Nebraska Indian Community College: $4,080 Tuition

$4,080Tuition

330Students

17%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$31,458Earnings

Public4-yearData: 2023-24

About Nebraska Indian Community College

Nebraska Indian Community College serves as a cultural and educational center for Native American students across the Great Plains. This tribal college enrolls 330 students in rural Nebraska, focusing on preserving indigenous culture while providing modern career training. The school was founded in 1973 as part of the tribal college movement that aimed to offer higher education rooted in Native American values and traditions.

The financial picture tells a complex story. Students pay an average net price of $22,070 regardless of family income, which seems steep given that graduates earn a median of $31,458 ten years after starting college. Only 29.54% of students receive Pell Grants, suggesting many families fall into income gaps that make college expensive but don't qualify for maximum aid. The school charges the same $4,080 tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students.

Women make up 73.64% of the student body, reflecting national trends in tribal college enrollment. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, though the 16.70% six-year graduation rate indicates significant challenges. The Buffaloes compete in athletics while maintaining focus on programs that serve tribal communities. Most students come from Nebraska, with 62.50% being in-state residents seeking education that honors their heritage.

Academics & Faculty

Nebraska Indian Community College operates as a tribal college with deep roots in preserving and promoting Native American culture and education. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know every student personally. Academic programs focus on Native American studies, business, early childhood education, and liberal arts with strong cultural components. Only 16.7% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the unique challenges many tribal college students face, including family responsibilities and economic pressures. The college serves as both an educational institution and cultural center. Women make up 73.6% of the student body. Course offerings blend traditional academic subjects with Indigenous knowledge and perspectives, preparing students for both career success and cultural leadership roles.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
Full-Time Faculty: 31.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 16.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $31,458
Carnegie Classification: Tribal College

Campus Life

Nebraska's countryside stretches endlessly around this small tribal college, where just 330 students gather on a campus that feels more like an extended family than a traditional university. The nearest major city, Omaha, sits about 90 minutes south through rolling farmland and small towns. Women make up 74% of the student body, creating a supportive community focused on preserving and advancing Native American culture and education.

Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, so heavy coats are essential from November through March. The 6:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know every student personally and often share meals together in the small dining facilities. Weekends revolve around cultural events, powwows, and community gatherings that connect students to tribal traditions. Many students commute from nearby reservations, with 63% coming from in-state. The campus operates on a semester system, allowing students to return home during breaks to maintain family and cultural connections. Social life centers on the student center and outdoor spaces where traditional games and ceremonies take place.

Setting: Rural-Distant
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1973

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 10°–30°F
July Avg: 63°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 29.8"
Annual Snowfall: 32.2"

Student Demographics

This tribal college draws students primarily from Nebraska and surrounding states, with 63% coming from in-state. Women make up nearly three-quarters of the student body, reflecting the college's strong programs in education, social work, and healthcare fields that traditionally attract female students. The college serves its mission as a Native American institution, with over 88% of students identifying as non-white, primarily Native American. With 330 total students and a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, the campus creates an intimate learning environment where students receive personalized attention while connecting with their cultural heritage.

Men: 26.4%
Women: 73.6%
White: 9.1%
Black: 0.0%
Hispanic: 2.1%
Asian: 0.6%
In-State Students: 62.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 29.5%

Location

Macy sits on the Omaha Indian Reservation in northeastern Nebraska, about 100 miles north of Omaha. The campus serves a rural farming region where cornfields stretch to the horizon. With just 330 students enrolled, the college operates in a tight-knit reservation community of fewer than 1,000 residents. The Missouri River flows nearby, marking the border with Iowa. Students here experience genuine small-town life where everyone knows each other. The nearest grocery store requires a drive to neighboring towns. This remote setting allows students to stay connected to their cultural roots while pursuing higher education. Students considering colleges in Nebraska may also compare Nebraska Indian Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Macy, Nebraska 68039-0428

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $31,458

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Nebraska Indian Community College?

Nebraska Indian Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of tribal colleges, serving 330 students primarily from Native American communities. The college focuses on cultural preservation alongside academic achievement, with women making up 73.64% of the student body.

How much does Nebraska Indian Community College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $22,070 annually, despite the low tuition of $4,080 for both in-state and out-of-state residents. Only 29.54% of students receive federal financial aid, reflecting the unique funding structure of tribal colleges.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Nebraska Indian Community College?

The college maintains a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, providing exceptionally personalized attention in small class settings. This intimate learning environment supports the college's mission to serve Native American students with culturally relevant education.

What are the graduation outcomes at Nebraska Indian Community College?

The six-year graduation rate stands at 16.70%, with graduates earning a median salary of $31,458 ten years after enrollment. These outcomes reflect the college's role as a stepping stone for students who often transfer to four-year institutions or enter community-focused careers.

Where is Nebraska Indian Community College located?

The college sits in Macy, Nebraska, a rural-distant community that serves as home to the Omaha Tribe. This setting allows students to remain connected to their cultural roots while pursuing higher education, with 62.50% of students coming from within Nebraska.

What makes Nebraska Indian Community College unique as a tribal institution?

Founded in 1973, the college serves as one of the nation's tribal colleges, with 9.09% white enrollment and the majority being Native American students. The Buffaloes compete in athletics while the institution focuses on preserving indigenous knowledge and preparing students for both traditional and contemporary careers.