Best Nursing Schools in Nebraska in 2024 (On-Campus and Online)

Are you looking for a nursing school in the Midwest? You’re in luck. When you think of Nebraska, you probably think of farming and lots of flat, empty land. However, don’t let the small towns fool you. Everything is happening in Nebraska. For sports fans, it’s home to the Nebraska Cornhusker’s stadium, which can fit up to 90,000 people. For historians, it’s home to the world’s largest mammoth fossil and known as the place Kool-Aid was first created. For the adventurous, it has the largest indoor rainforest in the united states. For students, it is bursting with possibilities. So check out our top on-campus and online nursing schools in Nebraska.

Nursing positions are high in demand in Nebraska, and it’s estimated that the demand for nursing will go up by 34% by 2025. Job security alone makes Nebraska a hot spot for the healthcare field, but the pay is also good. Nurse practitioners make an estimated $49/hour, which is above the average in the United States. Attending nurse practitioner schools in Nebraska can get you there.

If you’re planning on attending college, there’s a lot to prepare for. You need to make sure it matches your desired program length, housing, cost, location, and more. To help with your research, we’ve compiled a list of the top nursing schools in Nebraska and why they would be a good fit for you. Whether you’re looking for an RN to BSN program in Nebraska or another type of program, you’ll be sure to find an option below.

(Note: Kaplan University has not been included since it has recently been acquired and merged with Purdue Global.)

List of the Top Nursing Schools in Nebraska

1. Bryan College of Health Sciences

Bryan College of Health Sciences is number one for a reason. Dedicated to changing lives and making a difference, Bryan College prides itself on its production of the finest health care providers. With a 100% chance of being employed 4 months after graduation and a 100% chance of getting accepted into graduate school, Bryan College is 100% the college for you.

• Tuition: $12,812
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 89.7%

2. Union College

Union College graduates have a 96% average NCLEX first-time pass rate over the last five years including 100% in three of those years—the best in Nebraska. So follow your calling to a nursing program where you can live your faith and learn from exceptional professors who take a personal interest in your success.

• Tuition: $23,520
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 97% (2019)

3. Creighton University

Creighton University is one of the best nursing schools in Omaha, Nebraska. It is a campus that’s based around Jesuit traditions. Through Catholic values and traditions, combined with academic pursuits, Creighton passionately teaches faith, leadership, and service to others. Creighton believes students learn by doing, and so provide internships, clinical experience, workshops, and research opportunities.

• Tuition: $33,796
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91.6%

4. Metropolitan Community College

Founded in 1971, Metropolitan Community College is now one of the fastest-growing post-secondary institutions in Nebraska. MCC offers more than 100 different programs to meet every student’s need and help them specialize in the profession of their choice.

• Tuition: $2,385
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 85.1%

5. Northeast Community College

Northeast Community College believes it’s possible to balance high-quality academics with high-impact experiences. Ranked one of the top ten community colleges in the nation, Northeast has an incredible success rate among its students. With affordable tuition and flexible hours for both part-time and full-time students, Northeast is perfect for any student.

• Tuition: $2,475
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 90.4%

6. University of Nebraska Medical Center

University of Nebraska Medical Center is one of the University of Nebraska’s four campuses. With an emphasis on medicine, public health, pharmacy, and nursing, this school is all about health care. Through innovation, healing, leadership, teamwork, accountability, courage, and excellence, the University of Nebraska Medical Center is perfect for anyone wanting to help others. It’s a no-brainer why this school made the top ten in our list of the best nursing schools in Nebraska.

• Tuition: $10,740
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A

7. Southeast Community College

Southeast Community College has fifteen degrees and certificates just for healthcare. With a focus on student life and student affairs, you can expect personalized education from qualified staff members who will help you find success and fulfillment.

• Tuition: $2,633
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91.8%

8. Concordia University

Concordia University blends Lutheran values with higher education to not only help you succeed but find fulfillment in your faith as well. Concordia promises guidance from faith-filled mentors, the full development of gifts and talents, and lives and leadership opportunities as a follower of Christ. The area also supports over 15 different Christian denominations, so all are welcome.

• Tuition: $25,700
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A

9. Nebraska Methodist College

For over 100 years Nebraska Methodist College has been educating the world in healthcare. More than just classes and careers, Nebraska Methodist College wants to prepare students for the rest of their lives. Through holism, respect, learning, excellence, and caring, be prepared to improve not only your academic knowledge but who you are as a person.

• Tuition: $12,984
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 93.8%

10. Nebraska Wesleyan University

Nebraska Wesleyan University is an academic community with ties to Judeo Christian traditions. Wesleyan’s goal is to help students find meaning and value through learning and understanding. Through excellence, diversity, and community, Wesleyan is focused on giving students the personalized attention and education they need.

• Tuition: $27,905
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A

11. Western Nebraska Community College

Western Nebraska Community College may have a small-town feel, but its opportunities are endless. WNCC is focused on enriching lives, invigorating communities, and creating futures for those around them as well as assuring learning opportunities for their students, partners, and community members. WNCC is truly a place to pursue your dreams.

• Tuition: $2,820
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• NCLEX-RN pass rate: 76.9%

12. Bellevue University

Founded in 1965, Bellevue University is one of the top-ranked military-friendly universities in the nation. Bellevue seeks to help students not only succeed but thrive in the competitive world. This school helps students take control of their lives through the transformational value of education.

• Tuition: $7,827
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A

13. College of Saint Mary

The College of Saint Mary is a women’s college founded by the Sisters of Mercy. Through education in leading fields and a great athletic program, the College of Saint Mary seeks to help women find their self-worth and go out into the competitive world as skilled leaders.

• Tuition: $20,350
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A

14. Midland University

Founded in 1883, Midland University has one of the largest selections of academic programs. Midland prides itself on its modern and innovative teaching methods to help students succeed in the world. Midland also has a special promise called “The Midland 4-Year Graduation Guarantee.” If you don’t graduate within their four-year program, they will pay all of your tuition until you do!

• Tuition: $32,598
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 84.2%

15. Doane University

Why attend Doane University? Not only is it one of the best nursing schools in Nebraska, but for almost 150 years Doane has been nationally ranked for excellence and strives to help students pursue their passions. Doane also implements a 4-year graduation guarantee, which makes you ahead of the national average of six years of college. With an average class size of 11, you can be sure you’ll receive personal attention, interaction, and the assurance that you’ll never get lost in the mix.

• Tuition: $33,800
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: N/A

16. Clarkson College

Once started as a school of nursing, Clarkson College has now expanded into a new campus with new programs. Clarkson College offers an extensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs to prepare students for both entry-level and advanced roles in health care. Their commitment to excellence ensures that they will meet all the students’ needs in an ever-changing world.

• Tuition: $11,934
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 91.4%

17. Mid-Plains Community College

Mid-Plains Community College is all for getting you started immediately on your way to success. They strive to give students a “hands-on” experience in preparation for their “real-world” experiences to come. Through integrity, honesty, communication, and collaboration, Mid-Plains seeks to improve the lives of every student that walks through their doors.

• Tuition: $3,210
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 81.5%

18. Central Community College

Central Community College offers 37 programs that all take two-years or less to complete as well as an academic transfer program if you’re interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree. With campuses covering 25 different counties within the state, Central Community College is one of the biggest colleges in Nebraska.

• Tuition: $2,400
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• NCLEX-RN Pass Rate: 80.6

Methodology

These nursing schools in Nebraska were sorted by average tuition, acceptance rate, class size, and more. Each school has been hand-picked and ranked accordingly, and every school has something unique to offer so it’s worth looking into each one. Please contact us with any questions.