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Best Nursing Schools in Nebraska: Programs, Tuition & How to Apply

GradeToGrad Editorial Team

January 14, 2026

Explore 16 nursing programs across Nebraska, from affordable community colleges ($3,000–$3,840/yr) to prestigious universities. Compare tuition, admission rates, and graduate earnings to find your ideal nursing pathway.

Overview of Nursing Education in Nebraska

Nebraska offers prospective nursing students 16 accredited programs across the state—6 community colleges and 10 universities. This diversity means you can pursue a nursing career through multiple pathways, whether you're seeking an affordable Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor's or advanced degree. The state's nursing programs range from highly selective institutions to open-admission colleges, with tuition costs varying dramatically based on school type and degree level.

For students prioritizing affordability, Nebraska's community colleges are among the most cost-effective nursing education options in the region, with annual tuition between $3,000 and $3,840. For those seeking advanced credentials or research-focused education, Nebraska's universities—including the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Creighton University—offer competitive, nationally recognized programs.

Understanding your options is critical. This guide breaks down Nebraska's nursing schools by type, cost, selectivity, and graduate outcomes to help you make an informed decision.

Top University Nursing Programs in Nebraska

Creighton University (Omaha)

Program Type: Bachelor's/First Professional Degree
Tuition: $47,000/year
Acceptance Rate: 72.3%
Graduation Rate: 79.5%
Graduate Earnings: $119,872/year

Creighton University is Nebraska's most prestigious nursing institution, consistently ranked among the nation's top nursing schools. Located in Omaha, Creighton combines rigorous academics with clinical partnerships at major medical centers. The 79.5% graduation rate is solid, and Creighton graduates earn among the highest starting salaries in the state at nearly $120,000 annually. The 72.3% acceptance rate reflects competitive admissions—you'll need strong GPA and prerequisite grades to gain admission.

University of Nebraska Medical Center (Omaha)

Program Type: Bachelor's/First Professional Degree
Tuition: Contact institution for current pricing
Enrollment: 861 students
Graduate Earnings: $107,883/year

UNMC is Nebraska's flagship public nursing program and the only state university nursing school. It's affiliated with Nebraska's largest medical center, providing exceptional clinical training opportunities. UNMC graduates earn $107,883 annually on average—significantly higher than community college graduates. The program emphasizes research and advanced practice. Contact UNMC directly for current tuition rates, as public university pricing can vary by residency status and program level.

Bryan College of Health Sciences (Lincoln)

Program Type: Doctoral Degree
Tuition: $20,070/year
Acceptance Rate: 62.9%
Graduation Rate: 73.8%
Graduate Earnings: $193,724/year

Bryan College stands out for offering a doctoral-level nursing program at a relatively affordable private school tuition rate ($20,070/year). Graduates earn the highest salaries of any Nebraska nursing program—$193,724 annually—reflecting the advanced credentials and specialization. The 73.8% graduation rate is strong. Admission is moderately selective (62.9% acceptance), so competitive grades and prerequisite coursework are important.

Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health (Omaha)

Program Type: Master's Degree
Tuition: $18,173/year
Acceptance Rate: 88.3%
Graduation Rate: 69.5%
Graduate Earnings: $77,218/year

Nebraska Methodist offers an accessible pathway to advanced nursing credentials with the lowest tuition among Nebraska's private universities ($18,173/year). The high acceptance rate (88.3%) means admission is relatively straightforward for qualified applicants. The program is ideal for students seeking graduate-level credentials or career advancement in nursing. Graduates earn $77,218 annually.

Clarkson College (Omaha)

Program Type: Graduate Certificate
Tuition: $15,168/year
Acceptance Rate: 64.3%
Graduation Rate: 73.6%
Graduate Earnings: $95,842/year

Clarkson College is Nebraska's most affordable private nursing school at $15,168/year tuition. It specializes in graduate certificates and advanced nursing credentials, making it ideal for RNs seeking specialization. The 73.6% graduation rate is strong, and graduates earn $95,842 annually. Admission is moderately selective (64.3% acceptance rate).

Nebraska Wesleyan University (Lincoln)

Program Type: Master's Degree
Tuition: $41,658/year
Acceptance Rate: 83.8%
Graduation Rate: 63.9%
Graduate Earnings: $97,027/year

Nebraska Wesleyan offers a well-regarded master's program for nursing students seeking advanced practice credentials. At $41,658/year, tuition is higher than some competitors, but the 83.8% acceptance rate makes admission accessible. Graduates earn $97,027 annually. The 63.9% graduation rate is lower than some peers, so student support and program fit matter.

College of Saint Mary (Omaha)

Program Type: Bachelor's Degree
Tuition: $23,340/year
Acceptance Rate: 44.0%
Graduation Rate: 63.1%
Graduate Earnings: $66,233/year

College of Saint Mary is Nebraska's most selective nursing program (44.0% acceptance rate), requiring strong academic credentials for admission. Tuition is $23,340/year. The program emphasizes values-based nursing education. Graduate earnings ($66,233/year) are lower than other bachelor's programs, reflecting the entry-level focus.

Other University Options

Doane University (Crete) — $40,491/year tuition, 89.5% acceptance rate, 58.6% graduation rate, $63,706 graduate earnings. Doane is highly accessible but has a lower graduation rate; ensure strong academic preparation.

Midland University (Fremont) — $40,270/year tuition, 66.9% acceptance rate, 43.5% graduation rate, $60,687 graduate earnings. Midland's low graduation rate (43.5%) is a concern; investigate student support services carefully.

Union Adventist University (Lincoln) — $27,990/year tuition, 99.9% acceptance rate, 51.0% graduation rate, $62,901 graduate earnings. Nearly open admission, but the 51.0% graduation rate suggests challenges with program completion.

Community College Nursing Programs: The Affordable ADN Path

Nebraska's six community colleges offer Associate's Degrees in Nursing (ADN) at dramatically lower costs than universities—typically $3,000–$3,840 per year. ADN graduates are fully licensed RNs and can work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings immediately after passing the NCLEX-RN exam.

Metropolitan Community College Area (Omaha)

Tuition: $3,285/year
Enrollment: 7,629 students
Graduate Earnings: $63,276/year

MCC's nursing program is Nebraska's largest community college nursing program. At $3,285/year, it's one of the most affordable options in the state. Graduates earn $63,276 annually—comparable to some bachelor's degree holders and significantly more than the national median for ADN graduates. MCC's Omaha location provides access to major medical centers for clinical training.

Southeast Community College Area (Lincoln)

Tuition: $3,540/year
Enrollment: 6,235 students
Graduate Earnings: $58,300/year

Southeast Community College serves Nebraska's capital region with a well-established ADN program. At $3,540/year, tuition is affordable. The program benefits from partnerships with Lincoln's healthcare systems. Graduates earn $58,300 annually.

Central Community College (Grand Island)

Tuition: $3,360/year
Enrollment: 3,206 students
Graduate Earnings: $54,710/year

Central Community College offers an ADN program in Grand Island's central Nebraska location. Tuition is $3,360/year. The program serves students across central Nebraska and provides clinical training at regional medical centers.

Western Nebraska Community College (Scottsbluff)

Tuition: $3,000/year
Enrollment: 948 students
Graduate Earnings: $57,758/year

Western Nebraska Community College has the lowest tuition of any Nebraska nursing program at just $3,000/year. Located in Scottsbluff, it serves western Nebraska students. Graduates earn $57,758 annually.

Northeast Community College (Norfolk)

Tuition: $3,840/year
Enrollment: 2,464 students
Graduate Earnings: $53,246/year

Northeast Community College serves northeastern Nebraska with an ADN program at $3,840/year. Graduates earn $53,246 annually.

Mid-Plains Community College (North Platte)

Tuition: $3,600/year
Enrollment: 923 students
Graduate Earnings: $52,344/year

Mid-Plains Community College offers nursing education in central Nebraska at $3,600/year tuition.

How to Choose the Right Nursing Program

Selecting a nursing school requires balancing multiple factors:

1. Cost vs. Career Goals

Community college ADN programs cost $3,000–$3,840/year and lead to immediate RN licensure and employment. A two-year ADN costs $6,000–$7,680 total. University bachelor's programs cost $15,000–$47,000/year but may lead to higher earnings and more career advancement opportunities. Calculate your total cost of attendance, including living expenses, and compare to projected graduate earnings.

2. Admission Selectivity

If your GPA or test scores are strong, you have options across the selectivity spectrum. If your academics are developing, community colleges (open admission) and universities like Doane (89.5% acceptance) or Union Adventist (99.9% acceptance) are accessible. More selective programs like College of Saint Mary (44.0% acceptance) require stronger credentials.

3. Graduation Rates

Graduation rates matter—they reflect program quality, student support, and realistic completion timelines. Creighton (79.5%), Bryan (73.8%), Clarkson (73.6%), and Southeast Community College all have strong graduation rates. Programs with lower rates (Midland at 43.5%, Union Adventist at 51.0%) may indicate challenges; investigate why before enrolling.

4. Location and Clinical Partnerships

Omaha programs (Creighton, UNMC, Nebraska Methodist, Clarkson, College of Saint Mary) benefit from partnerships with major medical centers. Rural programs may offer more intimate learning but fewer specialty options. Consider where you want to work after graduation.

5. Degree Level and Career Trajectory

ADN graduates become RNs immediately and earn $52,000–$63,000 annually. Bachelor's degree holders earn $60,000–$97,000. Master's and doctoral graduates earn $77,000–$193,000. If you plan to advance to management, education, or advanced practice, a bachelor's or graduate degree may be necessary. If you want to work as a bedside nurse quickly, an ADN is efficient.

Nursing Job Market in Nebraska

Nebraska has a strong nursing job market. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nursing employment will grow 6% nationally through 2032, but Nebraska's healthcare sector—anchored by major medical centers in Omaha and Lincoln—shows consistent demand.

Entry-Level RN Earnings (ADN): $52,000–$63,000/year
Bachelor's Degree RN Earnings: $60,000–$97,000/year
Advanced Practice Earnings: $77,000–$193,000/year

Omaha and Lincoln have the most job opportunities due to large medical centers (UNMC, Creighton Medical Center, Bryan Medical Center). Rural areas often have nursing shortages, which can mean higher pay, sign-on bonuses, and loan forgiveness programs—but fewer specialty options.

Financial Aid for Nursing Students in Nebraska

Federal Aid

All Nebraska nursing students are eligible for federal financial aid, including Pell Grants (up to $7,395 for 2023–24), federal student loans, and work-study. Complete the FAFSA at fafsa.gov to determine eligibility.

State Aid

Nebraska offers state grants through the College Assistance Misspent Persons (CAMP) program and the Nebraska Opportunity Grant for low-income students. Check the Nebraska Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) website for current awards.

Nursing-Specific Scholarships

Nurse Support Program II: Provides loan forgiveness for nurses working in underserved Nebraska communities
Health Professions Loan Repayment Program: Offers up to $60,000 in loan forgiveness for nurses in rural areas
Military Benefits: Veterans and active-duty service members may use GI Bill benefits at any Nebraska nursing school

Employer Sponsorship

Many Nebraska hospitals and healthcare systems offer tuition reimbursement or sponsorship for nursing students, particularly for ADN-to-BSN programs. Ask your employer if you're currently working in healthcare.

Next Steps: Compare Programs on GradeToGrad

You've learned about Nebraska's 16 nursing programs—now it's time to compare them side-by-side based on your priorities.

Visit GradeToGrad's nursing school search tool to:

Filter by tuition, location, and degree type
Compare admission rates and graduation rates
Read student reviews and program details
Create a personalized college list
Track application deadlines and requirements

Start by creating an account, then build your comparison list. Most nursing programs require:

High school diploma or GED
Prerequisite courses (anatomy, physiology, chemistry, microbiology)
Minimum GPA (typically 2.5–3.0)
TEAS or HESI entrance exam (for some programs)
Background check and drug screening

Begin prerequisites now if you haven't completed them. Many community colleges offer these courses affordably, and completing them before applying strengthens your candidacy.

Nebraska's nursing schools offer genuine pathways to a rewarding, stable career. Whether you choose an affordable community college ADN or a prestigious university program, your success depends on finding the right fit for your academics, finances, and goals.