The cost of college in Nebraska — and what it pays back
Across the 27 Nebraska institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $17,550/yr, $644 above the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $51,303 ten years after entry (above the $43,552 national median), and 15 of the 27 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$17,550
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$51,303
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
9.7 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
15/27
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How Nebraska's 27 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong3
Solid5
Slow2
Weak17
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clarkson College | $19,241 | $64,876 | 4.7 yrs |
| Bryan College of Health Sciences | $26,919 | $70,845 | 4.8 yrs |
| Creighton University | $31,568 | $73,911 | 4.9 yrs |
| Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health | $21,863 | $65,071 | 5.2 yrs |
| Bellevue University | $17,550 | $61,289 | 5.4 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metropolitan Community College Area | $4,982 | $38,773 | no payback |
| Mid-Plains Community College | $5,235 | $40,059 | no payback |
| Western Nebraska Community College | $5,474 | $38,729 | no payback |
| Central Community College | $7,024 | $39,429 | no payback |
| Northeast Community College | $8,544 | $42,634 | no payback |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in Nebraska?
The median net price across Nebraska colleges is $17,550/yr after aid — above the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in Nebraska cheaper than the national average?
No — the median Nebraska net price of $17,550/yr runs about $644/yr above the $16,906 national median. Individual schools vary widely, so check each profile.
What do Nebraska college graduates earn?
A median $51,303 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), above the $43,552 national median.
Which Nebraska college pays for itself fastest?
Clarkson College — about 4.7 years to clear its $76,964 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-nebraska page.