Best Value Psychology Colleges in Nebraska

Peru State College delivers the strongest value proposition for psychology students in Nebraska, with graduates earning $33,281 annually against just $11,401 in net costs. This strong return on investment stands out in a state where psychology programs range from affordable public options under $17,000 to private institutions exceeding $32,000. Nebraska's insurance industry, anchored by Mutual of Omaha and other major carriers, creates substantial demand for psychology graduates in employee assistance programs, risk assessment, and organizational development roles. The earnings gap between top performers like Peru State and lower-earning programs such as University of Nebraska at Kearney ($22,602) reveals significant variation in career outcomes across the state's 16 psychology programs.

Programs

$11,401 – $32,380

Net Price Range

$30,142

Avg. Program Earnings

54.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Psychology, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Peru State College Peru, Nebraska	$11,401	$33,281	$8,280	37.7%
2	Chadron State College Chadron, Nebraska	$13,308	$32,925	$8,078	38.1%
3	University of Nebraska at Omaha Omaha, Nebraska	$12,791	$27,556	$8,370	47.5%	85.9%
4	University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln, Nebraska	$17,424	$31,385	$10,108	65.8%	78.6%
5	Nebraska Wesleyan University Lincoln, Nebraska	$23,140	$32,569	$41,658	68.9%	81.5%
6	University of Nebraska at Kearney Kearney, Nebraska	$16,488	$22,602	$8,302	59.8%	86.0%
7	Midland University Fremont, Nebraska	$24,229	$32,925	$40,270	43.2%	64.9%
8	Bellevue University Bellevue, Nebraska	$28,345	$33,993	$8,886	55.9%
9	Concordia University-Nebraska Seward, Nebraska	$24,016	$27,584	$39,330	64.1%	90.8%
10	Doane University Crete, Nebraska	$28,071	$30,771	$40,491	55.9%	75.8%
11	Creighton University Omaha, Nebraska	$32,380	$25,967	$47,000	80.5%	75.7%
12	Hastings College Hastings, Nebraska	$21,554		$36,130	53.3%	71.3%
13	College of Saint Mary Omaha, Nebraska	$14,986		$23,340	59.4%	64.6%
14	Union Adventist University Lincoln, Nebraska	$20,884		$27,990	45.9%	98.8%
15	Wayne State College Wayne, Nebraska	$15,108		$7,970	55.7%
16	York University York, Nebraska	$20,129		$21,600	37.4%	57.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Peru State College such strong value for psychology majors?

Peru State College combines the highest graduate earnings at $33,281 with the lowest net cost at $11,401, creating an outstanding value equation. The program maintains reasonable debt levels at $21,677 while preparing students for Nebraska's growing behavioral health sector. Despite a 37.7% graduation rate, the strong earning potential demonstrates effective career preparation for those who complete the program.

How do public versus private psychology programs compare in Nebraska?

Public programs average significantly lower costs, with most ranging from $11,401 to $17,424 in net expenses compared to private institutions that can exceed $32,000. However, private schools like Nebraska Wesleyan University achieve higher graduation rates at 68.9% versus public averages in the 40-60% range. The earnings outcomes show less clear patterns, with top earners including both public Peru State ($33,281) and private Bellevue University ($33,993).

Does University of Nebraska-Lincoln justify its higher costs?

UNL charges $17,424 in net costs while producing graduates earning $31,385, creating a solid but not strong value proposition. The program's strength lies in its 65.8% graduation rate, well above most competitors, and strong alumni networks throughout Nebraska's major employers. With 78.64% acceptance rate, it offers reasonable accessibility while maintaining academic standards that prepare students for the state's competitive job market.

Where do psychology graduates find employment opportunities in Nebraska?

Nebraska's insurance sector, led by companies like Mutual of Omaha and Berkshire Hathaway subsidiaries, actively recruits psychology graduates for behavioral analysis and employee wellness roles. The University of Nebraska Medical Center creates additional opportunities in clinical support and research positions. Agriculture-related businesses throughout the state also value psychology training for human resources, safety programs, and organizational development initiatives, contributing to the $22,602 to $33,993 earnings range across programs.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.