Comprehensive education resources and information for students, educators, parents, and job seekers in Nebraska. Explore colleges, universities, public schools, vocational training, scholarships, and professional development opportunities.
Nebraska's postsecondary education system comprises 44 accredited institutions serving over 100,000 students. The system includes public universities, community colleges, private institutions, and for-profit schools offering diverse academic and vocational programs.
Key Facts:
15 public institutions across the state
19 not-for-profit private colleges and universities
10 for-profit educational institutions
9 comprehensive community college systems
Nebraska Promise program provides free tuition for eligible students
Higher education enrollment: approximately 100,000+ students
State Higher Education Initiatives
Nebraska Promise Program
Free tuition program for new, full-time undergraduate students with family income of $65,000 or less, or Pell grant eligible. Covers up to 30 credit hours per academic year at any public Nebraska university.
Nebraska Opportunity Grant (NOG)
State grant program for eligible Nebraska residents attending Nebraska postsecondary institutions. Based on financial need and Student Aid Index through FAFSA completion.
Nebraska Universities & Colleges
University of Nebraska System
The University of Nebraska System is the state's flagship higher education institution with three main campuses:
University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) - Big 10 member, comprehensive research university offering 200+ degree programs, strong in engineering, business, agriculture, and liberal arts
University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) - Metropolitan research university with 180+ programs, located in Omaha, strong in business, engineering, and public administration
University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) - Regional research university with 150+ programs, located in central Nebraska, strong in education and business
University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) - Health sciences university with programs in medicine, dentistry, nursing, allied health, and public health
Nebraska State College System
Three regional colleges serving central and northeastern Nebraska:
Chadron State College - Located in northwest Nebraska, offers 60+ programs in education, business, and liberal arts
Peru State College - Located in southeastern Nebraska, specializes in education and teacher preparation programs
Wayne State College - Located in northeast Nebraska, offers 80+ undergraduate programs and graduate degrees
Community Colleges
Nebraska's comprehensive community college system serves workforce development and transfer education:
Central Community College - Multi-campus system with locations in Columbus, Hastings, and Grand Island
Northeast Community College - Serves northeast Nebraska from headquarters in Norfolk
Southeast Community College Area - Largest community college in Nebraska with multiple campuses
Mid-Plains Community College - Offers 50+ associate degree programs and 70+ certificate programs
Western Nebraska Community College - Serves 11-county area in western Nebraska
Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture - Located in Curtis, specializes in agricultural training
Little Priest Tribal College - Tribal college serving Native American students
Nebraska Indian Community College - Tribal college offering associate degrees and certificates
Metropolitan Community College Area - Serves Omaha and surrounding region
Private Institutions
Nebraska's private colleges and universities offer specialized programs and residential experiences:
Creighton University - Jesuit university in Omaha, comprehensive programs including business, engineering, nursing, and law
Bellevue University - Adult-focused university with online and evening programs
Doane University - Liberal arts university with strong academics and undergraduate focus
Nebraska Wesleyan University - Methodist-affiliated liberal arts university
Hastings College - Presbyterian-affiliated liberal arts college
Midland University - Liberal arts university located in Fremont
Bryan College of Health Sciences - Health professions education in Lincoln
Clarkson College - Health sciences college in Omaha
College of Saint Mary - Women's college specializing in nursing and health professions
Concordia University-Nebraska - Liberal arts university affiliated with Lutheran Church
Grace University - Christian liberal arts university in Omaha
Union College - Seventh-day Adventist college in Lincoln
York College - Independent Christian college
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health - Health professions training
Summit Christian College - Christian higher education
K-12 Public Education System
System Overview
244 school districts across Nebraska
1,036 public schools
328,724 students enrolled (2022 data)
23,751 public school teachers
Teacher-to-student ratio: 1:14 (better than national average of 1:16)
Nebraska offers comprehensive adult education and continuing learning opportunities for individuals seeking to improve basic skills, earn high school credentials, or pursue lifelong learning.
Adult Education Program Areas
Adult Basic Education (ABE) - Reading, writing, and mathematics instruction for adults
GED Test Preparation - High school equivalency credential preparation and testing
English Language Learner (ELL) - Programs for beginning, intermediate, and advanced learners
Workforce Training - Skill development for employment
Community College Programs
Central Community College - Free ABE and GED instruction for ages 16+
Northeast Community College - Basic skills, GED, ELL programs at no cost
Southeast Community College - Comprehensive adult education offerings
Mid-Plains Community College - Workforce development and skills training
University Continuing Education
University of Nebraska Omaha - Division of Continuing Studies - Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies for adult learners
University of Nebraska-Lincoln - Osher Lifelong Learning Institute - Programs for learners 50+ years old
Nebraska's STEM education philosophy emphasizes integrated, interdisciplinary learning through collaborative school-based, work-based, family-based, and community-based experiences to help students master key competencies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
University STEM Programs
University of Nebraska-Lincoln - STEM CONNECT (NSF-funded scholarship program), NebraskaSTEM Master Teaching Fellows
University of Nebraska at Kearney - MS Ed in STEM Education, MA Ed in Curriculum & Instruction with STEM concentration
University of Nebraska at Omaha - Multiple degree programs in STEM fields with community partnerships
Wayne State College - Nebraska S-STEM Program for low-income STEM majors
K-12 STEM Initiatives
Integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics curriculum
Hands-on project-based learning
Connection to real-world career applications
Emphasis on 21st century skills
Professional development for teachers
Research & Support Programs
Nebraska EPSCoR - Research funding and undergraduate research experiences in STEM
Center for Science, Mathematics and Computer Education (UNL) - STEM CONNECT and professional development
Nebraska State Education Association (NSEA) Member-directed union representing 23,000+ PreK-12 teachers, higher education faculty, support professionals, and aspiring educators. Founded 1867. Phone: Contact through website Visit NSEA Website
Nebraska Educational Technology Association (NETA) Promotes effective use of educational technology and digital learning
Association for Career & Technical Education of Nebraska (ACTEN) Supports vocational, career, and technical education professionals
Nebraska Music Educators Association (NMEA) Supports music education and music educators across the state Visit NMEA Website
Nebraska State Business Education Association (NSBEA) Advances business education and teacher professional development
National Professional Organizations (Nebraska Chapters)
ISTE - International Society for Technology in Education
JEA - Journalism Education Association
NBEA - National Business Education Association
MPBEA - Mountain-Plains Business Education Association
ACTE - Association of Career & Technical Education
The Nebraska Promise is a free tuition program for new, full-time, first-time undergraduate students attending any public Nebraska university. Eligibility includes Nebraska residency, family income of $65,000 or less (or Pell grant eligibility), and full-time status. The program covers up to 30 credit hours of tuition per academic year after other financial aid is applied. This covers tuition costs completely for many eligible students.
Nebraska has 44 accredited higher education institutions. This includes 15 public institutions (including 3 University of Nebraska campuses, 3 Nebraska State Colleges, and 9 community colleges), 19 not-for-profit private colleges and universities, and 10 for-profit educational institutions. These range from large research universities to small liberal arts colleges and specialized trade schools.
Nebraska achieves approximately 90% high school graduation rate, which is above the national average. On 2023-24 standardized tests, students in grades 3-8 demonstrated 59% proficiency in English Language Arts, 58% in Mathematics, and 74% in Science. At the high school level (juniors), proficiency rates are 45% in ELA, 42% in Math, and 49% in Science. The state is focused on continuous improvement in student achievement.
Nebraska's community colleges offer comprehensive vocational training in nursing, dental hygiene, welding, automotive technology, medical assisting, electrician training, industrial electronics, and many other trades. Average tuition is $3,200 per year. Top career paths include nursing ($60,000-$82,000), dental hygiene ($82,000+), and electrician training ($59,000). The Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis provides specialized agricultural training. Many programs offer certificates (1-2 years) or associate degrees (2 years).
Yes, the University of Nebraska System offers 150+ online degree programs serving over 3,000 students. University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers programs in education, business, engineering, agriculture, interior design, and media studies. University of Nebraska at Kearney offers 50+ fully online programs with the lowest tuition of Nebraska universities. Most courses are asynchronous, allowing flexibility while maintaining fixed semester schedules. Courses use Canvas learning management system. The University of Nebraska has 100+ years of distance education experience.
Children ages 3-21 with qualifying disabilities are entitled to free, appropriate public education (FAPE) under Nebraska law. Services include special education instruction, related services (speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling), classroom inclusion options, transition planning, and special transportation. Each student receives an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Schools must provide services for 12 different disability categories. Parents are involved in all IEP decisions. PTI Nebraska provides parent training and advocacy support.
Nebraska offers multiple early childhood options for ages birth-5: public preschool programs (ages 3-5), Head Start and Early Head Start serving 5,300+ children annually with comprehensive services, and licensed child care programs. Most programs operate 3.5-4 hours daily, 4-5 days weekly. All teachers must have bachelor's degrees and early childhood training. Programs provide education, health services, nutrition, mental health support, and family engagement. Nebraska received a $4 million federal Preschool Development Grant in 2022 to expand access and quality.
Teacher certification in Nebraska requires completing an approved teacher preparation program at a university or college. Programs typically include bachelor's degree with major in content area, education courses, and student teaching. No master's degree is required for initial certification. Multiple pathways exist: traditional university programs, alternative certification programs, and transitional certification programs. The Nebraska Department of Education grants Initial Teaching Certificates (5 years) for first-time teachers. After 2+ years of teaching experience, teachers can apply for Standard Teaching Certificates. Continuing professional development with 15 credit hours is required for renewal.
Nebraska offers free adult education programs through community colleges for individuals 16+ years old. Programs include Adult Basic Education (reading, writing, math), GED test preparation and testing, and English Language Learner (ELL) classes for beginning through advanced learners. No cost to participants. Classes are offered at Central Community College, Northeast Community College, and Southeast Community College. Additionally, the University of Nebraska offers Osher Lifelong Learning programs for learners 50+ and adult-focused degree programs through distance learning.
Nebraska's STEM education approach emphasizes integrated, interdisciplinary learning connecting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through collaborative school-based, work-based, family-based, and community-based experiences. Students learn real-world applications and develop 21st-century skills. Programs range from K-12 classroom integration to university degree programs including STEM CONNECT (NSF-funded scholarships at UNL), Nebraska S-STEM Programs for low-income students, and graduate STEM education degrees. This approach prepares students for high-demand careers in STEM fields and develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for modern employment.