Best Universities in Nebraska for 2026

Nebraska is a quietly strong choice for international students. The state's public universities charge international tuition between $24,000 and $29,000 per year — far below coastal flagships — while private options like Creighton run closer to $44,000. Living costs in Lincoln and Omaha are roughly $13,000–$15,000 per year, among the lowest in the country. This guide profiles six real universities, what each is known for, approximate international tuition, selectivity, and the international support you can actually expect once you arrive.

If you want the wider picture — visas, weather, jobs, OPT — start with our guide to studying in Nebraska. This article goes deeper on the institutions themselves.

Nebraska Universities at a Glance

University	Type	City	Intl Tuition/Yr (approx.)	Selectivity
University of Nebraska–Lincoln	Public (flagship)	Lincoln	$28,900	Moderate (~80% admit)
University of Nebraska Omaha	Public	Omaha	$24,000	Open-to-moderate
Creighton University	Private (Jesuit)	Omaha	$44,000	Selective (~70%)
University of Nebraska Medical Center	Public (health)	Omaha	Varies by program	Highly selective
University of Nebraska–Kearney	Public	Kearney	$14,500	Open
Nebraska Wesleyan University	Private	Lincoln	$38,000	Moderate

University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL)

UNL is the state flagship and a member of the Big Ten Conference — the only Nebraska school with that athletic and research profile. It enrolls around 24,000 students and is classified as an R1 (very high research activity) university. International tuition and fees sit near $28,900 per year, with total cost of attendance around $51,000 including housing and food.

Known for

Agriculture and food science (one of the strongest programs in the U.S.), engineering, actuarial science, supply chain management, and journalism. Its Raikes School of Computer Science and Management is a small, competitive program that blends CS with business and places graduates at major tech firms.

International support

The Office of International Student and Scholar Services handles visa advising, OPT/CPT, and an arrival orientation. UNL hosts over 2,000 international students from more than 130 countries, so you will not be the only person navigating the system. English support is available through the Programs in English as a Second Language.

University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO)

UNO is the metropolitan campus in the state's largest city. At roughly $24,000 per year for international tuition, it is the most affordable four-year public option among the larger campuses, and Omaha's job market — insurance, fintech, and healthcare — is a real advantage for internships.

Known for

Information science and technology (its IS&T college is nationally recognized), criminology and criminal justice, public administration, and aviation. UNO is also strong in cybersecurity, holding a federal Center of Academic Excellence designation.

International support

UNO's International Programs office offers dedicated advising and a peer-mentoring program. Because Omaha is a commuter-friendly city with lower rents than Lincoln, many international students find the cost of living manageable here.

Creighton University

Creighton is a private Jesuit university in downtown Omaha, the most prestigious private option in the state. Tuition is higher — around $44,000 per year — but merit scholarships frequently cut that by $15,000–$25,000 for strong applicants.

Known for

Health sciences above all: pre-med, nursing, pharmacy, and one of the country's well-regarded medical and dental schools. Business (the Heider College) and law are also strong. Class sizes are small, and the Jesuit model emphasizes close faculty contact.

International support

Creighton's Global Engagement Office provides immigration advising and a welcoming, structured orientation. The smaller scale means more individual attention than at a large public campus.

Other Options Worth Knowing

University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC)

UNMC in Omaha is a standalone academic health center — medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, and allied health. It is a destination for graduate and professional study rather than general undergraduate enrollment, and its research funding is substantial. If your goal is a health-science master's or PhD, look here directly.

University of Nebraska–Kearney (UNK)

UNK is the smaller, friendlier campus in central Nebraska, with international tuition near $14,500 per year — the cheapest four-year option on this list. It is strong in education, business, and pre-professional tracks, and the small-town setting suits students who want a quieter, lower-cost experience.

Nebraska Wesleyan University

A private liberal arts college in Lincoln with around 1,700 students. Tuition near $38,000 is heavily offset by merit aid. Strong in biology, nursing, and the sciences, with a personal, undergraduate-focused environment.

The Community-College Transfer Route

If your budget is tight, Nebraska's community colleges — Metropolitan Community College in Omaha and Southeast Community College in Lincoln — let you complete two years at roughly $7,000–$9,000 in international tuition, then transfer into UNL or UNO. Articulation agreements make many credits transfer cleanly, and you graduate with a four-year degree from the flagship at roughly half the total cost. Our U.S. community college guide explains how the 2+2 transfer pathway works.

How to Choose the Right Nebraska University

Start with three filters:

• Budget. Public campuses (UNK, UNO, UNL) cost less than privates. Always model the full number — tuition plus living costs — using the cost of study calculator before you commit.
• Field. Agriculture and Big Ten research point to UNL; IT, cybersecurity, and aviation to UNO; health sciences to Creighton or UNMC.
• Setting. Omaha is the biggest city with the strongest internship market. Lincoln is the classic college town. Kearney is small and affordable.

For the broader U.S. application picture — standardized tests, deadlines, and visa steps — see our complete guide to studying in the USA.

Application Basics for International Students

Nebraska's public universities are not hyper-selective, so a solid application goes a long way. Expect to provide:

• Proof of English: TOEFL (usually 70–79+) or IELTS (6.0–6.5+), depending on campus.
• Academic transcripts with a credential evaluation if required.
• Financial documentation showing you can cover one year of costs, needed for the I-20 and F-1 visa.
• Application fee of roughly $45–$50.

Apply by the December–February window for fall entry to leave time for the visa interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest university in Nebraska for international students?

Among four-year schools, University of Nebraska–Kearney is the most affordable at roughly $14,500 per year in tuition. Community colleges in Omaha and Lincoln are cheaper still, around $7,000–$9,000, and let you transfer into a four-year campus later.

Is the University of Nebraska–Lincoln good for international students?

Yes. UNL is a Big Ten, R1 research flagship with over 2,000 international students, dedicated visa advising, and standout programs in agriculture, engineering, and actuarial science. It is the strongest research option in the state.

How much does it cost to live in Nebraska as a student?

Living costs run about $13,000–$15,000 per year including housing, food, and personal expenses — among the lowest in the U.S. Omaha and Lincoln both offer affordable student housing compared with coastal cities.

Can international students work while studying in Nebraska?

Yes. On an F-1 visa you can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during term, and full time in breaks. After graduation, OPT allows 12 months of work, extended to 36 months for STEM degrees — relevant for UNL engineering and UNO IT graduates.

Which Nebraska university is best for medicine or health sciences?

Creighton University for undergraduate pre-med and professional programs, and the University of Nebraska Medical Center for graduate and research-focused health science study. Both are based in Omaha.

Do Nebraska universities offer scholarships to international students?

Yes. UNL, Creighton, and Nebraska Wesleyan all offer merit scholarships that international applicants can receive, often worth $10,000–$25,000 per year for strong academic records. Private universities tend to discount most aggressively.