Best colleges under $20,000 a year in Nebraska
The highest-rated colleges whose average yearly price after grants is under $20,000.
Best colleges under $20,000 a year in Nebraska3 schools
3 schools qualify, ranked by the Compass Score.
How this list is made
- Schools in Nebraska.
- Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
- Academic Excellence grade B+ or better (the top 35% of rated colleges).
- Net price (average yearly cost after grants) under $20,000 from federal data (College Scorecard).
- Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
- Ordered by Compass Score, highest first. Schools with the same score share a rank.
Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.
- 1
College of Saint Mary
Omaha, NE · Private nonprofit#2 in Nebraska
- Net price $16,590 a year
- 61% graduate
- 2
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE · Public#3 in Nebraska
- Net price $17,747 a year
- 67% graduate
- 3
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Lincoln, NE · Private nonprofit#5 in Nebraska
- Net price $18,327 a year
- 66% graduate
Compare cost and outcomes
| School | Net price a year | Median debt | Earnings 10 years out | Graduation rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of Saint Mary | About $17,000 | $24,250 | $54,338 | 61% |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln | About $18,000 | $21,000 | $56,887 | 67% |
| Nebraska Wesleyan University | About $18,000 | $26,970 | $56,405 | 66% |
Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.