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Key Takeaways
Best artificial intelligence degree programs: U of Nebraska at Omaha, U of Nebraska-Lincoln, Hastings College
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $3,060 to $45,000/year
Metropolitan Community Co... offers the most affordable option at $3,060/yr
Artificial Intelligence degree programs available: 2 associate's, 2 master's, 2 doctoral in Nebraska
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Nebraska community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
2 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Mutual of Omaha, First Data, TD Ameritrade, Gallup
Tech hubs in Omaha and Lincoln
Hakia Research 2026
Artificial Intelligence degree programs near 20+ cities across Nebraska
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Nebraska Artificial Intelligence programs
We rank 12 accredited artificial intelligence programs in Nebraska using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Nebraska Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Artificial Intelligence Degree Rankings in Nebraska
Compare the top-ranked Artificial Intelligence programs in Nebraska by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Artificial Intelligence Programs in Nebraska
Program Landscape
Nebraska offers 2 accredited associate's degree programs in artificial intelligence, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Metropolitan Community Co..., Northeast Community College, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Nebraska offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $3,150/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $50,358 in Nebraska.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Nebraska's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Mutual of Omaha, First Data, TD Ameritrade hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among artificial intelligence schools in Nebraska, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their artificial intelligence degrees in Nebraska.
Best Bachelor's Artificial Intelligence Programs in Nebraska
Program Landscape
Nebraska ranks among the nation's top destinations for artificial intelligence education, with 6 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 4 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Nebraska at Omaha, U of Nebraska-Lincoln, Hastings College, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Nebraska artificial intelligence programs earn a median salary of $77,826, 21% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including Mutual of Omaha, First Data, TD Ameritrade.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $6,536 to $45,000 annually, with an average of $28,555/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 94%, with the highest reaching 97%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Nebraska's leading technology employers. For students seeking artificial intelligence degrees in Nebraska, these top-ranked artificial intelligence schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Show all 6 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Doane University | Crete, NE | Private | $39,336 | — | 41.1 |
Best Master's Artificial Intelligence Programs in Nebraska
Program Landscape
Nebraska offers 2 master's degree programs in artificial intelligence, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Nebraska at Omaha, U of Nebraska-Lincoln, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Nebraska earn a median salary of $91,560, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with Mutual of Omaha, First Data, TD Ameritrade actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $7,273/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Nebraska's artificial intelligence schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Best Doctoral Artificial Intelligence Programs in Nebraska
Program Landscape
Nebraska is home to 2 doctoral programs in artificial intelligence, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Nebraska-Lincoln, U of Nebraska at Omaha are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Nebraska PhD holders earning a median of $114,450, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like Mutual of Omaha, First Data, TD Ameritrade.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Nebraska programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing artificial intelligence degrees in Nebraska, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Artificial Intelligence Degree Costs & Tuition in Nebraska
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $22,204/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $55,510/year |
| Community college tuition | $5,551/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $133,224 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $33,306 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Artificial Intelligence Students in Nebraska
State Aid Programs
Nebraska residents pursuing artificial intelligence degrees have access to several financial aid options designed to make higher education more affordable. The primary state-level resource is the Nebraska Opportunity Grant, a need-based grant program administered through the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education that provides financial assistance to eligible Nebraska residents attending approved institutions. This grant works alongside federal aid programs to reduce out-of-pocket costs for students enrolled in bachelor's, master's, and associate degree programs across the state's 13 institutions offering AI credentials.
Key Programs & Amounts
All Nebraska AI students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) through Federal Student Aid to access federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. The average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions in Nebraska is $6,668 annually, significantly lower than the out-of-state average of $13,974, making Nebraska an affordable option for both residents and out-of-state students. Beyond state and federal aid, many institutions offer institutional scholarships and merit-based aid. Prospective students should contact their chosen school's financial aid office directly. For detailed information about aid eligibility and application processes, College Scorecard provides comprehensive institutional data, and the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education offers state-specific guidance on grants and funding opportunities.
Artificial Intelligence Degree ROI Calculator, Nebraska
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a artificial intelligence degree in Nebraska. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Artificial Intelligence Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a artificial intelligence degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+1064%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,967,896
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$147,619
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Artificial Intelligence Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Nebraska metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Omaha | $101K |
| Lincoln | $96K |
| Bellevue | $92K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Artificial Intelligence Graduates in Nebraska
Find artificial intelligence jobs in Nebraska. These major employers across Nebraska metro areas are actively hiring artificial intelligence degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Artificial Intelligence Jobs in Omaha
NEArtificial Intelligence Jobs in Lincoln
NETransfer Pathways for Artificial Intelligence Degrees in Nebraska
State Transfer System
Nebraska's strong transfer system facilitates seamless movement from associate to bachelor's degree programs. The Nebraska Transfer Initiative is a statewide agreement among public institutions that guarantees credit transfer for coursework completed at 16 two-year institutions. Students earning associate degrees in artificial intelligence or related fields from community colleges like Metropolitan Community College Area, Southeast Community College Area, Northeast Community College, Central Community College, and Western Nebraska Community College can transfer with junior standing to 24 four-year institutions across the state. Articulation agreements ensure that general education requirements and technical coursework align across institutional levels, minimizing credit loss and reducing time-to-degree. Most associate programs are designed as 2+2 pathways, with the first two years building foundational skills in programming, mathematics, and introductory AI concepts, followed by upper-level specialization at bachelor's-granting institutions.
How Transfers Work
Transfer students benefit from established pathways at major research universities. University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Nebraska at Omaha, the state's top AI programs by completion volume (149 and 134 respectively), actively recruit and support transfer applicants through dedicated advising, prerequisite verification, and bridge programs. The Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education maintains current articulation agreements and transfer guidelines accessible to prospective students and advisors. Transfer-friendly affordability is another advantage: community college tuition ranges from $2,568 to $3,240, allowing students to complete lower-division coursework cost-effectively before transferring. Students interested in complementary fields should explore transfer pathways in machine learning, data science, and computer science programs, which often share prerequisite sequences and allow mid-program pivots. Contact institutional registrars or visit the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for detailed transfer agreements and application procedures.
Why Pursue an Artificial Intelligence Degree in Nebraska?
Industry & Workforce
Nebraska offers a strong artificial intelligence education landscape with 13 institutions currently offering AI programs across multiple degree levels (IPEDS). From associate degrees through doctoral programs, students can pursue AI credentials at 6 bachelor's-granting institutions, 2 master's programs, and 2 doctoral programs. In 2023, Nebraska institutions awarded 251 bachelor's degrees, 52 master's degrees, and 10 doctoral degrees in artificial intelligence, demonstrating strong student demand and institutional commitment to the field (IPEDS). The University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Nebraska at Omaha lead the state with 149 and 134 completions respectively, establishing Nebraska as a credible hub for AI education.
Salary Outlook
The state's AI programs benefit from proximity to major technology employers and research institutions. Nebraska's major metros, including Omaha and Lincoln, host significant employers like Nebraska Medicine, Union Pacific, and Berkshire Hathaway, creating internship and career opportunities for graduates. Public in-state tuition averages just $6,668 at four-year institutions, making Nebraska one of the more affordable options for quality AI education (College Scorecard). Students can access comprehensive state financial support through the Nebraska Opportunity Grant, a need-based aid program for eligible Nebraska residents. Compare Nebraska's affordability to programs in neighboring states like Texas and California to see competitive advantages. For broader context, explore national best bachelor's programs and most affordable options nationally.
Artificial Intelligence Program Availability in Nebraska
Source: IPEDS 2024
Artificial Intelligence Job Market & Salary Data in Nebraska
Employment Outlook
Nebraska's artificial intelligence job market is experiencing steady growth, supported by a strong educational pipeline and strong employer demand across multiple sectors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nebraska's technology and data-driven industries are actively recruiting AI professionals. The state's major metro areas. Omaha-Council Bluffs and Lincoln, serve as primary hubs for AI employment, with additional opportunities in Bellevue, Grand Island, and Kearney. These regions benefit from proximity to Fortune 500 companies and healthcare institutions that increasingly rely on artificial intelligence for operations, analytics, and innovation.
Salaries by Metro
Educational institutions across Nebraska are meeting this demand with 322 total completions in artificial intelligence programs, including 251 bachelor's degrees, 52 master's degrees, and 10 doctoral degrees (2023 data). The University of Nebraska system dominates the state's AI education landscape, with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Nebraska at Omaha together producing 283 completions, nearly 88% of the state's AI graduates. This substantial talent pipeline positions Nebraska graduates for competitive advantage in regional and national job markets. For comprehensive salary and employment outlook data, prospective students should consult the College Scorecard and BLS occupational employment statistics to understand long-term career trajectory and compensation trends. Learn more about related fields like Machine Learning in Nebraska and Data Science in Nebraska.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Artificial Intelligence Programs in Nebraska
Online Programs
0 available in Nebraska
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Artificial Intelligence Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 5
- Median Tuition
- $7,800
- Total Programs
- 24
- Median Tuition
- $34,200
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $14,400
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $7,200
- Total Programs
- 17
- Median Tuition
- $13,900
- Total Programs
- 177
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 38
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
Artificial Intelligence Degree Programs in Nebraska: FAQ
What are the best artificial intelligence degree programs in Nebraska?
How much do artificial intelligence degree programs cost in Nebraska?
What salary can artificial intelligence degree graduates earn in Nebraska?
Are there online artificial intelligence degree programs in Nebraska?
What companies hire artificial intelligence degree graduates in Nebraska?
Is an artificial intelligence degree program worth it in Nebraska?
How long do artificial intelligence degree programs take in Nebraska?
What financial aid is available for artificial intelligence degree students in Nebraska?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Nebraska salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.