On this page
Key Takeaways
Omaha has quietly built a strong fintech and insurance-tech scene, Mutual of Omaha, PayPal/Venmo, Union Pacific, and Buildertrend all hire CS graduates
Lincoln adds Hudl (sports tech) and Nelnet (fintech) to the mix, giving Nebraska two distinct but complementary tech job markets
Hakia Research 2026
University of Nebraska at Omaha ranks #1 with a 97% CS graduation rate, CAE-CDE cybersecurity designation, and $6,536/yr in-state tuition
UNL follows at #2 ($8,010/yr) and UNK at #3 with a perfect 100% grad rate at just $6,480/yr
Nebraska CS graduates earn a $91,560 median salary, strong purchasing power given the state's cost of living is well below the national average
Average in-state tuition of $13,738/yr and 22% projected job growth make the ROI case straightforward
Western Nebraska Community College offers the cheapest entry at $2,568/yr, with 7 associate's programs statewide feeding into the University of Nebraska system
Metropolitan Community College Area in Omaha ($3,060/yr) ranks #1 among associate's programs and is located in the state's largest tech job market
Only 1 online CS program available, making Nebraska limited for remote learners compared to neighboring states
18 total accredited institutions offer programs from associate's through doctoral level, but the strongest options are concentrated in the Omaha-Lincoln corridor
Updated June 26, 2026
How we ranked Nebraska Computer Science programs
We rank 22 accredited computer science 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.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Computer Science Degree Rankings in Nebraska
Compare the top-ranked Computer Science programs in Nebraska by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Computer Science Programs in Nebraska
Program Landscape
Nebraska offers 7 accredited associate's degree programs in computer science, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Metropolitan Community Co..., Southeast Community Colle..., 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 $3,311/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 science schools in Nebraska, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their computer science degrees in Nebraska.
Best Bachelor's Computer Science Programs in Nebraska
Program Landscape
Nebraska ranks among the nation's top destinations for computer science education, with 11 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 5 public and 6 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Nebraska at Omaha, U of Nebraska-Lincoln, U of Nebraska at Kearney, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Nebraska computer science 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 $5,760 to $45,000 annually, with an average of $20,373/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 80%, with the highest reaching 100%. 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 science degrees in Nebraska, these top-ranked computer science schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Concordia University-Nebraska
Show all 7 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Hastings College | Hastings, NE | Private nonprofit | $35,990 | 49% | 66.0 |
| #7 | Doane University | Crete, NE | Private nonprofit | $40,520 | 57% | 61.8 |
Best Master's Computer Science Programs in Nebraska
Program Landscape
Nebraska offers 3 master's degree programs in computer science, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Nebraska at Omaha, Bellevue, 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 $7,561/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 science schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Best Doctoral Computer Science Programs in Nebraska
Program Landscape
Nebraska is home to 1 doctoral programs in computer science, 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 science 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 Science Degree Costs & Tuition in Nebraska
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $13,738/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $34,345/year |
| Community college tuition | $3,435/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $82,428 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $20,606 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Computer Science Students in Nebraska
State Aid Programs
Nebraska residents pursuing computer science degrees have access to several financial aid opportunities designed to make higher education affordable. The primary state-level aid program is the Nebraska Opportunity Grant, a need-based grant administered through the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education. This program provides direct financial support to eligible Nebraska residents attending accredited institutions throughout the state. In addition to state grants, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal Pell Grants, federal loans, and work-study opportunities. The Federal Student Aid website offers comprehensive resources for understanding federal aid options and loan repayment plans.
Key Programs & Amounts
Individual institutions in Nebraska also offer merit-based scholarships and institutional aid packages. The University of Nebraska system institutions, including the University of Nebraska at Omaha and University of Nebraska-Lincoln, provide competitive scholarship opportunities for computer science majors with strong academic records. Community colleges such as Metropolitan Community College Area and Southeast Community College Area offer affordable tuition costs combined with state and federal aid eligibility, making them excellent starting points for students pursuing associate degrees before transferring. Students should contact their institution's financial aid office directly to explore department-specific scholarships and assistantships. For additional guidance on aid planning, the College Scorecard provides institution-specific financial aid data to help students compare aid packages across Nebraska schools.
Computer Science Degree ROI Calculator, Nebraska
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer science 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 Science Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a computer science 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 Science 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 Science Graduates in Nebraska
Find computer science jobs in Nebraska. These major employers across Nebraska metro areas are actively hiring computer science degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Computer Science Jobs in Omaha
NEComputer Science Jobs in Lincoln
NETransfer Pathways for Computer Science Degrees in Nebraska
State Transfer System
Nebraska provides a well-structured transfer pathway system enabling students to begin their computer science education at community colleges and transition seamlessly to bachelor's degree programs. The state operates 16 two-year institutions (IPEDS) offering 238 associate's degree completions in computer science (IPEDS). Leading community colleges include Metropolitan Community College Area (127 completions), Southeast Community College Area (64 completions), and others throughout the state. These institutions provide affordable entry points, with average tuition as low as $2,568 annually at Western Nebraska Community College, allowing students to complete foundational coursework before transferring to 24 four-year institutions in Nebraska (IPEDS). The Nebraska Transfer Initiative (Nebraska Transfer Initiative) facilitates credit transfer among public institutions, ensuring that coursework completed at two-year colleges counts toward bachelor's degree requirements.
How Transfers Work
Transfer agreements between Nebraska's community colleges and universities like University of Nebraska-Lincoln, University of Nebraska at Omaha, and University of Nebraska at Kearney are governed through established articulation agreements that guarantee course equivalency and timely degree completion. Students completing an associate's degree in computer science can often enter four-year programs as junior-level students, completing their bachelor's in two additional years. This pathway reduces overall education costs while preserving academic quality, community college graduates benefit from the same rigorous degree upon completion. Additionally, the Nebraska Opportunity Grant (Nebraska Opportunity Grant) provides need-based financial aid to eligible Nebraska residents, further reducing barriers to entry. For financial planning guidance, consult Federal Student Aid. Prospective transfer students should explore most affordable programs and compare options across Software Engineering in Nebraska and Data Science in Nebraska for specialized transfer pathways.
Why Pursue a Computer Science Degree in Nebraska?
Industry & Workforce
Nebraska offers a strong computer science education landscape with 23 institutions offering programs across all degree levels, from associate's degrees through doctoral research (IPEDS). In 2023, Nebraska institutions awarded 335 bachelor's degrees, 238 associate's degrees, 96 master's degrees, and 9 doctoral degrees in computer science (IPEDS). The state's leading institutions. University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Nebraska at Omaha, produced 149 and 135 completions respectively, establishing Nebraska as a significant hub for computer science talent development. With 4-year public institutions charging an average in-state tuition of just $6,668 annually (IPEDS), Nebraska provides exceptional value for aspiring technologists.
Salary Outlook
Nebraska's major metropolitan areas. Omaha, Lincoln, and Bellevue, host thriving tech ecosystems anchored by Fortune 500 employers and innovative companies. Union Pacific, Nebraska Medicine, and Berkshire Hathaway maintain significant operations throughout the state, creating abundant internship and career opportunities for graduates. The state's affordability combined with its strong industry presence makes Nebraska an attractive destination for computer science education. For context on how Nebraska compares nationally, explore national best bachelor's programs and most affordable programs. Students interested in specialized fields should also consider related programs such as Software Engineering in Nebraska, Data Science in Nebraska, and Cybersecurity in Nebraska.
Source: IPEDS 2024
Computer Science Job Market & Salary Data in Nebraska
Employment Outlook
Nebraska's computer science job market is supported by a diverse employer base and growing demand across multiple sectors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state offers competitive opportunities for computer science professionals in major metropolitan areas. The Omaha-Council Bluffs metro area and Lincoln metro region represent the strongest hiring centers, with employers across technology, healthcare, insurance, and transportation sectors actively recruiting talent. The state's average public in-state tuition for four-year institutions is $6,668, making Nebraska an affordable option for students seeking to enter this growing field.
Salaries by Metro
Nebraska produced 335 bachelor's degree completions in computer science during the 2023 academic year, with 96 master's degrees and 9 doctoral degrees awarded across the state (IPEDS). The University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Nebraska at Omaha collectively graduated 284 bachelor's degree recipients, positioning them as primary talent pipelines for the state's job market. These institutions, along with 11 total bachelor's-granting institutions, create a strong supply of qualified professionals to meet employer demand. Students interested in exploring related fields may also consider Software Engineering in Nebraska or Data Science in Nebraska for broader career pathways.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Computer Science Programs in Nebraska
Online Programs
1 available in Nebraska
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Computer Science Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $7,800
- Total Programs
- 32
- Median Tuition
- $34,200
- Total Programs
- 50
- Median Tuition
- $13,000
- Total Programs
- 18
- Median Tuition
- $10,300
- Total Programs
- 36
- Median Tuition
- $10,300
- Total Programs
- 6
- Median Tuition
- $4,100
- Total Programs
- 193
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 45
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
Computer Science Degree Programs in Nebraska: FAQ
What are the best computer science degree programs in Nebraska?
How much do computer science degree programs cost in Nebraska?
What salary can computer science degree graduates earn in Nebraska?
Are there online computer science degree programs in Nebraska?
What companies hire computer science degree graduates in Nebraska?
Is a computer science degree program worth it in Nebraska?
How long do computer science degree programs take in Nebraska?
What financial aid is available for computer science 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.