1. University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Overview
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Founded in 1869, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is the flagship public research university in the state. Known for its programs in agriculture, engineering, and business, UNL is a member of the Big Ten Conference and a leader in research and innovation. The university’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources is one of the best in the nation, and the university also excels in engineering, computer science, and entrepreneurship.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #151 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 25,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Average SAT Score: 1130-1340
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Cornhuskers Athletics
- Greek life
- Research and internship programs
- Student government and leadership
- Volunteer and community service organizations
Famous Alumni
- Warren Buffett – CEO of Berkshire Hathaway
- Johnny Carson – Television host
- Ted Sorensen – JFK speechwriter
- Tom Osborne – Former Nebraska football coach and U.S. Congressman
- Gail McGovern – CEO of the American Red Cross
Top Employers
- Union Pacific
- Nebraska Medicine
- Mutual of Omaha
- Kiewit Corporation
- Ameritas
2. Creighton University
Overview
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Founded in 1878, Creighton University is a private Jesuit university known for its programs in business, health sciences, and law. The Heider College of Business is one of the best business schools in the region, and the university’s School of Medicine and School of Dentistry are highly respected nationwide. Creighton combines a strong academic curriculum with a focus on ethics, service, and leadership.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #115 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 8,400
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Average SAT Score: 1190-1370
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Bluejays Athletics
- Student government and leadership programs
- Campus ministry and service organizations
- Pre-medical and health science clubs
- Volunteer and community outreach programs
Famous Alumni
- Bob Gibson – MLB Hall of Famer
- Greg McDermott – Creighton basketball coach
- Mike Johanns – Former U.S. Senator and Secretary of Agriculture
- Kyle Korver – NBA player
- Don Bacon – U.S. Congressman
Top Employers
- CHI Health
- Union Pacific
- First National Bank of Omaha
- Kiewit Corporation
- Creighton University Medical Center
3. Nebraska Wesleyan University
Overview
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Founded in 1887, Nebraska Wesleyan University is a private liberal arts university known for its strong programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Wesleyan emphasizes a personalized educational experience with small class sizes and a commitment to community engagement. The university’s pre-med and nursing programs are particularly well-regarded, as are its programs in theatre and music.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #24 Regional Universities Midwest
- Number of Students: About 2,100
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 72%
- Average SAT Score: 1080-1260
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Greek life
- Prairie Wolves Athletics
- Performing arts and theater groups
- Student government and leadership clubs
- Volunteer and community service organizations
Famous Alumni
- Don Stenberg – Former Nebraska Attorney General
- James B. Milliken – Chancellor of the University of Texas System
- Bob Kerrey – Former Nebraska Governor and U.S. Senator
- Gordon MacRae – Actor and singer
- Ted Kooser – U.S. Poet Laureate
Top Employers
- Bryan Health
- Nebraska Wesleyan University
- Union Bank & Trust
- Nebraska Medicine
- Ameritas
4. University of Nebraska at Omaha
Overview
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Founded in 1908, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is a public research university with a focus on business, engineering, public administration, and education. UNO is known for its innovative programs in information technology and cybersecurity, as well as its nationally ranked School of Public Administration. The university’s close ties to Omaha’s business community provide students with numerous internship and job opportunities.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #299-391 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 15,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Average SAT Score: 1030-1240
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Mavericks Athletics
- Greek life
- Information technology and cybersecurity clubs
- Student government and leadership programs
- Community service and outreach organizations
Famous Alumni
- Peter Fonda – Actor and filmmaker
- Gale Sayers – NFL Hall of Famer
- Don Byas – Jazz saxophonist
- Brad Ashford – Former U.S. Congressman
- Wally Hickel – Former Governor of Alaska
Top Employers
- Union Pacific
- First National Bank of Omaha
- Mutual of Omaha
- TD Ameritrade
- Kiewit Corporation
5. Hastings College
Overview
Location: Hastings, Nebraska
Founded in 1882, Hastings College is a private liberal arts college known for its small class sizes, personalized attention, and strong academic programs in education, business, and the arts. The college has a reputation for its creative writing and music programs, as well as its pre-professional tracks in law and medicine. Hastings College fosters a community of engaged learning with a focus on critical thinking and leadership.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #17 Regional Colleges Midwest
- Number of Students: About 1,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Average SAT Score: 1020-1210
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Broncos Athletics
- Greek life
- Performing arts and music programs
- Student government and leadership groups
- Volunteer and community service projects
Famous Alumni
- Tom Osborne – Former Nebraska football coach and U.S. Congressman
- James Dahlman – Longtime Mayor of Omaha
- Manny Fernandez – Former CEO of Gartner, Inc.
- Brian Setencich – Former California State Assemblyman
- Ron Hansen – Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist
Top Employers
- Mary Lanning Healthcare
- Hastings Public Schools
- Nebraska Medicine
- Mutual of Omaha
- Union Pacific
6. Concordia University, Nebraska
Overview
Location: Seward, Nebraska
Founded in 1894, Concordia University, Nebraska, is a private Christian university affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The university is known for its strong programs in education, theology, business, and health sciences. Concordia combines a rigorous academic experience with a faith-based mission, providing students with opportunities for spiritual growth and leadership development.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #39 Regional Universities Midwest
- Number of Students: About 2,400
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Average SAT Score: 1070-1260
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Bulldogs Athletics
- Campus ministry and service organizations
- Student government and leadership initiatives
- Performing arts and choir groups
- Volunteer and community outreach programs
Famous Alumni
- A. R. Bernard – Pastor and author
- Rev. Paul Maier – Historian and theologian
- John D. Wiggs – Business executive
- Greg Adams – Former Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature
- James G. Lang – Public health expert
Top Employers
- Concordia University
- Nebraska Medicine
- CHI Health
- Seward Public Schools
- Crete Carrier Corporation
7. Wayne State College
Overview
Location: Wayne, Nebraska
Wayne State College, founded in 1910, is a public institution known for its affordable tuition and strong programs in education, business, and criminal justice. The college offers a variety of pre-professional tracks, including pre-law and pre-health. Wayne State is also known for its hands-on learning experiences, small class sizes, and close-knit campus community.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #81 Regional Universities Midwest
- Number of Students: About 4,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Average SAT Score: 950-1170
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Wildcats Athletics
- Greek life
- Student government and leadership organizations
- Criminal justice and pre-law clubs
- Volunteer and community service activities
Famous Alumni
- Lowell Johnson – Former Governor of Nebraska
- Frank LeMere – Native American activist
- Dwite Schaffner – Medal of Honor recipient
- Alvin O. Luedecke – U.S. Air Force Major General
- Kurt Luedtke – Academy Award-winning screenwriter
Top Employers
- Wayne State College
- Nebraska Department of Education
- Cargill
- Northeast Community College
- Norfolk Public Schools
8. Doane University
Overview
Location: Crete, Nebraska
Founded in 1872, Doane University is a private liberal arts university known for its programs in business, education, and the sciences. Doane places a strong emphasis on leadership and service, offering students numerous opportunities to engage in internships, research, and volunteer work. The university also has a highly regarded teacher education program, preparing graduates for careers in education and leadership.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #168 National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Number of Students: About 1,500
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Average SAT Score: 1050-1230
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Tigers Athletics
- Greek life
- Performing arts and choir programs
- Student government and leadership organizations
- Volunteer and service projects
Famous Alumni
- R. Thomas Wright – NASA engineer
- Gregory Brown – Poet and singer-songwriter
- Francis A. Gross – Former Nebraska Supreme Court Justice
- Cliff Hillegass – Founder of CliffsNotes
- J. Robert Cade – Inventor of Gatorade
Top Employers
- Lincoln Public Schools
- Bryan Health
- Crete Public Schools
- Doane University
- Nebraska Medicine
9. Midland University
Overview
Location: Fremont, Nebraska
Founded in 1883, Midland University is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Midland is known for its strong business, education, and healthcare programs, offering students a personalized education experience. The university focuses on leadership development, encouraging students to engage in community service and professional growth.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #41 Regional Colleges Midwest
- Number of Students: About 1,600
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Average SAT Score: 1000-1200
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Warriors Athletics
- Performing arts and music programs
- Student government and leadership groups
- Campus ministry and faith-based organizations
- Volunteer and community service projects
Famous Alumni
- George Beadle – Nobel Prize-winning geneticist
- John Gottman – Psychologist and relationship expert
- Lyle Smith – Business executive
- Bill Moos – University athletic director
- Kirk Penney – Professional basketball player
Top Employers
- Methodist Fremont Health
- Fremont Public Schools
- Midland University
- First National Bank
- Lincoln Electric System
10. Bellevue University
Overview
Location: Bellevue, Nebraska
Founded in 1966, Bellevue University is a private, nonprofit university that specializes in online education and adult learning. Bellevue is known for its business, healthcare, and information technology programs, with a focus on career-oriented degrees that cater to working professionals. The university’s flexible programs and affordable tuition make it a popular choice for students seeking to advance their careers.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #119 Regional Universities Midwest
- Number of Students: About 9,000
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: Open enrollment
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Business and entrepreneurship clubs
- Volunteer and community service programs
- Technology and IT innovation groups
- Online student organizations
- Military and veteran support groups
Famous Alumni
- Paul Hartzell – Former MLB pitcher
- Clayton Anderson – NASA astronaut
- Tim Burke – Filmmaker
- John Bursch – Former U.S. Solicitor General
- Michael Yanney – Business executive and philanthropist
Top Employers
- Union Pacific
- U.S. Strategic Command
- First Data
- TD Ameritrade
- Mutual of Omaha