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Two Omaha nursing colleges offer Nebraska's lowest net costs at $14,986 and $15,928, creating unexpected value in a state where the University of Nebraska Medical Center anchors a growing healthcare sector. College of Saint Mary and Clarkson College both deliver strong returns despite their private status, with graduates earning between $60,169 and $63,692 annually. The gap between these budget leaders and Creighton University's $32,380 net cost demonstrates how students can access quality nursing education without premium pricing. Nebraska's insurance industry, led by employers like Mutual of Omaha, creates steady demand for healthcare administrators and clinical researchers beyond traditional bedside roles.
10
Programs
$14,986 – $32,380
Net Price Range
$62,788
Avg. Program Earnings
62.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

10 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,986 $63,692 $23,340 59.4% 64.6%
2 $15,928 $60,169 $15,168 75.0% 56.1%
3 $20,884 $64,865 $27,990 45.9% 98.8%
4 $19,474 $60,196 $18,173 66.7% 90.5%
5 $23,140 $67,395 $41,658 68.9% 81.5%
6 $24,229 $60,771 $40,270 43.2% 64.9%
7 $28,345 $67,660 $8,886 55.9%
8 $25,884 $59,626 $20,070 75.5% 67.6%
9 $28,071 $61,020 $40,491 55.9% 75.8%
10 $32,380 $62,483 $47,000 80.5% 75.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $17,394 cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

College of Saint Mary's $14,986 net cost reflects targeted financial aid for nursing students, while Creighton University's $32,380 represents a research university premium. Both schools produce graduates earning over $60,000, suggesting that higher costs don't necessarily translate to better career outcomes.

How do graduation rates vary among Nebraska's nursing programs?

Creighton University leads with an 80.50% graduation rate, followed closely by Bryan College of Health Sciences at 75.50%. Several programs, including Union Adventist University at 45.90% and Midland University at 43.20%, show significantly lower completion rates despite comparable costs.

Is Clarkson College's $15,168 in-state tuition accurate for a private school?

Yes, Clarkson College structures its tuition to compete directly with public institutions while maintaining private college advantages. This pricing strategy, combined with a 75% graduation rate, makes it one of Nebraska's strongest value propositions for nursing education.

Does debt load correlate with earnings potential in Nebraska nursing programs?

Not consistently. Nebraska Wesleyan graduates carry just $20,875 in debt while earning $67,395 annually, the highest in the state. Conversely, College of Saint Mary graduates face $32,312 in debt for $63,692 in earnings, showing debt levels don't predict salary outcomes.

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