Cheapest Liberal Arts and Sciences Colleges in Nebraska

Peru State College stands out among Nebraska's Liberal Arts programs with a remarkably low net cost of just $11,401, making it nearly $17,000 cheaper than the next most affordable option. This massive price gap reflects the unique market of Liberal Arts education in Nebraska, where public institutions like Peru State and the University of Nebraska at Omaha offer pathways into the state's insurance and healthcare sectors at a fraction of private school costs. Graduates from UNO earn an average of $36,398 within six years, demonstrating strong career prospects despite the program's accessible $12,791 net price. Nebraska's Liberal Arts programs serve the state's major employers well, as companies like Mutual of Omaha and Berkshire Hathaway regularly recruit graduates with strong analytical and communication skills developed through general studies coursework.

Programs

$11,401 – $32,380

Net Price Range

$33,990

Avg. Program Earnings

55.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities 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	College of Saint Mary Omaha, Nebraska	$14,986	$23,340	59.4%	64.6%
4	Wayne State College Wayne, Nebraska	$15,108	$7,970	55.7%
5	University of Nebraska at Kearney Kearney, Nebraska	$16,488	$8,302	59.8%	86.0%
6	University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln, Nebraska	$17,424	$10,108	65.8%	78.6%
7	York University York, Nebraska	$20,129	$21,600	37.4%	57.3%
8	Union Adventist University Lincoln, Nebraska	$20,884	$27,990	45.9%	98.8%
9	Hastings College Hastings, Nebraska	$21,554	$36,130	53.3%	71.3%
10	Nebraska Wesleyan University Lincoln, Nebraska	$23,140	$41,658	68.9%	81.5%
11	Concordia University-Nebraska Seward, Nebraska	$24,016	$39,330	64.1%	90.8%
12	Midland University Fremont, Nebraska	$24,229	$40,270	43.2%	64.9%
13	Doane University Crete, Nebraska	$28,071	$40,491	55.9%	75.8%
14	Bellevue University Bellevue, Nebraska	$28,345	$8,886	55.9%
15	Creighton University Omaha, Nebraska	$32,380	$47,000	80.5%	75.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between Peru State and other Nebraska Liberal Arts programs?

Peru State College's net cost of $11,401 is nearly $17,000 lower than any other option in the state. As a small public institution, Peru State operates with lower overhead costs and focuses primarily on undergraduate education. The college's rural location in southeastern Nebraska also contributes to reduced operational expenses compared to urban campuses in Omaha or Lincoln.

How do graduation rates vary among Nebraska's most affordable Liberal Arts programs?

The top five most affordable programs show dramatic variation in graduation rates, from Peru State's 37.7% to University of Nebraska at Kearney's 59.8%. University of Nebraska at Omaha falls in the middle at 47.5% despite being the second cheapest option at $12,791. Wayne State College achieves a solid 55.7% graduation rate while maintaining affordability at $15,108 net cost.

Does choosing a cheaper Liberal Arts program in Nebraska affect earning potential?

University of Nebraska at Omaha graduates earn $36,398 on average despite the program's low $12,791 cost, while University of Nebraska at Kearney graduates earn $31,581 with a net cost of $16,488. The $4,817 earnings difference doesn't correlate directly with the $1,697 cost difference between these programs. Both schools prepare students well for Nebraska's insurance and healthcare job markets.

Where do Nebraska's public Liberal Arts programs rank nationally for affordability?

Nebraska's public institutions offer strong value with four schools under $17,500 net cost. Peru State at $11,401 ranks among the most affordable Liberal Arts programs nationwide, while UNO at $12,791 provides strong career outcomes for the investment. Wayne State at $15,108 and UNK at $16,488 round out a quartet of highly affordable public options that serve different regions of the state.

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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.