2026 Best Value Liberal Arts General Studies Schools in Nebraska

1

Metropolitan Community College Area
Omaha, NE

For return on investment in liberal arts general studies, no school beat Metropolitan Community College Area this year. Located in the city of Omaha, Metropolitan Community College Area is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,375, while out-of-state students pay about $4,950. Typical student debt for liberal arts general studies graduates is $10,214. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates of Metropolitan Community College Area earn a median of $33,011 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

Western Nebraska Community College
Scottsbluff, NE

Western Nebraska Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in liberal arts general studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the town of Scottsbluff, Western Nebraska Community College is a small public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,840, with out-of-state students paying around $4,410. Typical student debt for liberal arts general studies graduates is $14,507. Early-career liberal arts general studies graduates make about $62,413. That is a strong return on a $14,507 median debt.

3

Central Community College
Grand Island, NE

Central Community College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value liberal arts general studies schools. Central Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Grand Island. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,360, with out-of-state students paying around $4,800. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates carry a median of $8,313 in student loans. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates of Central Community College earn a median of $26,198 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $8,313 median debt.

4

Mid Plains Community College
North Platte, NE

Mid Plains Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in liberal arts general studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the rural area of North Platte, Mid Plains Community College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,600, compared with $4,530 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $8,817 to complete the liberal arts general studies program here. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates of Mid Plains Community College earn a median of $24,535 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $8,817 median debt.

5

Southeast Community College Area
Lincoln, NE

Students looking for strong value in liberal arts general studies will find it at Southeast Community College Area, which ranked #5. Southeast Community College Area is a large public school located in the city of Lincoln. In-state tuition and fees average $3,444, with out-of-state students paying around $4,032. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete the liberal arts general studies program here. Early-career liberal arts general studies graduates make about $31,041. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

6

Northeast Community College
Norfolk, NE

Northeast Community College placed #6 among the best values for liberal arts general studies. Northeast Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Norfolk. In-state tuition and fees average $3,840, compared with $5,130 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete the liberal arts general studies program here. Soon after graduation, liberal arts general studies degree recipients from Northeast Community College generally make around $30,292. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

7

University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Omaha, NE

University Of Nebraska At Omaha placed #7 among the best values for liberal arts general studies. Set in the city of Omaha, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,718 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $23,206. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates carry a median of $26,310 in student loans. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates of University Of Nebraska At Omaha earn a median of $40,892 early in their careers. Set against $26,310 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

8

College Of Saint Mary
Omaha, NE

College Of Saint Mary placed #8 among the best values for liberal arts general studies. College Of Saint Mary is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Omaha. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $24,510. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates carry a median of $25,539 in student loans. Early-career liberal arts general studies graduates make about $66,015. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. College Of Saint Mary admits about 45% of applicants.

9

University Of Nebraska At Kearney
Kearney, NE

University Of Nebraska At Kearney came in at #9 for value in liberal arts general studies this year. Located in the town of Kearney, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,564 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,484 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,675 to complete the liberal arts general studies program here. Soon after graduation, liberal arts general studies degree recipients from University Of Nebraska At Kearney generally make around $29,471. Set against $20,675 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.

10

Nebraska Indian Community College
Macy, NE

Nebraska Indian Community College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value liberal arts general studies schools. Nebraska Indian Community College is a small public school located in the rural area of Macy. In-state tuition and fees average $4,080. Graduates go on to earn a median of $31,458 ten years after entry.

11

Doane College Crete
Crete, NE

Doane College Crete landed the #11 spot for liberal arts general studies value this year. Set in the town of Crete, Doane College Crete is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,985. Students borrow a median of $28,802 to complete the liberal arts general studies program here. Liberal Arts General Studies graduates of Doane College Crete earn a median of $53,500 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $28,802 median debt. Doane College Crete admits about 98% of applicants.