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Key Takeaways
Best computer engineering degree programs: U of Nebraska-Lincoln, U of Nebraska at Omaha, Hastings College
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $3,240 to $45,000/year
Northeast Community College offers the most affordable option at $3,240/yr
Computer Engineering degree programs available: 1 associate's, 2 master's, 1 doctoral in Nebraska
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Nebraska community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
1 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
Computer Engineering 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 Computer Engineering programs
We rank 10 accredited computer engineering 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 Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Nebraska Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Computer Engineering Degree Rankings in Nebraska
Compare the top-ranked Computer Engineering programs in Nebraska by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Computer Engineering Programs in Nebraska
Program Landscape
Nebraska offers 1 accredited associate's degree programs in computer engineering, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include 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 $3,240/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 computer engineering schools in Nebraska, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their computer engineering degrees in Nebraska.
Best Bachelor's Computer Engineering Programs in Nebraska
Program Landscape
Nebraska ranks among the nation's top destinations for computer engineering education, with 6 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 4 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Nebraska-Lincoln, U of Nebraska at Omaha, Hastings College, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Nebraska computer engineering 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 computer engineering degrees in Nebraska, these top-ranked computer engineering 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 | — | 45.5 |
Best Master's Computer Engineering Programs in Nebraska
Program Landscape
Nebraska offers 2 master's degree programs in computer engineering, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Nebraska-Lincoln, U of Nebraska at Omaha, 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 computer engineering schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Best Doctoral Computer Engineering Programs in Nebraska
Program Landscape
Nebraska is home to 1 doctoral programs in computer engineering, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Nebraska-Lincoln 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 computer engineering 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.
Computer Engineering Degree Costs & Tuition in Nebraska
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $24,939/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $62,348/year |
| Community college tuition | $6,235/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $149,636 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $37,408 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Computer Engineering Students in Nebraska
State Aid Programs
Nebraska residents pursuing computer engineering degrees have access to multiple financial aid options designed to make higher education more affordable. The primary state-level aid program is the Nebraska Opportunity Grant, a need-based grant program administered through the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education that provides direct financial support to eligible Nebraska residents attending accredited institutions throughout the state. This grant program complements federal aid options, including Pell Grants and federal student loans available through the FAFSA, which all undergraduate and graduate students should complete to determine their eligibility for federal financial assistance.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal programs, Nebraska's public institutions, including the University of Nebraska system schools and community colleges, often offer institutional scholarships and merit-based aid packages specific to computer engineering majors. Students should explore departmental scholarships, employer-sponsored tuition assistance programs, and private scholarships offered by organizations in Nebraska's tech sector. For comprehensive information on federal aid eligibility, loan options, and grant programs, prospective students can consult Federal Student Aid and work with their institution's financial aid office. The College Scorecard also provides transparent data on average aid packages and net price by institution, helping students compare affordability across Nebraska's 11 institutions offering computer engineering programs.
Computer Engineering Degree ROI Calculator, Nebraska
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer engineering 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.
Computer Engineering Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a computer engineering degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
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.
$133,333
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
Computer Engineering 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 Computer Engineering Graduates in Nebraska
Find computer engineering jobs in Nebraska. These major employers across Nebraska metro areas are actively hiring computer engineering degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Computer Engineering Jobs in Omaha
NEComputer Engineering Jobs in Lincoln
NETransfer Pathways for Computer Engineering Degrees in Nebraska
State Transfer System
Nebraska provides multiple pathways for students pursuing computer engineering degrees through its comprehensive transfer system. The Nebraska Transfer Initiative facilitates credit transfer among public institutions, enabling students to begin their studies at two-year community colleges and seamlessly transition to four-year bachelor's programs. Nebraska operates 16 two-year institutions statewide, with 2 offering associate's degree programs in computer engineering (IPEDS). Leading community colleges include Metropolitan Community College Area ($3,060 tuition), Southeast Community College Area ($2,912 tuition), Northeast Community College ($3,240 tuition), Central Community College ($2,880 tuition), and Western Nebraska Community College ($2,568 tuition), all providing affordable entry points for aspiring engineers.
How Transfers Work
The Nebraska Transfer Initiative establishes articulation agreements between community colleges and the University of Nebraska system institutions, ensuring that coursework completed at two-year colleges transfers with full credit to bachelor's degree programs at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (#2 ranking, $8,010 tuition), University of Nebraska at Omaha (#1 ranking, $6,536 tuition), and University of Nebraska at Kearney (#3 ranking, $6,480 tuition). This pathway allows students to complete general education and introductory engineering courses at significantly lower cost before specializing in computer engineering at the upper level. The Nebraska Opportunity Grant provides additional need-based financial support for eligible Nebraska residents at participating institutions. Students can explore related online options through Computer Engineering online programs or compare with Computer Science in Nebraska for alternative career tracks.
Why Pursue a Computer Engineering Degree in Nebraska?
Industry & Workforce
Nebraska offers a strong computer engineering education landscape with 11 institutions offering programs across multiple degree levels, producing 362 bachelor's completions annually (IPEDS). The state's flagship programs are concentrated at the University of Nebraska system, with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln leading completion rates at 273 graduates and the University of Nebraska at Omaha contributing 120 completions. These institutions provide pathways from associate's degrees through doctoral studies, with 2 associate's programs, 6 bachelor's programs, 2 master's programs, and 1 doctoral program available across the state (IPEDS).
Salary Outlook
Nebraska's tech hubs in Omaha, Lincoln, and Bellevue host major employers including Nebraska Medicine, Union Pacific, and Berkshire Hathaway, creating strong career opportunities for graduates. The state's public four-year institutions offer exceptional affordability, with average in-state tuition of just $6,668, compared to the national landscape (IPEDS). Top-ranked programs include the University of Nebraska at Omaha (#1 bachelor's ranking) at $6,536 tuition and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (#2) at $8,010, both providing education at accessible price points. Students can explore related fields through Computer Science in Nebraska, Software Engineering in Nebraska, and Information Technology in Nebraska to build comprehensive technical expertise.
Computer Engineering Program Availability in Nebraska
Source: IPEDS 2024
Computer Engineering Job Market & Salary Data in Nebraska
Employment Outlook
Nebraska's computer engineering job market is supported by a strong network of employers and educational institutions across the state's major metropolitan areas. The state hosts 11 institutions offering computer engineering programs at various degree levels, from associate's through doctoral credentials (IPEDS). In 2023, Nebraska institutions awarded 362 bachelor's degrees, 49 master's degrees, and 12 doctoral degrees in computer engineering, creating a steady pipeline of qualified professionals entering the workforce (IPEDS). Major employment hubs are concentrated in the Omaha-Council Bluffs and Lincoln metropolitan areas, where Fortune 500 companies and regional tech leaders actively recruit computer engineering talent. For comprehensive salary and employment trend data specific to Nebraska, the Bureau of Labor Statistics provides current occupational employment statistics for the state.
Salaries by Metro
The University of Nebraska system dominates the state's computer engineering pipeline, with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln alone producing 273 completions and the University of Nebraska at Omaha contributing 120 completions in the most recent cycle (IPEDS). This educational strength positions Nebraska competitively for talent development and retention. Students benefit from Nebraska's affordable public higher education, average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions is $6,668, well below the national average (IPEDS). Graduates can leverage internship and co-op partnerships with major employers in Lincoln, Omaha, Bellevue, and Grand Island. For more information on comparable programs nationally, explore best computer engineering bachelor's programs and most affordable computer engineering programs.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Computer Engineering Programs in Nebraska
Online Programs
0 available in Nebraska
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Computer Engineering Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $7,800
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $32,800
- Total Programs
- 32
- Median Tuition
- $13,000
- Total Programs
- 14
- Median Tuition
- $10,300
- Total Programs
- 24
- Median Tuition
- $12,100
- Total Programs
- 187
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 49
- Median Tuition
- $7,000
Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Nebraska: FAQ
What are the best computer engineering degree programs in Nebraska?
How much do computer engineering degree programs cost in Nebraska?
What salary can computer engineering degree graduates earn in Nebraska?
Are there online computer engineering degree programs in Nebraska?
What companies hire computer engineering degree graduates in Nebraska?
Is a computer engineering degree program worth it in Nebraska?
How long do computer engineering degree programs take in Nebraska?
What financial aid is available for computer engineering 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.