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Key Takeaways
Best computer programming degree programs: U of Nebraska at Omaha, U of Nebraska-Lincoln, Bellevue
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 Programming 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 Programming 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 Programming programs
We rank 11 accredited computer programming 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 Programming Degree Programs in Nebraska Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Computer Programming Degree Rankings in Nebraska
Compare the top-ranked Computer Programming programs in Nebraska by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Computer Programming Programs in Nebraska
Program Landscape
Nebraska offers 1 accredited associate's degree programs in computer programming, 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 programming schools in Nebraska, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their computer programming degrees in Nebraska.
Best Bachelor's Computer Programming Programs in Nebraska
Program Landscape
Nebraska ranks among the nation's top destinations for computer programming education, with 7 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 5 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Nebraska at Omaha, U of Nebraska-Lincoln, Bellevue, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Nebraska computer programming 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 $25,638/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 74%, 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 programming degrees in Nebraska, these top-ranked computer programming schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Show all 7 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Creighton University | Omaha, NE | Private | $45,000 | — | 45.4 |
| #7 | Doane University | Crete, NE | Private | $39,336 | — | 34.8 |
Best Master's Computer Programming Programs in Nebraska
Program Landscape
Nebraska offers 2 master's degree programs in computer programming, 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 computer programming schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Best Doctoral Computer Programming Programs in Nebraska
Program Landscape
Nebraska is home to 1 doctoral programs in computer programming, 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 programming 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 Programming Degree Costs & Tuition in Nebraska
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $22,839/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $57,098/year |
| Community college tuition | $5,710/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $137,036 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $34,258 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Computer Programming Students in Nebraska
State Aid Programs
Nebraska residents pursuing computer programming degrees have access to multiple financial aid pathways designed to reduce the cost of higher education. The primary state-specific resource is the Nebraska Opportunity Grant, a need-based grant program administered by the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education that provides direct financial support to eligible students enrolled at participating institutions. This grant complements federal aid options available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which all students should complete to determine eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Both in-state and out-of-state students can access these programs, making them foundational tools for financing a computer programming education in Nebraska.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal aid, Nebraska's computer programming programs at institutions like the University of Nebraska at Omaha and University of Nebraska-Lincoln offer institutional scholarships and merit-based awards to attract qualified students. Community colleges in Nebraska, including Metropolitan Community College Area and Southeast Community College Area, also provide financial aid packages tailored to students beginning their education at the associate's level. Students should contact individual institutions' financial aid offices to explore scholarships specific to computer programming majors, as many schools offer program-based awards to support talent recruitment. For comprehensive guidance on navigating these resources, the College Scorecard provides institution-specific financial aid data to help students compare net prices across Nebraska's 12 institutions offering computer programming programs.
Computer Programming Degree ROI Calculator, Nebraska
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer programming 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 Programming Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a computer programming 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 Programming 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 Programming Graduates in Nebraska
Find computer programming jobs in Nebraska. These major employers across Nebraska metro areas are actively hiring computer programming degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Computer Programming Jobs in Omaha
NEComputer Programming Jobs in Lincoln
NETransfer Pathways for Computer Programming Degrees in Nebraska
State Transfer System
Nebraska's Nebraska Transfer Initiative (https://ccpe.nebraska.gov/) facilitates seamless credit transfer among public institutions, creating strong pathways for community college students to advance to bachelor's and graduate degrees. The state operates 16 two-year institutions offering associate's degrees in computer programming, with top options including Metropolitan Community College Area (tuition: $3,060), Southeast Community College Area (tuition: $2,912), Northeast Community College (tuition: $3,240), Central Community College (tuition: $2,880), and Western Nebraska Community College (tuition: $2,568). These community colleges provide affordable entry points for students seeking to complete lower-division coursework before transferring to four-year universities, reducing overall degree costs while maintaining educational quality. The transfer initiative ensures that credits earned at community colleges are recognized and counted toward bachelor's degrees, eliminating unnecessary course repetition.
How Transfers Work
Transfer students can leverage articulation agreements between community colleges and Nebraska's 7 bachelor's degree-granting institutions, including the University of Nebraska system schools (Lincoln, Omaha, Kearney) and private institutions. The University of Nebraska at Omaha and University of Nebraska-Lincoln each awarded 120 and 149 bachelor's degree completions respectively, and actively recruit transfer students. By completing an associate's degree at a community college, students complete approximately 60 transferable credits, then transition to upper-level computer programming courses at four-year institutions. This pathway reduces tuition exposure significantly, students save $6,668–$13,974 annually compared to starting at four-year schools. The Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education maintains transfer agreements and articulation guides. Prospective transfers should consult institutional transfer advisors and the College Scorecard to verify transfer credit applicability. Financial aid portability is ensured through Federal Student Aid programs.
Why Pursue a Computer Programming Degree in Nebraska?
Industry & Workforce
Nebraska offers a strong ecosystem for computer programming education with 12 institutions offering programs across all degree levels, from associate's to doctoral degrees (IPEDS). In 2023, Nebraska institutions awarded 325 bachelor's degrees in computer programming, demonstrating strong program capacity and graduate output. The state's leading institutions. University of Nebraska-Lincoln with 149 completions and University of Nebraska at Omaha with 120 completions, provide education in a supportive learning environment. These universities rank among the best bachelor's programs in the nation and offer excellent value for students seeking quality education without excessive debt.
Salary Outlook
Nebraska's major tech hubs in Omaha, Lincoln, and Bellevue host significant employers including Nebraska Medicine, Union Pacific, and Berkshire Hathaway, creating abundant internship and career opportunities for graduates. The state's affordability stands out: public four-year institutions average $6,668 in-state tuition, making Nebraska significantly more accessible than national alternatives (BLS State Data). For students prioritizing cost-effectiveness, schools like Wayne State College and Peru State College offer tuition as low as $5,760 annually. Whether pursuing an associate's degree, bachelor's degree, or master's degree, Nebraska provides pathways to career success with strong employer connections and manageable educational expenses. The state's Nebraska Opportunity Grant provides additional need-based financial support for eligible residents.
Computer Programming Program Availability in Nebraska
Source: IPEDS 2024
Computer Programming Job Market & Salary Data in Nebraska
Employment Outlook
Nebraska's computer programming job market is supported by a strong network of educational institutions and growing employer demand across the state. With 12 institutions offering computer programming degrees at various levels, including 7 bachelor's-granting universities and 2 associate's colleges, the state produces a steady pipeline of skilled professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nebraska's technology sector continues to expand, particularly in major metropolitan areas like Omaha and Lincoln, which serve as regional tech hubs attracting both entry-level and experienced programmers.
Salaries by Metro
The state's largest computer programming programs are concentrated at the University of Nebraska system institutions. University of Nebraska-Lincoln leads with 149 completions, while University of Nebraska at Omaha follows with 120 completions, and Bellevue University contributes 74 completions annually (IPEDS). These numbers demonstrate substantial workforce development in the field. The affordability of Nebraska's public institutions, with average in-state tuition at $6,668 for four-year public universities, makes computer programming education accessible to diverse student populations. Career pathways for graduates span multiple industries and metro regions, with strong opportunities in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, and Kearney. Students interested in related fields should explore Software Engineering in Nebraska and Web Development in Nebraska for complementary career options.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Computer Programming Programs in Nebraska
Online Programs
0 available in Nebraska
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Computer Programming Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 4
- Median Tuition
- $12,000
- Total Programs
- 29
- Median Tuition
- $21,000
- Total Programs
- 34
- Median Tuition
- $11,700
- Total Programs
- 12
- Median Tuition
- $6,100
- Total Programs
- 18
- Median Tuition
- $13,900
- Total Programs
- 5
- Median Tuition
- $5,000
- Total Programs
- 193
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 51
- Median Tuition
- $4,600
Computer Programming Degree Programs in Nebraska: FAQ
What are the best computer programming degree programs in Nebraska?
How much do computer programming degree programs cost in Nebraska?
What salary can computer programming degree graduates earn in Nebraska?
Are there online computer programming degree programs in Nebraska?
What companies hire computer programming degree graduates in Nebraska?
Is a computer programming degree program worth it in Nebraska?
How long do computer programming degree programs take in Nebraska?
What financial aid is available for computer programming 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.