How To Get Free College in Nebraska

Nebraska falls somewhere in the middle when it comes to college tuition costs. It by no means has the highest tuition, but is pretty far from the lowest. Luckily, there are options that students can utilize to help cover or even eliminate their tuition costs. One of these options is attending a tuition-free online college in Nebraska.

Keep reading to learn how to get free college in the Cornhusker State.

Is Community College Free in Nebraska?

Community college is not inherently free in Nebraska. However, there are a few ways that community college students in Nebraska can reduce their tuition costs. One way is through the Nebraska Opportunity Grant, which offers funds to eligible students. Another is the Community College Gap Assistance Program, which funds students in certain community college programs.

Who Qualifies for Free College in Nebraska?

To receive free tuition through any of the programs in Nebraska, students generally need to show they have a financial need. To do this, students must fill out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and the state and school will look at their family income.

Other eligibility requirements usually include being a Nebraska resident, being enrolled full-time, and maintaining a minimum GPA set by the program. Other requirements vary between programs.

What Is the Nebraska Opportunity Grant?

The Nebraska Opportunity Grant is state-based. Grants are a type of financial aid you don't generally need to pay back, making this a good opportunity for qualifying students. The maximum amount you can receive through the Nebraska Opportunity Grant is $4,000, but the average payout is $1,815. Amounts are based on financial need and availability of funds.

Who Is Eligible?

There are a few eligibility requirements for the Nebraska Opportunity Grant. These include:

• be a Nebraska resident
• be attending an eligible Nebraska college or university
• not having a college or university degree already
• demonstrate high financial need via the FAFSA

The Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education does not list the specific income amount that makes students eligible for this grant but does show that 17.9% of students awarded it in the 2022-2023 academic year came from families earning over $60,000.

Eligible Institutions

Most institutions in Nebraska are eligible for the Nebraska Opportunity Grant. This includes all campuses within the University of Nebraska system, all state colleges, and all community colleges.

Four private career colleges are also eligible:

• Capitol Beauty School
• College of Hair Design
• Joseph's College of Beauty
• Xenon International School of Hair

Additionally, nearly all private, nonprofit colleges and universities in Nebraska are eligible for the Nebraska opportunity grant, including:

• Bellevue University
• Concordia University- Nebraska
• Creighton University
• Doane University

How To Apply

There is generally no specific application process for the Nebraska Opportunity Grant. If a student meets the FAFSA requirements, the award will be added to their financial aid letter. Note that some institutions require students to fill out an additional application. Talk to your college or university's financial assistance office to learn more.

What Is the Nebraska Promise?

The Nebraska Promise program is a financial aid program for Nebraska students attending one of the University of Nebraska schools. It's a last-dollar program, meaning it covers whatever is left of your tuition after other types of financial aid, like the Federal Pell Grant, are applied.

The Nebraska Promise covers tuition charges, but the funding cannot be applied toward additional costs like textbooks or course materials. Students taking classes online through the University of Nebraska can also qualify.

Who Is Eligible?

Students must meet the eligibility requirements to qualify for the Nebraska Promise. These include:

• be a Nebraska resident
• be attending one of the University of Nebraska universities
• be attending an undergraduate degree program full-time (at least 12 credit hours each semester)
• have a family income under $65,000 or be Pell Grant eligible
• maintain a GPA of 2.5 or above to continue receiving financial aid

This program is available to first-time and transfer students so long as they meet the above requirements.

Eligible Institutions

Students can use the Nebraska Promise at any of the University of Nebraska schools:

• University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL)
• University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK)
• University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO)
• University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)
• Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA)

How To Apply

Like the Nebraska Opportunity Grant, there are no special application instructions for the Nebraksa Promise program. If you're accepted by a University of Nebraska campus and your FAFSA indicates you're eligible, you'll receive this tuition assistance.

Tips for Making College Affordable

There are a few things Nebraskans can do to make their college education affordable. The first is to fill out your FAFSA as soon as possible, so you can determine if you're eligible for the Pell Grant or any other federal and state grants. Another way to make college affordable is to pursue a degree through a public college or university. Even if you don't qualify for the Nebraska Promise, these institutions typically have lower tuition than private colleges and universities.

Tuition-Free Colleges in Nebraska

Several different colleges and universities in Nebraska offer free or low tuition costs to students. We've listed a few below.

Bellevue University

Bellevue University is a private university in Bellevue, NE. The university focuses on adult education and offers ways for students to save money. Students at Bellevue University can take advantage of the Nebraska Opportunity Grant to help pay their undergraduate tuition. Additionally, students with exceptional financial need may qualify for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a public research university in Lincoln and the flagship university of the University of Nebraska system. It offers several financial aid opportunities to students. Students at UNL can use the Nebraska Promise and the Nebraska Opportunity grant to cover whatever remains of their full tuition costs. The university also offers additional scholarship programs to both in-state and out-of-state students.

Wayne State College

Wayne State College is a public college in Wayne, NE. The college is part of the Nebraska State College System. Students can use the Nebraska Opportunity Grant or the Nebraska State College Tuition Guarantee.

The Nebraska State College Tuition Guarantee is a last-dollar financial aid program that helps first-time and returning students at any of the Nebraska State Colleges. Students must be Nebraska residents pursuing an undergraduate degree full-time, and be Pell Grant-eligible.

FAQs About Free College in Nebraska

Below, we've answered a few frequently asked questions about free college in Nebraska.

Can You Go to College in Nebraska for Free?

You can attend college for free through programs like the Nebraska Opportunity Grant, the Nebraska Promise, the Nebraska State College Tuition Guarantee, and other financial aid opportunities.

Is Tuition Free at the University of Nebraska?

Tuition is not free at the University of Nebraska. However, if you are an undergraduate student who meets the requirements for the Nebraska Promise program, you may be eligible to have your full tuition covered.

Who Is Eligible for the Pell Grant in Nebraska?

The Pell Grant is a federal program, not a state program, so the state you live in doesn't affect your eligibility. Eligibility for the Pell Grant depends on several factors, including your expected family contribution as determined by your FAFSA, the cost of your tuition, and whether you're a full-time or part-time student.