Cheapest Biology Colleges in Nebraska

Peru State College offers biology students the lowest net cost in Nebraska at $11,401, nearly $17,000 less than the second most affordable option at University of Nebraska at Omaha. This dramatic price difference reflects the wide gap between small rural institutions and larger research universities across the state's 17 biology programs. Public universities dominate the most affordable options, with six of the top seven spots, while private colleges range from $14,986 to over $28,000 annually. Biology graduates in Nebraska find opportunities with major employers like the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Mutual of Omaha's health divisions, and agricultural research facilities that support the state's farming economy. The state's biology programs show graduation rates ranging from 37% at Peru State to 76% at Bryan College of Health Sciences, with earning potential reaching $34,206 for University of Nebraska at Omaha graduates.

Programs

$11,401 – $32,380

Net Price Range

$31,463

Avg. Program Earnings

55.6%

Avg. Graduation Rate

17 Biology, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Peru State College Peru, Nebraska	$11,401	$8,280	37.7%
2	University of Nebraska at Omaha Omaha, Nebraska	$12,791	$8,370	47.5%	85.9%
3	Chadron State College Chadron, Nebraska	$13,308	$8,078	38.1%
4	College of Saint Mary Omaha, Nebraska	$14,986	$23,340	59.4%	64.6%
5	Wayne State College Wayne, Nebraska	$15,108	$7,970	55.7%
6	University of Nebraska at Kearney Kearney, Nebraska	$16,488	$8,302	59.8%	86.0%
7	University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln, Nebraska	$17,424	$10,108	65.8%	78.6%
8	York University York, Nebraska	$20,129	$21,600	37.4%	57.3%
9	Union Adventist University Lincoln, Nebraska	$20,884	$27,990	45.9%	98.8%
10	Hastings College Hastings, Nebraska	$21,554	$36,130	53.3%	71.3%
11	Nebraska Wesleyan University Lincoln, Nebraska	$23,140	$41,658	68.9%	81.5%
12	Concordia University-Nebraska Seward, Nebraska	$24,016	$39,330	64.1%	90.8%
13	Midland University Fremont, Nebraska	$24,229	$40,270	43.2%	64.9%
14	Bryan College of Health Sciences Lincoln, Nebraska	$25,884	$20,070	75.5%	67.6%
15	Doane University Crete, Nebraska	$28,071	$40,491	55.9%	75.8%
16	Bellevue University Bellevue, Nebraska	$28,345	$8,886	55.9%
17	Creighton University Omaha, Nebraska	$32,380	$47,000	80.5%	75.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What accounts for the $17,000 cost difference between Peru State College and other Nebraska biology programs?

Peru State College's $11,401 net cost reflects its small size and rural location in southeastern Nebraska. The next cheapest option, University of Nebraska at Omaha, costs $12,791 due to its larger scale and urban setting. This gap widens significantly with private institutions, where College of Saint Mary starts at $14,986. Rural public colleges typically offer lower overhead costs but may have fewer research opportunities than their urban counterparts.

How do graduation rates compare between affordable and expensive biology programs in Nebraska?

The data shows no clear correlation between cost and graduation success in Nebraska biology programs. Peru State College, the cheapest option, graduates 38% of students, while the more expensive Bryan College of Health Sciences achieves 76%. University of Nebraska-Lincoln, costing $17,424, maintains a solid 66% graduation rate. These differences often reflect institutional resources, student support services, and admission selectivity rather than program cost alone.

What earning potential can Nebraska biology graduates expect after completing their degrees?

Early career earnings for Nebraska biology graduates range from $29,685 to $34,206 based on available data. University of Nebraska at Omaha leads with $34,206 average earnings, while University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Concordia University, and Doane University graduates average $29,685. These figures reflect entry-level positions in healthcare, research, education, and agricultural sectors. Graduates often pursue additional education or specialized training to increase earning potential in medical, veterinary, or research fields.

Does student debt burden vary significantly among Nebraska's affordable biology programs?

Student debt levels remain relatively consistent among Nebraska biology programs, typically ranging from $17,239 to $27,000. University of Nebraska at Omaha graduates carry the lowest average debt at $17,239, while several private colleges like Nebraska Wesleyan, Concordia, Midland, and Doane all report $27,000 average debt loads. Wayne State College and University of Nebraska at Kearney fall in the middle range around $19,000. These debt levels generally align with national averages for four-year degree 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.