Top 3 Cybersecurity Programs in Nebraska 2025
Bellevue University
166 cybersecurity graduates annually, 12% graduation rate
University of Nebraska at Omaha
51 cybersecurity graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
Wayne State College
1 cybersecurity graduates annually, 83% graduation rate
- 1.Nebraska offers 3+ accredited cybersecurity programs across public and private universities
- 2.Bellevue University leads with 12% graduation rate
- 3.Nebraska software developers earn median $91,560 annually (BLS OES 2024)
- 4.Tech opportunities concentrated in Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue
- 5.Cost of living index: 92.5% of US average (below average)
Cybersecurity Education in Nebraska: Overview
Nebraska offers 3 accredited cybersecurity programs, producing approximately 218 graduates annually. The state's tech industry is centered in Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, with major employers including Mutual of Omaha, First Data, TD Ameritrade.
With a median software developer salary of $91,560 (BLS OES May 2024) and a cost of living index of 92.5% compared to the US average, Nebraska offers above-average purchasing power for tech workers.
The top cybersecurity programs in the state are led by Bellevue University, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Wayne State College, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Nebraska Cybersecurity Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bellevue University | Bellevue, NE | Private | $8,136 | 12% | 63.5 |
| 2 | University of Nebraska at Omaha | Omaha, NE | Public | $6,536 | 97% | 61.6 |
| 3 | Wayne State College | Wayne, NE | Public | $5,760 | 83% | 46.1 |
Top 5 Cybersecurity Programs in Nebraska: Side-by-Side
| School | Bellevue | U of Nebraska at Omaha | Wayne State College |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 |
| In-State Tuition | $8,136 | $6,536 | $5,760 |
| Graduation Rate | 12% | 97% | 83% |
| Annual Graduates | 166 | 51 | 1 |
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | 87% | N/A |
| Type | Private | Public | Public |
| Score | 63.5/100 | 61.6/100 | 46.1/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Cybersecurity in Nebraska
Nebraska offers 3 bachelor's-level cybersecurity programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are Bellevue University, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Wayne State College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $64,092 in the Nebraska market.
A bachelor's in cybersecurity typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Cybersecurity Bachelor's Programs in Nebraska
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Bellevue | $8,136 | 12% | 166 | 63.5 |
| #2 U of Nebraska at Omaha | $6,536 | 97% | 51 | 61.6 |
| #3 Wayne State College | $5,760 | 83% | 1 | 46.1 |
Top Cybersecurity Schools for Master's Degrees in Nebraska
For graduate study, Nebraska offers 2 master's-level cybersecurity programs. Leading institutions include Bellevue University, University of Nebraska at Omaha. A master's degree can boost earning potential by 15-25%, with senior roles in Nebraska reaching $119,028 or more.
Explore our complete national rankings of the best cybersecurity master's programs for more options beyond Nebraska.
Top 3 Cybersecurity Master's Programs in Nebraska
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Bellevue | $8,136 | 12% | 59 | 55.0 |
| #2 U of Nebraska at Omaha | $6,536 | 97% | 9 | 49.8 |
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Colleges in Nebraska
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable cybersecurity programs in Nebraska are at Wayne State College ($5,760/year), University of Nebraska at Omaha ($6,536/year), Bellevue University ($8,136/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Nebraska's competitive tech salaries.
At Wayne State College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $23,040 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $64,092, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.8 years. See our Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Cybersecurity Programs in Nebraska (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Wayne State College | $5,760 | $23,040 | 0.8 years | Public |
| #2 U of Nebraska at Omaha | $6,536 | $26,144 | 0.9 years | Public |
| #3 Bellevue | $8,136 | $32,544 | 1.1 years | Private |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Cybersecurity Schools in Nebraska
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 cybersecurity programs in Nebraska, including admissions requirements, curriculum highlights, career outcomes, and what makes each program unique. Data sourced from official university websites and IPEDS 2023.
Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,136 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 12% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 166 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 63.5 / 100
Program Strengths
- 12% graduation rate
- 166 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 63.5 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (12%), program size (166 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,560), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Omaha, NE • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,536 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 51 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 87%
- • Ranking Score: 61.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 51 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 61.6 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (51 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,560), and selectivity (87% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Wayne State College
Wayne, NE • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $5,760 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 83% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Cybersecurity Graduates: 1 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 46.1 / 100
Program Strengths
- 83% graduation rate
- 1 cybersecurity graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 46.1 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (83%), program size (1 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,560), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Security Analyst opportunities in Nebraska with strong job growth.
Penetration Tester
SOC 15-1212Penetration Tester opportunities in Nebraska with strong job growth.
Security Engineer
SOC 15-1212Security Engineer opportunities in Nebraska with strong job growth.
Incident Responder
SOC 15-1212Incident Responder opportunities in Nebraska with strong job growth.
Cybersecurity Programs in Other States
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Washington
Massachusetts
Illinois
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want access to tech jobs in Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue
- You're seeking lower cost of living (92.5% of US average)
- You want to work at companies like Mutual of Omaha or First Data
- You prefer Nebraska's quality of life
- You prioritize highest possible salary (consider CA, WA, NY)
- You want more program options (CA has 100+ vs Nebraska's 3)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Cybersecurity in Nebraska FAQ
Based on 3 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Cybersecurity degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
Nebraska-specific salaries from BLS OES May 2024
Related Resources
Data Sources & Methodology
Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - program completions, graduation rates, tuition, admissions
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics - Nebraska salary data
2023-2033 occupational outlook and growth projections
Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.