Top 3 Data Science Programs in Nebraska 2025
University of Nebraska at Omaha
102 data science graduates annually, 97% graduation rate
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
123 data science graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate
Bellevue University
101 data science graduates annually, 12% graduation rate
- 1.Nebraska offers 8+ accredited data science programs across public and private universities
- 2.University of Nebraska at Omaha leads with 97% 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)
Data Science Education in Nebraska: Overview
Nebraska offers 8 accredited data science programs, producing approximately 365 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 data science programs in the state are led by University of Nebraska at Omaha, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Bellevue University, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.
Nebraska Data Science Programs Rankings 2025
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Nebraska at Omaha | Omaha, NE | Public | $6,536 | 97% | 74.7 |
| 2 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln | Lincoln, NE | Public | $8,010 | — | 67.9 |
| 3 | Bellevue University | Bellevue, NE | Private | $8,136 | 12% | 60 |
| 4 | Hastings College | Hastings, NE | Private | $33,950 | 95% | 50.6 |
| 5 | Concordia University-Nebraska | Seward, NE | Private | $38,500 | 91% | 45.7 |
| 6 | Creighton University | Omaha, NE | Private | $45,000 | — | 44.1 |
| 7 | Doane University | Crete, NE | Private | $39,336 | — | 34.1 |
| 8 | Northeast Community College | Norfolk, NE | Public | $3,240 | — | 27.7 |
Top 5 Data Science Programs in Nebraska: Side-by-Side
| School | U of Nebraska at Omaha | U of Nebraska-Lincoln | Bellevue | Hastings College | Concordia University-Nebr... |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1 | #2 | #3 | #4 | #5 |
| In-State Tuition | $6,536 | $8,010 | $8,136 | $33,950 | $38,500 |
| Graduation Rate | 97% | N/A% | 12% | 95% | 91% |
| Annual Graduates | 102 | 123 | 101 | 7 | 7 |
| Acceptance Rate | 87% | 77% | N/A | 70% | 90% |
| Type | Public | Public | Private | Private | Private |
| Score | 74.7/100 | 67.9/100 | 60.0/100 | 50.6/100 | 45.7/100 |
Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Data Science in Nebraska
Nebraska offers 7 bachelor's-level data science programs. The top schools for undergraduate study are University of Nebraska at Omaha, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Hastings College. These programs prepare students for entry-level positions paying approximately $64,092 in the Nebraska market.
A bachelor's in data science typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Data Science Bachelor's Programs guide.
Top 3 Data Science Bachelor's Programs in Nebraska
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 U of Nebraska at Omaha | $6,536 | 97% | 102 | 74.7 |
| #2 U of Nebraska-Lincoln | $8,010 | N/A% | 123 | 67.9 |
| #3 Hastings College | $33,950 | 95% | 7 | 50.6 |
Top Data Science Schools for Master's Degrees in Nebraska
For graduate study, Nebraska offers 3 master's-level data science programs. Leading institutions include Bellevue University, University of Nebraska at Omaha, University of Nebraska-Lincoln. 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 data science master's programs for more options beyond Nebraska.
Top 3 Data Science Master's Programs in Nebraska
| School | Tuition | Grad Rate | Graduates | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Bellevue | $8,136 | 12% | 101 | 60.0 |
| #2 U of Nebraska at Omaha | $6,536 | 97% | 18 | 54.1 |
| #3 U of Nebraska-Lincoln | $8,010 | N/A% | 32 | 49.4 |
Most Affordable Data Science Colleges in Nebraska
For budget-conscious students, the most affordable data science programs in Nebraska are at Northeast Community College ($3,240/year), University of Nebraska at Omaha ($6,536/year), University of Nebraska-Lincoln ($8,010/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Nebraska's competitive tech salaries.
At Northeast Community College, a 4-year degree costs approximately $12,960 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $64,092, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years. See our Most Affordable Data Science Programs for national comparisons.
Most Affordable Data Science Programs in Nebraska (with ROI)
| School | Annual Tuition | 4-Year Cost | Payback Period | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Northeast Community College | $3,240 | $12,960 | 0.4 years | Public |
| #2 U of Nebraska at Omaha | $6,536 | $26,144 | 0.9 years | Public |
| #3 U of Nebraska-Lincoln | $8,010 | $32,040 | 1.1 years | Public |
Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Data Science Schools in Nebraska
Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 data science 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.
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Omaha, NE • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $6,536 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 102 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 87%
- • Ranking Score: 74.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 97% graduation rate
- 102 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 74.7 / 100
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 based on graduation rate (97%), program size (102 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,560), and selectivity (87% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE • Public
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,010 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 123 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 77%
- • Ranking Score: 67.9 / 100
Program Strengths
- N/A% graduation rate
- 123 data science graduates annually
- Public institution
- Overall score: 67.9 / 100
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (123 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,560), and selectivity (77% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $8,136 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 12% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 101 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: N/A%
- • Ranking Score: 60.0 / 100
Program Strengths
- 12% graduation rate
- 101 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 60.0 / 100
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 based on graduation rate (12%), program size (101 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,560), and selectivity (N/A% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Hastings College
Hastings, NE • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $33,950 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 7 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 70%
- • Ranking Score: 50.6 / 100
Program Strengths
- 95% graduation rate
- 7 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 50.6 / 100
Why Ranked #4
Ranked #4 based on graduation rate (95%), program size (7 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,560), and selectivity (70% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Concordia University-Nebraska
Seward, NE • Private
Program Highlights
- • Annual Tuition: $38,500 (in-state)
- • Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
- • Data Science Graduates: 7 annually
- • Acceptance Rate: 90%
- • Ranking Score: 45.7 / 100
Program Strengths
- 91% graduation rate
- 7 data science graduates annually
- Private institution
- Overall score: 45.7 / 100
Why Ranked #5
Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (91%), program size (7 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,560), and selectivity (90% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Career Paths
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Data Science 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 8)
- You're looking for major coastal tech hub concentration
Data Science in Nebraska FAQ
Based on 8 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Data Science 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.