Most
Affordable Colleges in Omaha in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Omaha, Nebraska, combines coursework in accounting, economics, marketing, finance, management, business law, and data analysis with practical projects and internships. Students can pursue the degree at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Creighton University, both offering business programs. Graduates commonly find work as business analysts, marketing coordinators, human resources specialists, sales representatives, operations supervisors, or financial analysts. Omaha's healthcare, finance, logistics, and technology employers provide varied opportunities for professionals.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Omaha, Nebraska, combines the study of behavior with opportunities to explore communities. Typical coursework includes research methods, statistics, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, and abnormal psychology. The University of Nebraska at Omaha and Creighton University are popular choices for psychology study. Depending on degree level, graduates may pursue roles in human services, behavioral health, research assistance, case management, or community outreach; advanced clinical or counseling practice generally requires graduate training.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Omaha, NE offers pathways through universities and community colleges. Typical coursework includes programming, data structures, algorithms, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and software engineering. Students build skills through projects, internships, and collaborative problem-solving. Popular local options include the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Creighton University, and Metropolitan Community College. Graduates pursue roles as software developers, systems analysts, cybersecurity specialists, database administrators, or web developers across Omaha's technology, healthcare, finance, and business sectors.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Omaha, Nebraska, combines classroom learning, supervised practice, and preparation for state licensure. Typical courses include counseling theories, lifespan development, ethics, multicultural counseling, assessment, group work, and crisis intervention. Graduates may pursue careers as mental health counselors, school counselors, substance-use counselors, case managers, or student-support specialists, depending on degree and credentials. Omaha options include the University of Nebraska Omaha, Creighton University, and College of Saint Mary, which offer counseling-related graduate study and preparation.

Nursing

Studying a nursing program in Omaha, NE offers pathways from practical nursing to bachelor's and graduate degrees. Courses cover anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, and supervised clinical practice. Graduates may work as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nurse educators, or advanced practice clinicians, depending on credentials. Omaha options include Creighton University, the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Nebraska Methodist College, and Clarkson College. Compare admission requirements, accreditation, clinical placements, and licensure preparation.

Best Colleges in Omaha, NE Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 19,439.5, compared with 38,123.5 at schools in the top 10%, a substantially higher median for that group.
• Financial aid reaches an average of 100.0% of students overall, versus 72.6% at top-10% schools. The average acceptance rate is 72.6%.
• Schools receive an average of 2,985.67 applicants, while top-10% schools average 8,576.5. The median number of male applicants is 8.0, compared with 347.5 female applicants.
• Average test scores are 1,250.0 on the SAT and 25.0 on the ACT. Average enrollment is 4,554.0 students, including averages of 335.0 men and 414.2 women.
• The average graduation rate is 59.6% overall and 74.2% at top-10% schools. The median graduation rate is 62.0% for men and 57.0% for women.
• Five institutions offer associate's degrees, eight offer bachelor's degrees, seven offer master's degrees, and five offer doctor's degrees.
• There are five coeducational schools, zero schools for men, and zero schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial-aid availability alongside admissions selectivity, program offerings, enrollment, and graduation outcomes. The figures show that top-10% schools have higher median costs and graduation rates, while overall financial-aid coverage is higher; students should weigh these differences against their academic goals and budget.

How much does studying at a college in Omaha, NE cost?

In Omaha, the reported average total cost of studying is $21,137.25, a useful starting point as you compare degree options. This is an average study-cost figure, not a guaranteed all-in price for every student or the full multi-year cost of completing a degree. Costs vary by college, program, housing choice, and financial aid.

• Average tuition and fees: $17,553.75.
• Average room and board: $12,982.86.
• Average books and supplies: $1,351.33.

These category averages are reported separately and should not be added to the total as though they were a single school's itemized bill.

Omaha students may compare programs at the University of Nebraska Omaha, Creighton University, or Metropolitan Community College, since each offers a mix of credentials and campus experiences. Check each school's cost of attendance and aid estimate before enrolling; scholarships, grants, commuting, and choosing a shorter or lower-cost pathway can make the goal feel more manageable.

How long does it take to finish college in Omaha, NE?

In Omaha, most full-time students need about four years to complete a bachelor's degree; an associate degree at Metropolitan Community College typically takes about two years, while some master's programs take one or two additional years. At the University of Nebraska Omaha or Creighton University, your timeline depends on major, course load, and whether you attend year-round. Part-time study, work, family responsibilities, or changing majors can extend it, so a flexible plan matters.

You may finish sooner by bringing in transfer credits, taking summer classes, earning credit through exams or prior learning, and choosing an accelerated schedule. Ask advisers at UNO, Creighton, and MCC which credits apply before enrolling; this can save time and tuition while keeping your goal within reach.

Graduation rates offer useful context: the overall average is 59.6%, compared with 74.2% among the top 10% of schools. The average is 51.25% for men and 61.4% for women.

Salary

College graduates in Omaha, NE can use $71,951 as a median alumni salary benchmark. That is a useful reference point, not a guaranteed starting salary: what you earn will depend on your field, experience, and the role you pursue.

If you're weighing options such as the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Creighton University, or Metropolitan Community College, compare programs by the careers they prepare you for as well as by tuition and time to completion. The supplied data also puts the median alumni salary for graduates of top 10% schools at $77,877.50; that figure is a separate benchmark, not a salary promise for any particular Omaha institution.

People also ask

How much does it cost to go to college in Omaha?

It depends on the school, your residency, and whether you attend full time. As a rough tuition-only guide, a Nebraska resident might pay a few thousand dollars per year at a community college and around $8,000-$10,000 per year at a public university. Housing, books, fees, and other expenses can add substantially to the total.

What college in Omaha has the lowest tuition?

Metropolitan Community College (MCC) is generally one of the lowest-cost options in Omaha, especially for students seeking an associate degree or planning to transfer. Your total depends on credits, residency, and fees, so check MCC's current tuition schedule before enrolling. Starting at a community college can be a practical way to keep costs manageable.

Top 5 Colleges in the Most Affordable Colleges Ranking in Omaha, NE Ranking in 2026-2027

Located in Omaha, the University of Nebraska at Omaha enrolls 15,681 students and offers a broad university setting for students seeking a degree close to the city's employment, cultural, and community opportunities. Its reported graduation rate is 47%, while its acceptance rate is 87%. The total listed study cost is $21,246, and median alumni salary is $46,939. For an Omaha resident, staying local may simplify commuting and preserve access to familiar support networks while pursuing campus-based study and regional connections.

Based in Omaha, the University of Nebraska Medical Center is a health-sciences-focused institution suited to students considering medical and related professional fields. It has 3,991 enrolled students. The source lists no graduation or acceptance rate, so applicants should seek current program-specific admissions and completion information directly from the college. Its total listed study cost is $34,405, and median alumni salary is $78,020. Omaha students can study near hospitals and healthcare organizations, although costs and career outcomes vary substantially by program.

Clarkson College is an Omaha-based institution focused on healthcare education, making it a potential fit for students pursuing nursing or allied health careers. It enrolls 1,121 students, with a reported graduation rate of 47% and acceptance rate of 78%. The listed total study cost is $16,104, while median alumni salary is $77,735. Studying locally can offer access to Omaha's healthcare employers and clinical environment. Prospective students should confirm which programs match their goals and review current tuition and placement details.

For Omaha students, Ricketts Great Books College appears among the schools provided, but the available figures provide little basis for comparing its size or outcomes. Enrollment, graduation rate, acceptance rate, and median alumni salary are all unavailable; the listed total study cost is $0, which prospective students should verify rather than assume means attendance is free. Its name suggests a Great Books academic approach, but students should confirm location, degree offerings, accreditation, and current expenses before planning an Omaha-based education or applying.

Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health is an Omaha institution centered on nursing and allied health education. It enrolls 1,092 students, with a 60% graduation rate and a 73% acceptance rate in the supplied figures. Its listed total study cost is $17,633, and median alumni salary is $76,417. For students already in Omaha, local study may connect classroom learning with the region's healthcare setting. Compare specific program requirements, clinical placements, and current expenses before choosing a degree program.