2026 Best Value Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities Schools in Nebraska

1

Metropolitan Community College Area
Omaha, NE

Our analysis ranked Metropolitan Community College Area the best value for a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities in Nebraska. Metropolitan Community College Area is a very large public school located in the city of Omaha. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,375, compared with $4,950 for out-of-state students. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $10,214 in student loans. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates of Metropolitan Community College Area earn a median of $33,011 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

Western Nebraska Community College
Scottsbluff, NE

Western Nebraska Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities, landing the #2 spot this year. Western Nebraska Community College is a small public school located in the town of Scottsbluff. Students from in state pay about $3,840 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,410. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $14,507 in student loans. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates of Western Nebraska Community College earn a median of $62,413 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

3

Central Community College
Grand Island, NE

A rank of #3 makes Central Community College one of the best values for liberal arts / sciences & humanities. Set in the city of Grand Island, Central Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,360 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $4,800. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $8,313. Early-career liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates make about $26,198. Set against $8,313 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

Mid Plains Community College
North Platte, NE

Mid Plains Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in liberal arts / sciences & humanities, landing the #4 spot this year. Mid Plains Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of North Platte. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,600, compared with $4,530 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $8,817. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates of Mid Plains Community College earn a median of $24,535 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

5

Southeast Community College Area
Lincoln, NE

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southeast Community College Area earned it the #5 place for liberal arts / sciences & humanities. Located in the city of Lincoln, Southeast Community College Area is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,444, while out-of-state students pay about $4,032. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Early-career liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates make about $31,041. That is a strong return on a $11,000 median debt.

6

Northeast Community College
Norfolk, NE

Northeast Community College landed the #6 spot for liberal arts / sciences & humanities value this year. Set in the town of Norfolk, Northeast Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,840, compared with $5,130 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $12,000. Early-career liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates make about $30,292. That is a strong return on a $12,000 median debt.

7

University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Omaha, NE

University Of Nebraska At Omaha landed the #7 spot for liberal arts / sciences & humanities value this year. Located in the city of Omaha, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,718, compared with $23,206 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,310 to complete the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program here. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates of University Of Nebraska At Omaha earn a median of $40,892 early in their careers. Set against $26,310 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%.

8

College Of Saint Mary
Omaha, NE

College Of Saint Mary came in at #8 for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. College Of Saint Mary is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Omaha. In-state tuition and fees average $24,510. Students borrow a median of $25,539 to complete the liberal arts / sciences & humanities program here. Early-career liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates make about $66,015. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. College Of Saint Mary admits about 45% of applicants.

9

University Of Nebraska At Kearney
Kearney, NE

University Of Nebraska At Kearney earned the #9 position for value in liberal arts / sciences & humanities this year. Located in the town of Kearney, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,564 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,484. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates carry a median of $20,675 in student loans. Liberal Arts / Sciences & Humanities graduates of University Of Nebraska At Kearney earn a median of $29,471 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

10

Nebraska Indian Community College
Macy, NE

Nebraska Indian Community College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value liberal arts / sciences & humanities schools. Set in the rural area of Macy, Nebraska Indian Community College is a small public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,080. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,458.

11

Doane College Crete
Crete, NE

Doane College Crete landed the #11 spot for liberal arts / sciences & humanities value this year. Set in the town of Crete, Doane College Crete is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,985. Typical student debt for liberal arts / sciences & humanities graduates is $28,802. Soon after graduation, liberal arts / sciences & humanities degree recipients from Doane College Crete generally make around $53,500. Set against $28,802 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.