colleges in Nebraska can be pretty pricey. Fortunately, many resources can help students cover their costs and attend school on a budget.

All students must complete the FAFSA to apply for government aid, such as work-study programs and Pell Grants. Additionally, you can apply for scholarships through your school or outside organizations.

If you have previous college experience, you can transfer credits to save money and time. You can also apply to schools that don't charge application fees and offer payment plans to make existing expenses more manageable. Learn more about each option below:

• online colleges that accept FAFSA
• online colleges with payment plans
• online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
• online colleges that accept transfer credits
• online colleges with scholarships
• online colleges with no application fee

Nebraska Scholarships & Grants

Various scholarships and grants are available to help Nebraska residents pay for accredited colleges online. Let's look at a couple of top options.

Nebraska Opportunity Grant

The Nebraska Opportunity Grant is available through the state. Those who live in Nebraska, attend a Nebraska school, and meet minimum expected family contribution (EFC) figures can qualify for this grant. To be considered, they must complete the FAFSA and apply to their school of choice.

Award Amount: varies

Deadline: March 1, 2025

Horatio Alger Association Nebraska Scholarship

The Horatio Alger Association provides many scholarships to students throughout the country. The Nebraska state scholarship is available to full-time high school juniors planning to pursue a bachelor's degree immediately after graduation. Students must have proven financial need and a GPA of at least 2.0, be a U.S. citizen, and demonstrate community involvement and perseverance in overcoming adversity.

Award Amount: $10,000

Deadline: March 1, 2025

D.J.'s Hero Scholarship Award

This scholarship is available to high school seniors in Nebraska. Those who receive the scholarship must agree to work with a TeamMates+ mentor during their time in college, attend a behavioral health awareness training event, and meet other requirements.

Award Amount: $12,000

Deadline: March 12, 2025

Top Majors for Nebraska Graduates

Nebraska's accredited online colleges offer various degree programs. Some popular majors include:

• Emergency Management: Emergency management, disaster management, and related degrees prepare students for career paths in planning for and managing emergencies. They are commonly offered as online bachelor's degrees.
• Early Childhood Education: Early childhood education degrees teach students about working with children from birth through age eight. They are most often offered as associate, bachelor's, and master's programs.
• Healthcare Administration: Healthcare administration degrees teach students about managing healthcare organizations and departments. They are often available as bachelor's and master's degrees.
• Business Administration: Business administration degrees are broad programs covering an array of business principles. They prepare students to work in leadership positions in many kinds of businesses. They are common online master's degrees but are also available at every program level.
• Human Resources Management: Human resources management degrees are specialized business programs that teach individuals about managing a company's employees. Students learn about hiring, training, compensation, retention, and more. These degrees are typically offered at bachelor's and master's levels.

FAQs About Accredited Online Colleges in Nebraska

If you still have questions about attending online colleges in Nebraska, you're not alone. Keep reading to find answers to some commonly asked questions.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in Nebraska?

In most cases, it takes about four years to graduate with a bachelor's degree and an additional two years to earn a master's degree. However, accelerated online degrees in Nebraska can help students graduate much more quickly. In some cases, students can earn a bachelor's degree in just one to three years and a master's degree in a year or less.

What Is the Easiest Online University To Get Into in Nebraska?

Generally speaking, the easiest schools to get into are the ones with the highest acceptance rates. Several schools in Nebraska have 100% acceptance rates, meaning they accept all students who meet basic eligibility requirements. These schools include Chadron State College and Bellevue University.

Are There Any Free Online Classes I Can Take From Nebraska Colleges?

Colleges sometimes allow people to audit classes or take non-credit courses online for free. These courses are often available through third-party sources like Coursera and edX. The University of Nebraska System offers some free courses through its NU Advance platform, Class Central, and Coursera.

What Is the Cheapest Online MBA Program in Nebraska?

Several schools in Nebraska have MBA programs. The cheapest one is the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where the total estimated tuition cost for the program is around $13,300.

Discover Accredited Bachelor's Degrees With Online Courses

If you're ready to begin your online college journey, explore the schools featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools to find out more about their academic programs and to discover which one is right for you.