Best Community Colleges in Nebraska

Danika Miller
By
Updated on October 15, 2024
Edited by
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The higher education experts at BestColleges have reviewed top community colleges in Nebraska. Start planning your future today.

Nebraska ranks 37th in population and 16th in size out of all 50 states. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Nebraska had the lowest unemployment rate in the country as of November 2021 — just 1.8%. Leading industries in Nebraska include agriculture and food processing, life science, manufacturing, and renewable energy.

In addition to high employment rates, Nebraska boasts one of the nation’s lowest average student loan debts. More than 90% of Nebraska is farmlands, and it also possesses the most extensive irrigation system in the U.S., which makes it a strong agricultural state. The state’s natural resources also include nearly 80,000 miles of rivers and streams.

Students who wish to study at a top community college in Nebraska can choose from 13 different community college campuses.

Featured Online Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

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Best Accredited Community Colleges in Nebraska

#1 Best Community Colleges in Nebraska

Central Community College

  • Location-markerGrand Island, NE
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$2,820
  • Out-of-state$4,230
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate67%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled6,519
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment76%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 Best Community Colleges in Nebraska

Northeast Community College

  • Location-markerNorfolk, NE
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$3,240
  • Out-of-state$4,530
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate68%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled5,583
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment39%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 Best Community Colleges in Nebraska

Western Nebraska Community College

  • Location-markerScottsbluff, NE
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$2,556
  • Out-of-state$2,652
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate50%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled1,575
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment43%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 Best Community Colleges in Nebraska

Mid-Plains Community College

  • Location-markerNorth Platte, NE
  • 2 year
  • Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$3,480
  • Out-of-state$4,380
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate71%
  • Acceptance RateN/A
  • Students Enrolled2,084
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment50%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 Best Community Colleges in Nebraska

Metropolitan Community College Area

  • Location-markerOmaha, NE
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$4,380
  • Out-of-state$6,420
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate50%
  • Acceptance Rate100%
  • Students Enrolled14,541
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment36%
  • AccreditationYes

badge-checkHow We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2020. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.

Why Study in Nebraska?

Educational Opportunities

Community colleges in Nebraska provide many two-year degrees in fields like agricultural sciences, nursing, automotive technology, aviation maintenance, and criminal justice. These programs offer hands-on training to students at a relatively affordable rate, and they can also help prepare graduates to pursue bachelor’s degrees in their respective fields.

In addition, several financial aid options are available at these colleges, including federal Pell Grants, district student loans, summer financial aid, and federal work-study programs. Prospective students planning to study in Nebraska can also benefit from the Midwestern Student Exchange Program by getting discounts at schools in any of the nine member states.

Economy

Due to the pandemic, Nebraska’s employment declined by 3.7% in 2020 compared to 2019. However, projections show that employment will likely return to pre-pandemic levels in 2022. The state’s total GDP amounts to $127 billion, while the per capita income is $32,302. One of the most prominent industries in Nebraska is agriculture — one in four jobs in the state is related to agriculture.

Cost of Living

In the third quarter of 2021, Nebraska ranked 19th out of all states in terms of the cost of living. Grocery, transportation, and utility expenses fall below the national average. In addition, the housing cost in Nebraska is impressively low. However, healthcare is roughly 2.6% more costly in Nebraska than the national average.

Cultural and Community Offerings

Many members of the Indigenous American population in Nebraska celebrate lively powwow festivals. The Ho-chunk tribe holds a festival in July, while the Omaha tribe holds a festival in August. In addition, folk celebrations such as the Czech fest in Wilber represent the diverse origins of Nebraska’s citizens.

Climate

Nebraska experiences warm summers and cold winters with an average annual temperature of around 50 degrees. The average high exceeds about 87 degrees in July, while the average low is about 14 degrees in January. The typical 12-month rainfall since 2007 is almost 30 inches, but the overall extent of rainfall varies widely across the state.

Top Degree Programs in Nebraska

Nebraska Employment Outlook

According to the BLS, Nebraska had the lowest unemployment rate in the United States, as of November 2021. Moreover, projections indicate that employment in many sectors — including leisure and hospitality, financial service, manufacturing, and construction — will fully recover from the COVID-19 pandemic at some point in 2022 or 2023.

4 Nebraska Jobs for 2022


Registered Nurses

Registered nurses are an integral part of everyday operations at medical and healthcare facilities. They provide patient care and educate patients about various health conditions. These professionals typically work in hospitals, nursing care facilities, home healthcare services, and physicians’ offices.

  • U.S. Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $68,010
  • Job Growth Projection (2018-2028): 11%

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

These professionals help engineers design and develop electrical and electronic equipment, computers, communication systems, and other electrical and electronic devices. They typically work in manufacturing, research, utility industries, and engineering services.

  • U.S. Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $61,630
  • Job Growth Projection (2018-2028): 7%

Forensic Science Technicians

Forensic science technicians handle evidence from crime scenes and play an essential role in investigations. Their primary role involves collecting evidence, analyzing it, and summarizing their findings in written reports. Forensic science technicians often work for enforcement agencies at the local, state, or federal level. Others work in crime labs, hospitals, or as independent consultants.

  • U.S. Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $56,290
  • Job Growth Projection (2018-2028): 9%

Radiologic Technologists and Technicians

Radiologic technologists and technicians specialize in performing X-rays and other diagnostic imaging examinations on patients. They are responsible for producing accurate diagnostic images by accurately positioning the patients. They work closely with radiologists and physicians, interpreting medical images and diagnosing or ruling out the possibility of a disease or injury.

  • U.S. Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $56,660
  • Job Growth Projection (2018-2028): 12%

Popular Career Paths in Nebraska

Frequently Asked Questions About Community Colleges in Nebraska

Community colleges are often a good option for students seeking higher education. These colleges tend to be less expensive than four-year schools, and students can save considerably by determining a workable transfer credit pathway. Most four-year institutions accept credits from community colleges, making bachelor’s degrees more affordable.

Community colleges generally have smaller classes and fewer students than four-year schools, which can make education feel more personalized. Many community colleges provide similar student services and courses as traditional colleges and universities.

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