Nebraska has several colleges and universities, each with unique offerings and strengths. For students looking to pursue higher education in the state, it can be challenging to determine which college best fits them. Fortunately, several resources are available to help students make informed decision, including college rankings.
College rankings are an essential tool for students and parents alike. They provide valuable information on the quality of education, student life, and job prospects after graduation. There are several ranking methodologies to consider when it comes to finding the best colleges in Nebraska. Some rankings focus on academic excellence, while others consider affordability, campus life, and student outcomes. By understanding the different ranking methodologies, students can make an informed decision about which college to attend.
Overall, choosing the right college is a crucial decision that can significantly impact a student’s future. With so many colleges and universities in Nebraska, it can be overwhelming to determine which is the best fit. However, by using resources such as college rankings and considering factors such as academic programs, campus life, and affordability, students can find the college that meets their unique needs and sets them up for success in their future careers.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is a public institution that was founded in 1869. It is a research institution that offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of study. UNL is a STEM-focused university that emphasizes engineering and technology.
Admissions
UNL is a somewhat selective university with an acceptance rate of 78%. When evaluating applications, the university considers a student’s academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities. UNL also offers early action and early decision options for students.
Majors
UNL offers undergraduate majors in various fields of study, including business, engineering, agriculture, education, and the arts. The university also offers graduate programs in many of these fields.
Cost and Financial Aid
The net price for attending UNL is $16,173 for in-state students and $30,523 for out-of-state students. UNL offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and student loans. The university also provides information on ways to pay for college and student loan options.
Campus Life
UNL has a vibrant campus life with many extracurricular activities and organizations. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 21:1, and the average class size is 27 students. UNL has a supportive faculty that is committed to helping students succeed. The university also has an NCAA Division I athletics program.
UNL is a great option for students pursuing a STEM-focused education at a research institution. With its supportive faculty, vibrant campus life, and various financial aid options, UNL offers a great college experience for students of all backgrounds and interests.
Creighton University
Creighton University is a private Jesuit institution located in Omaha, Nebraska. It is ranked #115 in the National Universities category of the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges by US News. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in various fields of study.
Admissions
Creighton University has an acceptance rate of 71%, an average SAT score range of 1190-1380, and an ACT score range of 25-31. The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, and the average class size is 24. The university offers various ways to pay for college, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
Majors
Creighton University offers more than 140 undergraduate majors and programs in various fields of study, including business, education, nursing, and pre-medical studies. The university also offers graduate and professional law, medicine, occupational therapy, and pharmacy programs.
Cost and Financial Aid
The net price for attending Creighton University is $28,795, and the average amount of student loan debt for graduates is $27,000. The university offers various financial aid options, including need-based and merit-based scholarships, grants, and loans.
Campus Life
Creighton University offers a vibrant campus life with various extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations. The university has a Division I athletic program and is a member of the Big East Conference. The university also provides various support services, including academic advising, tutoring, and career services. The professors at Creighton University are highly qualified and passionate about teaching and research.
In conclusion, Creighton University is a highly ranked institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in various fields of study. The university provides various financial aid options to help students pay for college and offers a vibrant campus life with various extracurricular activities and support services.
University of Nebraska Omaha
University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) is a public institution in Omaha, Nebraska. UNO offers a wide range of undergraduate majors, including many in STEM fields. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 15:1, which allows for smaller class sizes and more personalized attention from professors.
Admissions
Admission to UNO is competitive, with an acceptance rate of 82%. Prospective students must submit an application, transcripts, and ACT or SAT scores. The university also considers extracurricular activities and community involvement in the admissions process.
Majors
UNO offers over 200 undergraduate majors, including business, education, engineering, and health sciences programs. The university is particularly strong in STEM fields, with majors in biology, chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and physics.
Cost and Financial Aid
The net price for attending UNO is $15,672 for in-state students and $26,832 for out-of-state students. However, the university offers a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and student loans. UNO also has a program called Maverick Advantage, which provides additional support and resources to help students graduate on time and with less debt.
Campus Life
UNO has a vibrant campus life, with over 200 student organizations and a range of extracurricular activities. The university also has a strong athletic program, with teams competing in NCAA Division I. Students can take advantage of a range of support services, including academic advising, career services, and counseling.
In summary, UNO is a strong public university with a focus on STEM fields and a range of undergraduate majors. The university offers a range of financial aid options to make college more affordable, and students can take advantage of a vibrant campus life with many extracurricular activities and support services.
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Nebraska Wesleyan University is a private institution located in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was founded in 1887 and has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,584 students. It has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1 and an average class size of 20 students.
Admissions
Nebraska Wesleyan University has a selective admission process with an acceptance rate of 67%. The average net price for attending the university is $23,382 per year. Students can apply online through the university’s website and are required to submit their high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a personal statement.
Majors
Nebraska Wesleyan University offers more than 100 undergraduate majors across various fields of study, including Business, Education, Fine Arts, Humanities, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. The university also offers pre-professional Law, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine programs.
Cost and Financial Aid
The total cost of attending Nebraska Wesleyan University for the 2022-2023 academic year is $49,930, which includes tuition, fees, room, and board. The university offers various ways to pay for college, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. The average financial aid package awarded to students is $26,000 per year.
Campus Life
Nebraska Wesleyan University offers a vibrant campus life with a wide range of extracurricular activities, including clubs and organizations, intramural sports, and community service programs. The university has a strong athletic program with 21 varsity sports teams competing in the NCAA Division III. The university also provides various support services to students, including academic advising, career services, and counseling services.
Overall, Nebraska Wesleyan University provides a well-rounded education with a focus on personalized attention, small class sizes, and close relationships with professors. With its strong academic programs, supportive community, and vibrant campus life, Nebraska Wesleyan University is an excellent choice for students seeking a high-quality education in Nebraska.
College of Saint Mary
College of Saint Mary is a private institution located in Omaha, Nebraska. It was founded in 1923 by the Sisters of Mercy and is Nebraska’s only women’s university. The college offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of study.
Admissions
The College of Saint Mary admission process is fairly competitive, with an acceptance rate of 50%. The college requires applicants to submit their high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a personal essay. The student-faculty ratio at the college is 10:1, which ensures that students receive personalized attention from their professors.
Majors
College of Saint Mary offers undergraduate majors in various fields, including Nursing, Rehabilitation and Therapy, and Liberal Arts and Humanities. The college also offers graduate programs in Education, Occupational Therapy, and Physician Assistant Studies.
Cost and Financial Aid
The net price for attending College of Saint Mary is $16,373, and the college offers various ways to pay for college, including scholarships, grants, and student loans. The college has a student loan default rate of 3.5%, which is lower than the national average.
Campus Life
College of Saint Mary offers a vibrant campus life with various extracurricular activities, including clubs and organizations, athletics, and community service programs. The college has small class sizes, with an average class size of 14 students, ensuring students receive personalized attention from their professors. The professors highly support their students and are committed to their success.
The College of Saint Mary is a great choice for students looking for a small, supportive, and vibrant college experience. The college offers various undergraduate and graduate majors, financial aid options, and extracurricular activities, making it a great option for students of all interests and backgrounds.
Bellevue University
Bellevue University is a private institution located in Bellevue, Nebraska. It is a mid-size institution with an enrollment of 6,302 undergraduate students. According to US News Best Colleges, Bellevue University’s ranking in the 2022-2023 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities Midwest, #127-166. Its tuition and fees are $8,310.
Admissions
Bellevue University has an acceptance rate of 100%. The admission process is straightforward and requires applicants to submit their high school transcripts or GED scores, ACT or SAT scores, and an application fee of $50. The university offers rolling admissions, so applications are accepted throughout the year.
Majors
Bellevue University offers a range of undergraduate majors, including business, criminal justice, healthcare management, and psychology. The university also offers graduate programs in business, education, and healthcare.
Cost and Financial Aid
The net price for attending Bellevue University is $17,894. The university offers various ways to pay for college, including scholarships, grants, and student loans. The average amount of federal student loans that undergraduate students take out is $6,042. Bellevue University’s student-faculty ratio is 28:1.
Campus Life
Bellevue University has a vibrant campus life with numerous extracurricular activities, including clubs and organizations, intramural sports, and community service opportunities. The university’s athletic teams are known as the Bruins and compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). The university also offers support services to help students succeed, including tutoring, counseling, and career services.
In summary, Bellevue University is a private institution in Bellevue, Nebraska, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university has an acceptance rate of 100% and offers various ways to pay for college, including scholarships, grants, and student loans. The university has a vibrant campus life with numerous extracurricular activities, and the student-faculty ratio is 28:1.
Doane University
Doane University is a private institution located in Crete, Nebraska. It is a small institution with an enrollment of around 1,080 undergraduate students. The university has a student-faculty ratio of 11:1, ensuring that students receive personalized attention from their professors.
Admissions
Doane University has a somewhat competitive admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 69%. The university offers various student loan options and ways to pay for college, including scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. The admission process is holistic, taking into account factors such as academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities.
Majors
Doane University offers over 50 undergraduate majors, including Business, Accounting, Elementary Education, and Biology. The university’s College of Arts and Sciences is repeatedly ranked as one of the best in Nebraska, offering affordable, world-class education. Students can also choose to participate in study abroad programs, internships, and research opportunities.
Cost and Financial Aid
The net price for attending Doane University is around $24,000 per year. However, the university offers various financial aid options to help students cover the cost of attendance. Around 99% of students receive financial aid, with an average award of $29,000 per year.
Campus Life
Doane University offers a vibrant campus life, with a range of extracurricular activities and clubs available to students. The university has a strong athletics program, with 22 varsity sports teams. Class sizes are small, with an average of 14 students per class, ensuring that students receive individualized attention from their professors. The university also offers various support services, including academic advising, career, and counseling.
In conclusion, Doane University is an excellent choice for students seeking a small, private institution in Nebraska. With its strong academics, financial aid options, and vibrant campus life, Doane University is a great place to pursue undergraduate studies in a variety of fields.
