Best Value Teacher Education and Professional Development Colleges in Nebraska

Peru State College stands out with the lowest net cost at $11,401 for Teacher Education and Professional Development programs, making it 65% cheaper than the state average of $20,700. This affordability gap reflects Nebraska's mix of public and private institutions serving future educators. With graduation rates spanning from 37.70% at Peru State to 80.50% at Creighton University, program completion varies significantly across the state's 16 institutions. Nebraska's growing education sector benefits from partnerships with major employers like the University of Nebraska Medical Center, which creates opportunities for specialized educational roles beyond traditional K-12 teaching. The state's teacher preparation programs produce graduates earning between $34,187 and $39,909, with debt loads averaging around $22,000.

Programs

$11,401 – $32,380

Net Price Range

$37,043

Avg. Program Earnings

54.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

16 Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Peru State College Peru, Nebraska	$11,401	$35,060	$8,280	37.7%
2	University of Nebraska at Omaha Omaha, Nebraska	$12,791	$37,208	$8,370	47.5%	85.9%
3	Chadron State College Chadron, Nebraska	$13,308	$37,699	$8,078	38.1%
4	College of Saint Mary Omaha, Nebraska	$14,986	$36,560	$23,340	59.4%	64.6%
5	Wayne State College Wayne, Nebraska	$15,108	$34,187	$7,970	55.7%
6	University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln, Nebraska	$17,424	$38,512	$10,108	65.8%	78.6%
7	University of Nebraska at Kearney Kearney, Nebraska	$16,488	$35,149	$8,302	59.8%	86.0%
8	Nebraska Wesleyan University Lincoln, Nebraska	$23,140	$39,909	$41,658	68.9%	81.5%
9	Hastings College Hastings, Nebraska	$21,554	$36,992	$36,130	53.3%	71.3%
10	Concordia University-Nebraska Seward, Nebraska	$24,016	$39,153	$39,330	64.1%	90.8%
11	Bellevue University Bellevue, Nebraska	$28,345		$8,886	55.9%
12	Creighton University Omaha, Nebraska	$32,380		$47,000	80.5%	75.7%
13	Doane University Crete, Nebraska	$28,071		$40,491	55.9%	75.8%
14	Midland University Fremont, Nebraska	$24,229		$40,270	43.2%	64.9%
15	Union Adventist University Lincoln, Nebraska	$20,884		$27,990	45.9%	98.8%
16	York University York, Nebraska	$20,129		$21,600	37.4%	57.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Peru State College such an affordable option for teacher education?

Peru State College offers the lowest net cost at $11,401 with in-state tuition of just $8,280, making it accessible for students on tight budgets. The school maintains a 37.70% graduation rate while keeping student debt at $20,841. Despite lower completion rates, graduates earn $35,060 annually, providing reasonable returns on the modest investment.

How do private colleges compare to public universities for teacher preparation costs?

Private institutions like Nebraska Wesleyan University cost $23,140 net compared to public options averaging around $14,000. However, private colleges often show stronger outcomes, with Nebraska Wesleyan achieving a 68.90% graduation rate and $39,909 in graduate earnings. The $9,000+ premium can pay off through higher completion rates and earning potential.

Is University of Nebraska-Lincoln worth the higher cost for education majors?

UNL charges $17,424 net cost but delivers strong value with a 65.80% graduation rate and $38,512 in graduate earnings. The university's reputation opens doors statewide, while its Lincoln location provides access to state education agencies and policy organizations. Students graduate with $22,185 in debt, slightly above the state average but manageable given earning potential.

Where do Nebraska teacher education graduates typically find employment?

Nebraska's education graduates work across varied settings including traditional K-12 schools, corporate training roles at companies like Mutual of Omaha, and specialized positions with the University of Nebraska Medical Center's educational programs. The state's insurance and healthcare sectors create demand for corporate trainers and educational specialists. Rural districts also actively recruit graduates, offering competitive packages to fill teaching shortages.

More Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Rankings

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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.