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Nebraska flag2025-26Rank #14

Nebraska College Cost 2025-26

$9,980 in-state, $23,910 out-of-state. Community college: $3,739.

By Sammy S. · Founder · AuthorUpdated for 2025-26

$9,980
In-state
$39,920
4-year sticker
$23,910
Out-of-state
#14
National rank

Nebraska college cost breakdown

In-state tuition

$9,980

Out-of-state

$23,910

2-year in-district

$3,739

Estimated COA

$23,880

Nebraska's $9,980/yr in-state tuition ranks #14 nationally (lowest = #1) and is below the $11,950 US average. Estimated COA adds room & board ($13,900/yr US avg).

Four-year sticker cost in Nebraska

Tuition & fees only. Add room & board for full COA. Net price after aid is typically lower.

In-state tuition (1 year)

Rank #14 nationally

$9,980

4-year sticker (tuition only)

No room/board

$39,920

Estimated COA (1 year)

Tuition + US avg room/board ($13,900)

$23,880

Out-of-state tuition (1 year)

Premium +$13,930

$23,910

Community college (1 year)

Public 2-year in-district

$3,739

Nebraska vs neighboring states

Geographic neighbors. Click for side-by-side comparison.

South Dakota

Rank #11

In-state$9,390
Difference$-590

Kansas

Rank #19

In-state$10,580
Difference+$600

Iowa

Rank #24

In-state$11,180
Difference+$1,200

Wyoming

Rank #2

In-state$7,430
Difference$-2,550

Missouri

Rank #34

In-state$13,090
Difference+$3,110

Colorado

Rank #37

In-state$13,710
Difference+$3,730

Compare Nebraska with another state

Side-by-side in-state, out-of-state, community college, and 529 benefits.

Compare any two states

Public college tuition, out-of-state premiums, and 529 benefits.

States with similar in-state tuition

West Virginia

$10,000

Nevada

$9,880

Mississippi

$10,110

Oklahoma

$10,250

Alaska

$9,680

Arkansas

$10,500

Key takeaways — Nebraska college costs

  • Nebraska public 4-year in-state tuition averages $9,980/yr—rank #14 (lowest = #1). Out-of-state: $23,910/yr (rank #5), premium +$13,930.
  • Four-year sticker (tuition only): $39,920 in-state. Add room & board: estimated COA $23,880/yr × 4 ≈ $95,520.
  • Public 2-year in-district: $3,739/yr (US avg $4,150).
  • Nebraska is $1,970 below the US average in-state tuition ($11,950).
  • Nebraska offers a 529 income tax deduction (up to $10,000 single / $10,000 MFJ).
  • Net price after aid is typically lower than sticker. Use college net price calculators for personalized estimates.

Nebraska college costs: in-state, out-of-state, and community college

Nebraska public 4-year institutions charge an average of $9,980 per year for in-state residents (tuition & fees). That ranks #14 among 50 states and DC (lowest = #1). Out-of-state: $23,910/yr (rank #5), premium +$13,930.

Community college in Nebraska: Public 2-year in-district: $3,739/yr (US avg $4,150). Many students start at community college and transfer after 2 years, cutting total 4-year costs significantly.

Room & board is not included in tuition. College Board estimates US average room & board at $13,900/yr. Add to tuition for estimated COA: Nebraska ≈ $23,880/yr in-state.

Four-year sticker cost in Nebraska

Four years of in-state tuition totals about $39,920 (tuition & fees only, no room/board). With room & board, estimated COA over 4 years: $95,520.

Out-of-state students pay about $95,640 over 4 years (tuition only), plus room & board. That's $55,720 more than in-state over 4 years.

These are sticker prices. Net price after federal Pell Grants, institutional aid, state grants, and scholarships is typically much lower. Use college net price calculators for personalized estimates based on your income and academic profile.

Nebraska 529 plan tax benefits

Nebraska offers a 529 income tax deduction (up to $10,000 single / $10,000 MFJ). Use our /529-calculator to estimate tax savings, project account growth at different return rates, and compare superfunding (5-year lump sum) vs annual contributions.

529 plans offer federal tax-free growth and tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses: tuition, fees, room, board, books, computers, and K-12 tuition (up to $10,000/yr). Some states also allow 529-to-Roth IRA rollovers (SECURE 2.0 Act).

Link your 529 savings goal to Nebraska tuition costs. If you're saving for a child born today, project tuition inflation (≈5%/yr) to estimate future costs 18 years out.

Nebraska financial aid and scholarship programs

Nebraska may offer state grants, merit scholarships, or promise programs that reduce net cost below sticker price. Check the Nebraska higher education agency or state financial aid office for program details, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines. State aid is typically limited to Nebraska residents attending in-state public institutions.

Who this Nebraska guide helps

  • Families comparing Nebraska tuition with neighboring states for college choice.
  • High school students in Nebraska evaluating in-state vs out-of-state affordability.
  • 529 savers setting contribution targets based on Nebraska public college costs.
  • Relocation researchers weighing college affordability across state lines.

When to use other tools

  • You need net price after aid (use college net price calculators, not sticker price).
  • You're comparing private college costs in Nebraska (this page covers public only).
  • You need current tuition at a specific campus (flagship and regional costs vary).
  • You're filing residency appeals (consult institution-specific domicile policies).

Nebraska college cost checklist

  • Note Nebraska in-state tuition: $9,980/yr (rank #14).
  • Out-of-state: $23,910/yr (premium +$13,930).
  • Community college: $3,739/yr (2-year in-district).
  • Add room & board ($13,900/yr US avg) for estimated COA.
  • Check Nebraska 529 plan tax benefits using /529-calculator.
  • Explore state financial aid programs (grants, merit scholarships, promise programs).
  • Use college net price calculators for personalized aid estimates.

Nebraska college cost FAQs

Nebraska averages $9,980 per year for public 4-year in-state tuition & fees—rank #14 nationally (lowest = #1).

Out-of-state tuition averages $23,910/yr in Nebraska (rank #5), a premium of $13,930 above in-state.

Public 2-year in-district tuition & fees average $3,739/yr in Nebraska (tuition only, no room/board). US average: $4,150.

Four years of in-state tuition totals about $39,920 (tuition & fees only). Add room & board for full COA estimate: $23,880/yr × 4 ≈ $95,520.

Many states offer 529 plan tax deductions or credits. NE residents should check /529-calculator for Nebraska-specific deduction limits, credit amounts, and tax savings examples.

Nebraska may offer state grants, scholarships, or promise programs. Check the Nebraska higher education agency or state financial aid office for eligibility.

Nebraska ranks #14 for in-state tuition (lowest = #1). Compare with neighbors and states with similar 529 benefits using our compare tool.

Academic year 2025-26 from College Board Trends in College Pricing 2025. Page updated 2026-08-02. Verify current rates with institutions.

Most Nebraska public institutions require 12 months of physical presence, a Nebraska driver's license or state ID, vehicle registration, voter registration, and intent to remain. Rules vary by campus. Contact the admissions or registrar office for specific requirements.

Yes. Most Nebraska state grants and scholarships stack with federal Pell Grants, institutional aid, and outside scholarships. Check your financial aid award letter for the full package.