15 Cheapest Universities in Nebraska for International Students

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In Nebraska, there are a lot of affordable universities that you can find. Enrolling in these schools will help you fulfill your dream of studying in United States without paying a lot. These institutions also provide well-rounded academic programs and curriculums, allowing students to earn a degree with less burden on their pockets.

Now, if you’re planning to study in Nebraska, you’ll have a lot of school options, as they are home to 17 universities. But if you’re looking for cheap universities in Nebraska, make sure to read more!

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Cheap Bachelor's Colleges and Universities in Nebraska for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Nebraska ordered by their tuition fee for international bachelor's students.

University Annual Bachelor’s International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Wayne State College 5,580 USD 75%
Peru State College 5,760 USD 74%
Bellevue University 7,040 USD 68%
Chadron State College 7,804 USD 65%
University of Nebraska Medical Center 8,278 USD - 24,500 USD 63%
University of Nebraska at Kearney 13,700 USD 38%
Clarkson College 19,000 USD 14%
York University – USA 21,000 USD 5%
University of Nebraska at Omaha 21,800 USD 2%
College of Saint Mary 22,500 USD -2%
University of Nebraska-Lincoln 27,100 USD -22%
Hastings College 34,600 USD -57%
Concordia University, Nebraska 37,000 USD -68%
Doane University 38,200 USD -73%
Nebraska Wesleyan University 38,900 USD -77%

* Average Bachelor’s International Tuition is 22,000 USD for universities in Nebraska.

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1. Wayne State College

Wayne State College is higher education institution in Nebraska that offers over 130 online and on-campus programs on the undergraduate and graduate levels. It was founded in 1910 as Nebraska Normal College and continues to put forward highly competent education to its youth. For more than 120 years, they have become internationally recognized and persist as a center of learning despite recent turmoil in the world. The school also has numerous facilities that cater to different needs such as recreation, athletics, extracurricular interests, and many more. If finding your family outside blood relatives is a necessity, there are around 110 student clubs and organizations available here.

2. Peru State College

Peru State College is a public college located in Peru, Nebraska. As the first institution in Nebraska, it was established in 1865 by the Methodist Episcopal Church. The college offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the following departments: School of Education, School of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Professional Studies.

3. Bellevue University

Bellevue University is a non-profit and private institution that focuses on adult education. Thus, it provides several online or accelerated programs to cater to working individuals with busy schedules. This flexible learning setup has allowed thousands of students to pursue studies and graduate despite their working responsibilities. Bellevue offers many programs and course types: bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, associate, minor, course clusters, and general education.

4. Chadron State College

Chadron State College was founded in 1911 and is located in Chadron, Nebraska. It is a public college that offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs to students in and out of Nebraska. Their vision and goal are to create students who volunteer and actively collaborate with their peers, as well as a diverse community on the campus. Various innovations and activities have been made to engage their students to excel in their lives as a student and individually. In its 100 years of service, Chadron State College aims to be the best educational institution in the United States.

5. University of Nebraska Medical Center

University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is a leading public medical institution in Nebraska. Since the start of its operations, the university has focused on providing top-class medical programs. It is known for educating and training world-class healthcare professionals. UNMC offers advanced and multidisciplinary programs on its five campuses admitting eligible local and international students.

6. University of Nebraska at Kearney

Located in the center of Kearney is the University of Nebraska at Kearney, a branch campus of the University of Nebraska system. It began as the Nebraska State Normal School, evolving into a center of quality tertiary education with more than 200 programs offered on-campus and online. The University of Nebraska at Kearney not only produces competent graduates but also outstanding performance in athletics and performing arts.

7. Clarkson College

Clarkson College is a private health science college in Omaha, Nebraska. It was founded in 1888 as Nebraska’s first nurse training school. The college provides undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in various healthcare disciplines. Clarkson College’s mission is to professionally prepare students to provide high-quality, ethical, and compassionate health care services.

8. York University – USA

York University, formerly known as York College, has been in the academic industry since 1890. In the summer of 2022, it was granted university status and was officially renamed York University. This private institute has educated countless students from Nebraska, other states, and foreign countries. Currently, it continues to thrive to provide the best education and give numerous opportunities to its students in support of achieving their educational goals and careers.

9. University of Nebraska at Omaha

The University of Nebraska at Omaha has nine colleges that offer degree programs in the areas of engineering, science, architecture, IT and technology, fine arts, business administration, health, and agricultural sciences. As it is located in the largest city in Nebraska, students have multiple opportunities for taking an internship and having real-life working experiences off-campus. Students also have the choice of working with experts from one of the 28 university centers and institutes, like the Aviation Institute or the Center for Human Rights.

10. College of Saint Mary

The College of Saint Mary is a private institution dedicated to empowering women to achieve their dreams and reach their fullest potential. This all-women’s college has been awarded numerous recognitions, including being among the top Catholic colleges in the country and the top college in the state of Nebraska. The College of Saint Mary is also known for its service learning program which gives students the opportunity to participate in different service activities and projects where they can apply their learnings, discover their passions, and connect with the community.

11. University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Founded in 1896, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln was initially established to provide undergraduate education among its locals. With its long and rich history, the school has undergone several redevelopments and has expanded to cater to the ever-increasing number of students. Today, the university is among the top-rated higher education schools in the US. It has consistently ranked high in global university rankings and is widely recognized for providing only the best quality of teaching and research.

12. Hastings College

Hastings College is a private institution with a closed-knitted student body that strives for training professionals that will prosper as human beings and serve their communities. Education here focuses on offering small-sized classes, giving mentorships, and having experiential learning activities. The latter includes internships, a mandatory study abroad experience for junior students, and two research programs.

13. Concordia University, Nebraska

Concordia University, Nebraska is part of the Concordia University System, a group of higher education institutions belonging to the Lutheran Church. This is why Christian values are on the basis of education. Besides degree programs offered in the arts and sciences, there are multiple religion-related programs, like Director of Christian Education, and unique opportunities for graduates. For example, those who get a degree in education have the option of working in a Lutheran school. Additionally, there’s a wide range of non-acdemic activities, like abroad service and local missions, chapel service, religious musical events, and group prayers.

14. Doane University

Established in 1872, Doane University is a small private higher education school offering liberal arts programs at all levels. One of the university’s missions is to help students find success by equipping them with the proper knowledge and skills. It is dedicated to improving the lives of its students while helping them grow as leaders and experts in their chosen career paths. The university is always looking to find ways to provide good quality education by continuously improving its system and developing advanced future-oriented programs.

15. Nebraska Wesleyan University

Nebraska Wesleyan University (NWU) is a regionally recognized and leading private institution in Nebraska. Pursuing higher education at the university will give students a unique and remarkable academic experience throughout their studies. NWU provides top-quality educational programs, internship opportunities, and study abroad programs. Students will be equipped with knowledge and skills and will have guided support from the faculty.

Cheap Master's Colleges and Universities in Nebraska for International Students

Here is the list of affordable institutions in Nebraska ordered by their tuition fee for international master's students.

University Annual Master's International Tuition % Cheaper than Average*
Doane University 6,792 USD - 8,025 USD 40%
Wayne State College 6,975 USD 38%
Nebraska Wesleyan University 7,056 USD - 9,036 USD 38%
Bellevue University 7,560 USD 33%
Hastings College 8,190 USD 28%
University of Nebraska at Kearney 8,535 USD 25%
Creighton University 9,390 USD - 14,600 USD 17%
Chadron State College 9,779 USD 14%
College of Saint Mary 10,700 USD 6%
University of Nebraska Medical Center 14,700 USD - 43,300 USD -30%
University of Nebraska at Omaha 16,400 USD -45%
Clarkson College 16,800 USD -48%
University of Nebraska-Lincoln 23,500 USD - 53,500 USD -109%

* Average Master's International Tuition is 11,300 USD for universities in Nebraska.

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1. Doane University

Established in 1872, Doane University is a small private higher education school offering liberal arts programs at all levels. One of the university’s missions is to help students find success by equipping them with the proper knowledge and skills. It is dedicated to improving the lives of its students while helping them grow as leaders and experts in their chosen career paths. The university is always looking to find ways to provide good quality education by continuously improving its system and developing advanced future-oriented programs.

If you're looking to save the most on your graduate studies abroad, Doane University should be at the top of your list. International students here pay only 6,792 USD to 8,025 USD annually for their master's degree.

2. Wayne State College

One of the universities you should definitely check out for practical reasons is Wayne State College. Here, you can finish your master's degree with minimal stress on your finances. After all, the tuition rate for graduate studies at Wayne State College is 6,975 USD.

Wayne State College is higher education institution in Nebraska that offers over 130 online and on-campus programs on the undergraduate and graduate levels. It was founded in 1910 as Nebraska Normal College and continues to put forward highly competent education to its youth. For more than 120 years, they have become internationally recognized and persist as a center of learning despite recent turmoil in the world. The school also has numerous facilities that cater to different needs such as recreation, athletics, extracurricular interests, and many more. If finding your family outside blood relatives is a necessity, there are around 110 student clubs and organizations available here.

3. Nebraska Wesleyan University

Nebraska Wesleyan University (NWU) is a regionally recognized and leading private institution in Nebraska. Pursuing higher education at the university will give students a unique and remarkable academic experience throughout their studies. NWU provides top-quality educational programs, internship opportunities, and study abroad programs. Students will be equipped with knowledge and skills and will have guided support from the faculty.

The tuition fee at Nebraska Wesleyan University for incoming international master’s students is 7,056 USD to 9,036 USD. With its cheap rates, you can guarantee you’ll get a quality education without breaking the bank!

4. Bellevue University

Another affordable university to consider in Nebraska is Bellevue University.

Bellevue University is a non-profit and private institution that focuses on adult education. Thus, it provides several online or accelerated programs to cater to working individuals with busy schedules. This flexible learning setup has allowed thousands of students to pursue studies and graduate despite their working responsibilities. Bellevue offers many programs and course types: bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, associate, minor, course clusters, and general education.

The tuition fee in Bellevue University for master’s program for foreign students starts from 7,560 USD.

5. Hastings College

Aside from its outstanding quality of education, Hastings College has some of the lowest tuition fee prices for foreign students who are planning to take a master's degree here. International master's students only pay as low as 8,190 USD yearly.

Hastings College is a private institution with a closed-knitted student body that strives for training professionals that will prosper as human beings and serve their communities. Education here focuses on offering small-sized classes, giving mentorships, and having experiential learning activities. The latter includes internships, a mandatory study abroad experience for junior students, and two research programs.

6. University of Nebraska at Kearney

Located in the center of Kearney is the University of Nebraska at Kearney, a branch campus of the University of Nebraska system. It began as the Nebraska State Normal School, evolving into a center of quality tertiary education with more than 200 programs offered on-campus and online. The University of Nebraska at Kearney not only produces competent graduates but also outstanding performance in athletics and performing arts.

7. Creighton University

Creighton University is a leading research university incorporating Jesuit values into its curriculum. The university already has a deep background in the academic field with more than 100 years of experience. Creighton University takes pride in its effective educational technique, resulting in its successful internationalization.

8. Chadron State College

Chadron State College was founded in 1911 and is located in Chadron, Nebraska. It is a public college that offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs to students in and out of Nebraska. Their vision and goal are to create students who volunteer and actively collaborate with their peers, as well as a diverse community on the campus. Various innovations and activities have been made to engage their students to excel in their lives as a student and individually. In its 100 years of service, Chadron State College aims to be the best educational institution in the United States.

9. College of Saint Mary

The College of Saint Mary is a private institution dedicated to empowering women to achieve their dreams and reach their fullest potential. This all-women’s college has been awarded numerous recognitions, including being among the top Catholic colleges in the country and the top college in the state of Nebraska. The College of Saint Mary is also known for its service learning program which gives students the opportunity to participate in different service activities and projects where they can apply their learnings, discover their passions, and connect with the community.

10. University of Nebraska Medical Center

University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is a leading public medical institution in Nebraska. Since the start of its operations, the university has focused on providing top-class medical programs. It is known for educating and training world-class healthcare professionals. UNMC offers advanced and multidisciplinary programs on its five campuses admitting eligible local and international students.

11. University of Nebraska at Omaha

The University of Nebraska at Omaha has nine colleges that offer degree programs in the areas of engineering, science, architecture, IT and technology, fine arts, business administration, health, and agricultural sciences. As it is located in the largest city in Nebraska, students have multiple opportunities for taking an internship and having real-life working experiences off-campus. Students also have the choice of working with experts from one of the 28 university centers and institutes, like the Aviation Institute or the Center for Human Rights.

12. Clarkson College

Clarkson College is a private health science college in Omaha, Nebraska. It was founded in 1888 as Nebraska’s first nurse training school. The college provides undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in various healthcare disciplines. Clarkson College’s mission is to professionally prepare students to provide high-quality, ethical, and compassionate health care services.

13. University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Founded in 1896, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln was initially established to provide undergraduate education among its locals. With its long and rich history, the school has undergone several redevelopments and has expanded to cater to the ever-increasing number of students. Today, the university is among the top-rated higher education schools in the US. It has consistently ranked high in global university rankings and is widely recognized for providing only the best quality of teaching and research.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get admission to affordable universities in Nebraska?

Applying to cheap universities in Nebraska requires you to complete different requirements depending on your degree and chosen university. These usually include admission forms, language proficiency scores, and a visa. Check out our full guide to studying in United States for a more comprehensive guide!

2. What can I study at Best affordable universities in Nebraska?

International students can study a variety of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in Nebraska. For example, one of the best affordable schools in Nebraska is the Bellevue University, which offers Accounting, Behavioral Science, and Child Protection and Juvenile Justice to students seeking a bachelor’s degree. At the master’s level, the Bellevue University offers Accounting , Business Administration , and Child, Youth, and Family Studies.


It's important to take a look at all your options when selecting where to attend post-secondary school. With so many different types of schools, degrees, and universities in Nebraska, it can be tough to know where to start looking.

So, make sure to explore the best public universities in Nebraska as well if you're looking for affordable education!

We hope that this article on affordable institutions in Nebraska for international students was helpful!