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Key Takeaways
Best software engineering degree programs: U of Nebraska at Omaha, U of Nebraska-Lincoln, Bellevue
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
Software Engineering degree programs available: 1 associate's, 2 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
Software Engineering 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 Software Engineering programs
We rank 11 accredited software engineering 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 Software Engineering Degree Programs in Nebraska Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Software Engineering Degree Rankings in Nebraska
Compare the top-ranked Software Engineering programs in Nebraska by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Software Engineering Programs in Nebraska
Program Landscape
Nebraska offers 1 accredited associate's degree programs in software engineering, 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 software engineering schools in Nebraska, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their software engineering degrees in Nebraska.
Best Bachelor's Software Engineering Programs in Nebraska
Program Landscape
Nebraska ranks among the nation's top destinations for software engineering 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, Bellevue, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Nebraska software engineering 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 software engineering degrees in Nebraska, these top-ranked software engineering 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 | Creighton University | Omaha, NE | Private | $45,000 | — | 47.9 |
| #7 | Doane University | Crete, NE | Private | $39,336 | — | 36.2 |
Best Master's Software Engineering Programs in Nebraska
Program Landscape
Nebraska offers 2 master's degree programs in software engineering, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, 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 $7,273/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 software engineering schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Best Doctoral Software Engineering Programs in Nebraska
Program Landscape
Nebraska is home to 1 doctoral programs in software engineering, 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 software engineering 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.
Software Engineering 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 Software Engineering Students in Nebraska
State Aid Programs
Nebraska residents pursuing software engineering degrees have access to several funding mechanisms designed to make higher education affordable. The primary state-level aid program is the Nebraska Opportunity Grant, a need-based grant program administered through the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education that assists eligible Nebraska residents attending accredited institutions. Additionally, all students can access federal financial aid by completing the FAFSA through Federal Student Aid, which provides access to federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities regardless of state residency. These programs work in conjunction with institutional aid packages offered by Nebraska's software engineering programs.
Key Programs & Amounts
Many Nebraska institutions offer merit-based and need-based scholarships specifically for software engineering and computer science majors. The University of Nebraska system, which includes the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and University of Nebraska at Omaha, provides competitive scholarship opportunities for high-achieving students. Private institutions like Creighton University and Hastings College also offer substantial institutional aid packages to offset their higher sticker prices. Students should explore the College Scorecard to compare net price estimates across Nebraska schools. For students seeking affordable options, community colleges in Nebraska offer significantly lower tuition costs while allowing credit transfer through the Nebraska Transfer Initiative, making them an excellent pathway for the first two years of a software engineering degree.
Software Engineering Degree ROI Calculator, Nebraska
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a software engineering 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.
Software Engineering Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a software engineering 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
Software Engineering 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 Software Engineering Graduates in Nebraska
Find software engineering jobs in Nebraska. These major employers across Nebraska metro areas are actively hiring software engineering degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Software Engineering Jobs in Omaha
NESoftware Engineering Jobs in Lincoln
NETransfer Pathways for Software Engineering Degrees in Nebraska
State Transfer System
Nebraska's commitment to educational access is exemplified through the Nebraska Transfer Initiative, a statewide system designed to help seamless credit transfer among public institutions. This structured pathway enables students who begin their software engineering studies at one of Nebraska's 16 community colleges to transition smoothly into bachelor's degree programs at the University of Nebraska system or other public universities. The initiative guarantees that courses completed at accredited community colleges transfer with full credit value, eliminating wasted coursework and reducing time-to-degree. Students starting at institutions like Metropolitan Community College Area ($3,060 tuition), Southeast Community College Area ($2,912 tuition), or Western Nebraska Community College ($2,568 tuition) can leverage affordable initial coursework before progressing to four-year institutions.
How Transfers Work
Articulation agreements between community colleges and four-year universities outline specific pathways for software engineering and related disciplines. Students completing associate's degrees or designated certificate programs at community colleges can transition into junior-level standing at bachelor's-granting institutions, accelerating degree completion. University of Nebraska at Omaha ($6,536 tuition), University of Nebraska-Lincoln ($8,010 tuition), and University of Nebraska at Kearney ($6,480 tuition) actively participate in transfer partnerships, ensuring clear pathways and accepting community college credits. The Nebraska Transfer Initiative website provides transfer guides, course equivalency databases, and institutional contacts to support student transitions.
Transfer Planning Tips
Beyond public institutions, transfer pathways extend to private universities like Bellevue University (74 program completions), which accept community college credits and serve non-traditional students. For students pursuing computer science, web development, or computer programming as alternative pathways, similar transfer mechanisms exist. The College Scorecard and individual university transfer offices provide current information on transfer requirements, GPA standards, and program-specific prerequisites. Financial aid portability through Federal Student Aid and Nebraska Opportunity Grants ensures that transfer students maintain funding support throughout their educational journeys.
Why Pursue a Software Engineering Degree in Nebraska?
Industry & Workforce
Nebraska offers a strong software engineering education landscape with 12 institutions delivering programs across all degree levels, from associate's through doctoral credentials (IPEDS). The state's universities produced 395 bachelor's degree completions in software engineering during the 2023 academic year, demonstrating significant program strength and graduate pipeline. Top employers including Nebraska Medicine, Union Pacific, and Berkshire Hathaway actively recruit from Nebraska's programs, creating direct pathways from education to employment in vibrant tech hubs like Omaha and Lincoln.
Salary Outlook
Cost of attendance in Nebraska remains highly competitive compared to national averages. Public four-year institutions charge an average of $6,668 in-state tuition, with leading programs like University of Nebraska at Omaha offering tuition as low as $6,536 and maintaining exceptional graduation rates. For students seeking affordable pathways, Wayne State College and Peru State College both charge just $5,760 annually. The state's Nebraska Opportunity Grant provides need-based financial aid for eligible residents, further reducing out-of-pocket costs. Whether pursuing a bachelor's degree at a major research university or starting at one of Nebraska's 16 community colleges, students gain access to quality software engineering education without excessive debt burden.
Regional Tech Hubs
The University of Nebraska system dominates the field, with University of Nebraska-Lincoln leading with 219 completions and University of Nebraska at Omaha contributing 120 completions annually. These institutions rank among the best bachelor's programs nationally and offer competitive online options for working professionals. Students can explore complementary programs in computer science, web development, and computer programming to expand career opportunities.
Software Engineering Program Availability in Nebraska
Source: IPEDS 2024
Software Engineering Job Market & Salary Data in Nebraska
Employment Outlook
Nebraska's software engineering job market is supported by a strong educational pipeline, with 12 institutions offering software engineering programs across associate's, bachelor's, and graduate levels (IPEDS). The state's commitment to developing engineering talent is evident in annual completions, including 395 bachelor's degrees, 39 master's degrees, and 9 doctoral degrees across all institutions (IPEDS). The University of Nebraska system dominates the landscape, with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln accounting for 219 completions and the University of Nebraska at Omaha contributing 120 completions annually. This concentrated talent production creates a steady workforce for the state's growing tech sector. For detailed salary and employment trends, prospective engineers can consult BLS State Data for Nebraska to understand current compensation and job availability across regions.
Salaries by Metro
The state's major metropolitan areas. Omaha-Council Bluffs and Lincoln, serve as primary employment hubs for software engineers. Both metros host significant corporate headquarters and regional offices, creating competitive opportunities for graduates. Nebraska's average public in-state tuition of $6,668 at four-year institutions makes the state an affordable option for students seeking quality engineering education without substantial debt burden (IPEDS). Students interested in exploring how Nebraska's job market compares nationally can reference College Scorecard for comprehensive employment and earnings data. For students seeking related career pathways, consider exploring Computer Science in Nebraska and Computer Programming in Nebraska programs that complement software engineering credentials.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Software Engineering Programs in Nebraska
Online Programs
0 available in Nebraska
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Software Engineering Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 5
- Median Tuition
- $7,800
- Total Programs
- 26
- Median Tuition
- $30,800
- Total Programs
- 35
- Median Tuition
- $13,000
- Total Programs
- 16
- Median Tuition
- $8,600
- Total Programs
- 22
- Median Tuition
- $12,100
- Total Programs
- 5
- Median Tuition
- $5,000
- Total Programs
- 200
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 52
- Median Tuition
- $5,100
Software Engineering Degree Programs in Nebraska: FAQ
What are the best software engineering degree programs in Nebraska?
How much do software engineering degree programs cost in Nebraska?
What salary can software engineering degree graduates earn in Nebraska?
Are there online software engineering degree programs in Nebraska?
What companies hire software engineering degree graduates in Nebraska?
Is a software engineering degree program worth it in Nebraska?
How long do software engineering degree programs take in Nebraska?
What financial aid is available for software engineering 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.