Nebraska university campus representing machine learning education
Updated December 2025

Best Machine Learning Programs in Nebraska: Top Schools & Colleges Ranked

Ranking 8 top accredited machine learning programs in Nebraska. Compare schools by tuition, graduation rates, and career outcomes in Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue.

Programs Ranked8
Median Salary$91,560
Cost of Living92.5%
Tech Hubs3

Top 3 Machine Learning Programs in Nebraska 2025

๐Ÿฅ‡ #1

University of Nebraska at Omaha

Omaha, NEPublic

102 machine learning graduates annually, 97% graduation rate

$7K
Tuition/yr
97%
Grad Rate
74.7
Score
๐Ÿฅˆ #2

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NEPublic

123 machine learning graduates annually, N/A% graduation rate

$8K
Tuition/yr
67.9
Score
๐Ÿฅ‰ #3

Hastings College

Hastings, NEPrivate

7 machine learning graduates annually, 95% graduation rate

$34K
Tuition/yr
95%
Grad Rate
50.6
Score
Key Takeaways
  • 1.Nebraska offers 8+ accredited machine learning 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)

Machine Learning Education in Nebraska: Overview

Nebraska offers 8 accredited machine learning programs, producing approximately 271 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 machine learning programs in the state are led by University of Nebraska at Omaha, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Hastings College, each offering distinct advantages in terms of program size, graduation rates, and industry connections.

Nebraska Machine Learning Programs Rankings 2025

Rank
1University of Nebraska at OmahaOmaha, NEPublic$6,53697%74.7
2University of Nebraska-LincolnLincoln, NEPublic$8,010โ€”67.9
3Hastings CollegeHastings, NEPrivate$33,95095%50.6
4Concordia University-NebraskaSeward, NEPrivate$38,50091%45.7
5Creighton UniversityOmaha, NEPrivate$45,000โ€”44.1
6Doane UniversityCrete, NEPrivate$39,336โ€”34.1
7Metropolitan Community College AreaOmaha, NEPublic$3,060โ€”30.4
8Northeast Community CollegeNorfolk, NEPublic$3,240โ€”27.7

Top 5 Machine Learning Programs in Nebraska: Side-by-Side

SchoolU of Nebraska at OmahaU of Nebraska-LincolnHastings CollegeConcordia University-Nebr...Creighton
Rank
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
In-State Tuition
$6,536
$8,010
$33,950
$38,500
$45,000
Graduation Rate
97%
N/A%
95%
91%
N/A%
Annual Graduates
102
123
7
7
18
Acceptance Rate
87%
77%
70%
90%
72%
Type
Public
Public
Private
Private
Private
Score
74.7/100
67.9/100
50.6/100
45.7/100
44.1/100

Best Bachelor's Degree Programs in Machine Learning in Nebraska

Nebraska offers 6 bachelor's-level machine learning 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 machine learning typically requires 120-128 credit hours and takes 4 years to complete. For national rankings, see our Best Machine Learning Bachelor's Programs guide.

Top 3 Machine Learning Bachelor's Programs in Nebraska

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#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 Machine Learning Schools for Master's Degrees in Nebraska

For graduate study, Nebraska offers 2 master's-level machine learning programs. Leading institutions include 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 machine learning master's programs for more options beyond Nebraska.

Top 3 Machine Learning Master's Programs in Nebraska

SchoolTuitionGrad RateGraduatesScore
#1 U of Nebraska at Omaha
$6,536
97%
31
58.8
#2 U of Nebraska-Lincoln
$8,010
N/A%
21
45.7

Most Affordable Machine Learning Colleges in Nebraska

For budget-conscious students, the most affordable machine learning programs in Nebraska are at Metropolitan Community College Area ($3,060/year), Northeast Community College ($3,240/year), University of Nebraska at Omaha ($6,536/year). These programs offer strong ROI given Nebraska's competitive tech salaries.

At Metropolitan Community College Area, a 4-year degree costs approximately $12,240 in tuition alone. With entry-level salaries around $64,092, graduates can typically recoup their investment within 0.4 years. See our Most Affordable Machine Learning Programs for national comparisons.

Most Affordable Machine Learning Programs in Nebraska (with ROI)

SchoolAnnual Tuition4-Year CostPayback PeriodType
#1 Metropolitan Community...
$3,060
$12,240
0.4 years
Public
#2 Northeast Community College
$3,240
$12,960
0.4 years
Public
#3 U of Nebraska at Omaha
$6,536
$26,144
0.9 years
Public

Detailed Program Spotlights: Inside the Top 5 Machine Learning Schools in Nebraska

Below are detailed profiles of the top 5 machine learning 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.

#1

University of Nebraska at Omaha

Omaha, NE โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $6,536 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 97% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Machine Learning Graduates: 102 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 87%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 74.7 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 97% graduation rate
  • 102 machine learning 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.

#2

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Lincoln, NE โ€ข Public

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $8,010 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Machine Learning Graduates: 123 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 67.9 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 123 machine learning 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.

#3

Hastings College

Hastings, NE โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $33,950 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 95% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Machine Learning Graduates: 7 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 70%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 50.6 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 95% graduation rate
  • 7 machine learning graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 50.6 / 100

Why Ranked #3

Ranked #3 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.

#4

Concordia University-Nebraska

Seward, NE โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $38,500 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: 91% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Machine Learning Graduates: 7 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 90%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 45.7 / 100

Program Strengths

  • 91% graduation rate
  • 7 machine learning graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 45.7 / 100

Why Ranked #4

Ranked #4 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.

#5

Creighton University

Omaha, NE โ€ข Private

Delivery:On-Campus

Program Highlights

  • โ€ข Annual Tuition: $45,000 (in-state)
  • โ€ข Graduation Rate: N/A% (IPEDS 2023)
  • โ€ข Machine Learning Graduates: 18 annually
  • โ€ข Acceptance Rate: 72%
  • โ€ข Ranking Score: 44.1 / 100

Program Strengths

  • N/A% graduation rate
  • 18 machine learning graduates annually
  • Private institution
  • Overall score: 44.1 / 100

Why Ranked #5

Ranked #5 based on graduation rate (N/A%), program size (18 graduates), state salary outcomes ($91,560), and selectivity (72% acceptance rate). Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.

$64,092
Starting Salary
$91,560
Mid-Career
+17%
Job Growth
325
Annual Openings

Career Paths

+17%

Software Developer opportunities in Nebraska with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$82,584

Systems Analyst

SOC 15-1211
+10%

Systems Analyst opportunities in Nebraska with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$86,614

IT Manager

SOC 15-1299
+15%

IT Manager opportunities in Nebraska with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$83,324
+15%

Technical Consultant opportunities in Nebraska with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$94,698

Database Administrator opportunities in Nebraska with strong job growth.

Median Salary:$84,715

Machine Learning Programs in Other States

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Nebraska if...
  • 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
Consider other states if...
  • 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

Machine Learning in Nebraska FAQ

Ranking Methodology

Based on 8 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024

Program Strength35%

Machine Learning degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources (IPEDS 2023)

Graduation Rate25%

6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023

Selectivity20%

Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)

Career Outcomes20%

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

Official University Websites

Program-specific admissions, curriculum, and career outcome data

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