2026 Best Value Criminal Justice Studies Schools in Nebraska

1

Metropolitan Community College Area
Omaha, NE

Our analysis ranked Metropolitan Community College Area the best value for a degree in criminal justice studies in Nebraska. Metropolitan Community College Area is a very large public school located in the city of Omaha. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,375, with out-of-state students paying around $4,950. Criminal Justice Studies graduates carry a median of $13,462 in student loans. Criminal Justice Studies graduates of Metropolitan Community College Area earn a median of $28,511 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

Central Community College
Grand Island, NE

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Central Community College earned it the #2 place for criminal justice studies. Central Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Grand Island. In-state tuition and fees average $3,360, compared with $4,800 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,277 to complete the criminal justice studies program here. Soon after graduation, criminal justice studies degree recipients from Central Community College generally make around $43,218. That is a strong return on a $10,277 median debt.

3

Southeast Community College Area
Lincoln, NE

Southeast Community College Area is a great value for students pursuing a degree in criminal justice studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Southeast Community College Area is a large public school located in the city of Lincoln. In-state tuition and fees average $3,444, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,552 to complete the criminal justice studies program here. Early-career criminal justice studies graduates make about $28,473. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

University Of Nebraska At Omaha
Omaha, NE

University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a great value for students pursuing a degree in criminal justice studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Omaha, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,718, compared with $23,206 for out-of-state students. Criminal Justice Studies graduates carry a median of $22,561 in student loans. Soon after graduation, criminal justice studies degree recipients from University Of Nebraska At Omaha generally make around $45,897. Set against $22,561 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

5

Peru State College
Peru, NE

Peru State College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in criminal justice studies, landing the #5 spot this year. Set in the rural area of Peru, Peru State College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,433 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for criminal justice studies graduates is $27,367. Soon after graduation, criminal justice studies degree recipients from Peru State College generally make around $38,953. Set against $27,367 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

6

Wayne State College
Wayne, NE

Wayne State College came in at #6 for value in criminal justice studies this year. Set in the town of Wayne, Wayne State College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,171. Typical student debt for criminal justice studies graduates is $25,000. Criminal Justice Studies graduates of Wayne State College earn a median of $41,869 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

7

University Of Nebraska At Kearney
Kearney, NE

University Of Nebraska At Kearney placed #7 among the best values for criminal justice studies. 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. Typical student debt for criminal justice studies graduates is $19,250. Criminal Justice Studies graduates of University Of Nebraska At Kearney earn a median of $40,128 early in their careers. Set against $19,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

8

Concordia University Seward
Seward, NE

Concordia University Seward came in at #8 for value in criminal justice studies this year. Concordia University Seward is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Seward. In-state tuition and fees average $40,640. Criminal Justice Studies graduates carry a median of $26,726 in student loans. Soon after graduation, criminal justice studies degree recipients from Concordia University Seward generally make around $51,046. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

9

Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE

Bellevue University placed #9 among the best values for criminal justice studies. Bellevue University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Bellevue. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,873. Criminal Justice Studies graduates carry a median of $27,852 in student loans. Soon after graduation, criminal justice studies degree recipients from Bellevue University generally make around $65,603. Set against $27,852 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.