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Key Takeaways
Best data science degree programs: U of Nebraska at Omaha, U of Nebraska-Lincoln, 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
Data Science degree programs available: 1 associate's, 3 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
Data Science 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 Data Science programs
We rank 12 accredited data 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.
Are Data Science Degree Programs in Nebraska Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Data Science Degree Rankings in Nebraska
Compare the top-ranked Data Science programs in Nebraska by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Data Science Programs in Nebraska
Program Landscape
Nebraska offers 1 accredited associate's degree programs in data science, 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 data science schools in Nebraska, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their data science degrees in Nebraska.
Best Bachelor's Data Science Programs in Nebraska
Program Landscape
Nebraska ranks among the nation's top destinations for data science 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, Hastings College, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Nebraska data 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 $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 data science degrees in Nebraska, these top-ranked data science 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 | Bellevue University | Bellevue, NE | Private | $8,136 | 12% | 34.4 |
| #7 | Doane University | Crete, NE | Private | $39,336 | — | 34.8 |
Best Master's Data Science Programs in Nebraska
Program Landscape
Nebraska offers 3 master's degree programs in data science, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, Bellevue, 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 $7,561/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 data science schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Best Doctoral Data Science Programs in Nebraska
Program Landscape
Nebraska is home to 1 doctoral programs in data 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 data 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.
Data Science 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 Data Science Students in Nebraska
State Aid Programs
Nebraska residents pursuing data science degrees have access to multiple financial aid pathways designed to make higher education affordable. The primary state-level support comes through the Nebraska Opportunity Grant, a need-based grant program administered by the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education that assists eligible students attending participating institutions. This grant is available to Nebraska residents enrolled at eligible public and private colleges and universities throughout the state, including the major research institutions offering data science programs.
Key Programs & Amounts
All students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to access federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. The Federal Student Aid portal provides comprehensive information about Pell Grants, Direct Loans, and other federal programs. Additionally, many Nebraska institutions offer institutional scholarships and merit-based aid specifically for data science and STEM majors. Students are encouraged to contact their chosen institution's financial aid office to explore full scholarship packages, as many schools in Nebraska, including the University of Nebraska system institutions, offer competitive awards for qualified applicants in technical fields.
Data Science Degree ROI Calculator, Nebraska
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a data 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.
Data Science Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a data science degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+697%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,289,731
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
6 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$114,286
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
Data 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 Data Science Graduates in Nebraska
Find data science jobs in Nebraska. These major employers across Nebraska metro areas are actively hiring data science degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Data Science Jobs in Omaha
NEData Science Jobs in Lincoln
NETransfer Pathways for Data Science Degrees in Nebraska
State Transfer System
Nebraska's 2 associate's degree programs in data science, offered through community colleges, provide an affordable and accessible entry point for students pursuing bachelor's and master's degrees. The Nebraska Transfer Initiative, administered by the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education, facilitates seamless credit transfer among public institutions, allowing students to complete foundational coursework at two-year colleges before transferring to four-year universities. Top-ranked associate's programs include Metropolitan Community College Area ($3,060 tuition), Southeast Community College Area ($2,912 tuition), and Northeast Community College ($3,240 tuition). These pathways significantly reduce overall education costs while maintaining academic rigor.
How Transfers Work
Students completing associate's degrees in data science can articulate directly into bachelor's programs at universities such as University of Nebraska at Omaha, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and University of Nebraska at Kearney, completing a four-year degree in two additional years. The Nebraska Transfer Initiative ensures transcript evaluation and credit acceptance, eliminating lost coursework and reducing time-to-degree. After earning a bachelor's degree, graduates can pursue master's programs at leading institutions like University of Nebraska at Omaha ($6,536 tuition) and University of Nebraska-Lincoln ($8,010 tuition). For financial assistance during transfer, students should explore the Nebraska Opportunity Grant, a need-based program supporting Nebraska residents at eligible institutions. This structured pathway maximizes affordability while providing opportunities to advance through associate, bachelor, and master's credentials.
Why Pursue a Data Science Degree in Nebraska?
Industry & Workforce
Nebraska offers strong opportunities for data science education across all degree levels, with 13 institutions providing dedicated programs in the state. According to IPEDS, Nebraska awarded 259 bachelor's degrees, 151 master's degrees, 18 doctoral degrees, and 2 associate's degrees in data science during 2023. This breadth of offerings means students can pursue their educational goals without leaving the state, from community college entry points through doctoral research. The University of Nebraska system leads the charge, with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Nebraska at Omaha anchoring the state's data science ecosystem with 169 and 120 completions respectively.
Salary Outlook
Nebraska's major technology hubs in Omaha, Lincoln, and Bellevue provide exceptional employment pathways for graduates. Major employers including Nebraska Medicine, Union Pacific, and Berkshire Hathaway actively recruit data science talent, creating strong local demand. Public in-state tuition at four-year institutions averages just $6,668, significantly below the national average, making Nebraska an affordable gateway to in-demand careers. Beyond cost, Nebraska's growing tech sector and research universities create a supportive environment for developing advanced data science skills. Explore related fields like Data Analytics in Nebraska, Machine Learning in Nebraska, and Artificial Intelligence in Nebraska to understand the broader data-driven career landscape available in the state.
Data Science Program Availability in Nebraska
Source: IPEDS 2024
Data Science Job Market & Salary Data in Nebraska
Employment Outlook
Nebraska's data science job market is experiencing steady growth, driven by a diverse employer base spanning healthcare, transportation, insurance, and technology sectors. The state's major metropolitan areas. Omaha-Council Bluffs and Lincoln, represent the primary hubs for data science employment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Nebraska's employment landscape continues to evolve as organizations increasingly recognize the value of data-driven decision-making. The Omaha metro area, in particular, is a significant center for data science talent recruitment, supported by major regional employers and growing tech infrastructure.
Salaries by Metro
Data science graduates from Nebraska institutions are well-positioned to enter a competitive job market with multiple career pathways. The state's 13 institutions offering data science programs across associate's, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels create a strong pipeline of talent. Key employment sectors include healthcare analytics, supply chain optimization, and financial services. Students from top-ranked programs like University of Nebraska at Omaha and University of Nebraska-Lincoln benefit from proximity to major employers and networking opportunities. For comprehensive salary and employment data, consult the College Scorecard and BLS State Data resources.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Data Science Programs in Nebraska
Online Programs
0 available in Nebraska
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Data Science Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 7
- Median Tuition
- $7,800
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $32,800
- Total Programs
- 33
- Median Tuition
- $14,400
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $10,000
- Total Programs
- 22
- Median Tuition
- $13,900
- Total Programs
- 180
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 43
- Median Tuition
- $11,000
Data Science Degree Programs in Nebraska: FAQ
What are the best data science degree programs in Nebraska?
How much do data science degree programs cost in Nebraska?
What salary can data science degree graduates earn in Nebraska?
Are there online data science degree programs in Nebraska?
What companies hire data science degree graduates in Nebraska?
Is a data science degree program worth it in Nebraska?
How long do data science degree programs take in Nebraska?
What financial aid is available for data 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.