9th Annual Nebraska RN Program Rankings by RNCareers.org
To help nursing students in their search for a top RN program, the education experts at RNCareers.org publish their annual findings of the best nursing schools for both Nebraska and the country. Schools ranked on our list have proven their ability to educate highly competent nurses.
To create our rankings, we evaluated 7 ADN degree programs and 9 BSN degree programs in Nebraska. We obtained each institution’s first-time NCLEX-RN passing rates, the number of students taking the test, the program nursing accreditation and more. We then compared the results against other nursing programs in Nebraska to provide our state rankings. View our methodology.Â
Best ADN Programs in Nebraska
#1 Associate Degree in Nursing
Northeast Community College
Pass Rate
801 E Benjamin, Norfolk, NE - 68702-0469
(402) 371-2020
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (A) 91.09%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
Total Faculty: 129
In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $3,750
Book and Supplies: $1,316
Percent Received Aid: 91%
Average Grant or Scholarship: $2,848
Percent Admitted: N/A
Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
Graduation Rate: 53%
Nursing students can study part or full time for their practical nursing diploma at Northeast Community College in Norfolk, Nebraska. They may go on for their BSN or enter graduate school. NECC is a public institution within the state community college system with four campuses in Norfolk O’Neill, South Sioux City, and West Point. Dating back to 1973, the College was formed by merging Northeastern Nebraska College and Northeast Nebraska Technical College. The Associate Degree nursing program is accredited by the ACEN Board of Commissioners. The preparatory focus produces graduates ready to work with the requisite skills and knowledge to practice in the nursing field on a team in a clinical setting such as a traditional or specialty hospital, a nursing or outpatient care facility, a home healthcare service, a doctor’s office, or a retirement and/or assisted living community. They can elect among dozens of specialties such as pediatrics or geriatrics and acquire the requisite certificates at a later time. Students enjoy a rich campus life laden with activities and opportunities for involvement.
Undergraduate programs – The College has preprofessional nursing programs consisting of two years of coursework. Credits may be transferred to a four-year institution for those seeking a four-year BSN degree. Student have two options: an associate of arts or an associate of science degree, both requiring a minimum of 60 credit hours. The coursework varies with electives in the humanities (English, the fine arts, and math) and the behavioral and social sciences. Both tracks lead to RN licensure according to state laws.
#2 Associate Degree in Nursing
Western Nebraska Community College
Pass Rate
- 1601 East 27th Street, Scottsbluff, NE - 69361-1899
- (308) 635-3606
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 89.73%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 64
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $2,976
- Book and Supplies: $1,500
- Percent Received Aid: 98%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $4,151
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: 37%
Western Nebraska Community College is a public community college in Scottsbluff, Nebraska with campuses in Sidney, Nebraska, and Alliance, offering convenience and flexibility to state residents. WNCC was previously named Scottsbluff Junior College, Scotts Bluff County College, and Nebraska Western College. The institution is approved to offer nursing programs by the Nebraska Board of Nursing. Graduates are well-equipped to enter the work force as RNs with the required knowledge, skills and hands-on learn experiences.
Undergraduate programs – the ADN offered has a definite focus. Students learn the practices and processes to minimize risk of harm, coordinate patient-centered care, share decision-making and promote effective team functioning. They share values and beliefs consistent with ethical standards and clinical agency policies. It takes four college semesters to complete the core nursing curriculum with general education pre-requisites. Students must attend classes on campus and participate in clinical rotations through the school year. They may be done during the day or evenings (possibly on weekends) as is convenient for the student in area hospitals, provider’s clinics, community-based settings, and long-term care facilities. The Practical Nursing Program Certificate is for those who seek to become an LPN upon licensure. All three campuses offer this track.
Best BSN Programs in Nebraska
#1 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Creighton University
Pass Rate
- 2500 California Plaza, Omaha, NE - 68178
- (402) 280-2700
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (B) 82.79%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Nurse Practitioner, CNL, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, APRN Certificate, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate
University Information
- Total Faculty: 664
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 100%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $22,484
- Percent Admitted: 64%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 18%
- Graduation Rate: 82%
#2 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Pass Rate
- 42nd & Dewey Ave, Omaha, NE - 68198-7815
- (402) 559-4000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 78.17%
- Programs: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing, Women's Health Nurse Practitioner
- Award Levels: Accelerated BSN, Bachelor, BSN to DNP, BSN to PhD, MSN, MSN to DNP, Post Master's NP Certificate, RN to BSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 1415
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: N/A
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: N/A
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,863,604
- Percent Admitted: N/A
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: N/A
- Graduation Rate: N/A
#3 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health
Pass Rate
- 720 North 87th Street, Omaha, NE - 68114-2852
- (402) 354-7000
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 78.08%
- Programs: Family Nurse Practitioner, Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, BSN to DNP, MSN, MSN to DNP
University Information
- Total Faculty: 70
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,000
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 100%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,124
- Percent Admitted: 92%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 63%
- Graduation Rate: N/A
#4 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Clarkson College
Pass Rate
- 101 S 42nd St, Omaha, NE - 68131-2739
- (402) 552-3100
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 75.90%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 69
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $814
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 94%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $6,625
- Percent Admitted: 57%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 72%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
#5 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bryan Health College
Bryan College of Health Sciences
Pass Rate
- 1535 S 52nd St, Lincoln, NE - 68506
- (402) 481-3801
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 75.73%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 42
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,200
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 75%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $5,901
- Percent Admitted: 58%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 53%
- Graduation Rate: 76%
#6 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Union College
Pass Rate
- 3800 S 48th Street, Lincoln, NE - 68506
- (402) 486-2600
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (C) 73.67%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, LPN to BSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 57
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,600
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 100%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $14,286
- Percent Admitted: 98%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 10%
- Graduation Rate: 51%
#7 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Nebraska Wesleyan University
Pass Rate
- 5000 St Paul Ave, Lincoln, NE - 68504-2794
- (402) 466-2371
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (D) 69.29%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Bachelor, MSN, RN to BSN
University Information
- Total Faculty: 104
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $1,000
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 100%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $21,438
- Percent Admitted: 70%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 25%
- Graduation Rate: 63%
#8 Bachelor of Science in Nursing
College of St Mary
Pass Rate
- 7000 Mercy Rd., Omaha, NE - 68106
- (402) 399-2400
- NCLEX Passing Rate: (D) 65.77%
- Programs: Registered Nursing
- Award Levels: Associate, Bachelor
University Information
- Total Faculty: 85
- In-State Undergraduate Tuition: $881
- Book and Supplies: N/A
- Percent Received Aid: 99%
- Average Grant or Scholarship: $13,028
- Percent Admitted: 50%
- Percent Admitted who Enrolled: 41%
- Graduation Rate: 61%
About RN Programs in Nebraska
- There are 18 nursing schools in Nebraska. The CCNE accredits 7 nursing schools and the ACEN accredits 12 schools in Nebraska.
- Typically, an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) will take between 18 to 24 months to complete, and a Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) will take about 4 years to complete.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for ADN students in Nebraska is between 64.65% and 91.09%.
- The average NCLEX passing rate range for BSN students in Nebraska is between 80.27% and 95.91%.
- The average annual salary for registered nurses is between $52,080 to $111,220 a year.
- Registered Nurses (RN) throughout the country and in Nebraska can expect a favorable job growth of 15 percent from 2016 to 2026 which much faster than the average for all occupations.
Hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s office in Nebraska are suffering from the nursing shortage. It is important that the nurses are as highly educated as possible to help ensure that the patients receive the most effective care. Nursing schools and hospitals alike are working hard to implement programs that will encourage nurses to seek out higher education. Nursing schools in Nebraska responded to this by introducing more RN and BSN programs and making them more common. Hospital systems have also responded by offering recruitment bonuses for BSNs and tuition reimbursement for nurses who choose to advance their education.
Students at community colleges in Nebraska may be eligible for funds under "Project HELP", which stands for Health Education Laddering Program. Project HELP allows students who meet strict income guidelines to attend school for specific, in-demand, health-related careers:
- Nursing assistants
- EMTs/Paramedics
- Medication aide
- Medical assistant
- Occupational therapy assistant
- Medical laboratory technician
- Nursing - ADN
- Nursing - LPN
- Health information management services
There are several options available to registered nurses who wish to pursue higher education and wish to obtain a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. Both state and private universities administer BSN programs. Available campus programs can be completed on both a part-time or full-time schedule. There are also online programs to choose from. These programs are ideal for busy, working nurses. A typical BSN program meets the challenges of today’s nurses in terms of technology and research advances.
RN Programs Offered by Nebraska Schools
- Registered Nursing: 16
- Family Nurse Practitioner: 3
- Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 2
- Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 2
- Adult Nurse Practitioner: 1
- CNL: 1
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner: 1
- Women's Health Nurse Practitioner: 1
Nebraska Nursing Schools with the Most Degree Types
- Creighton University: 8
- University of Nebraska Medical Center: 7
- Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health: 2
- Metropolitan Community College Area: 1
- Mid-Plains Community College: 1
- Midland University: 1
- Nebraska Wesleyan University: 1
- Northeast Community College: 1
- College of St Mary: 1
- Union College: 1
Nebraska RN Program Comparisons: ADN vs BSN
| Compare RN Programs | ADN | BSN |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Nursing Programs | 7 | 10 |
| Average NCLEX Passing Rate | 82.94% | 89.05% |
| NCLEX Passing Rate Range | 64.65% to 91.09% | 80.27% to 95.91% |
Become a Nurse Practitioner in Nebraska
Research the best Nebraska NP programs, and find comprehensive guides to the following NP careers:
- Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Neonatal Nurse Practitioner
- Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
- Acute Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner
- Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
- Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP)
Become an APRN in Nebraska
RNs who wish to become advanced practice registered nurses will want to pursue any number of avenues to earn Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. Earning a Master of Science in Nursing consists of graduate-level coursework and clinical practice for those nurses who wish to direct patient roles such as a nurse practitioner. You can also pursue indirect patient roles such as teaching or leadership roles, or become involved in policy, state-wide health initiatives or community engagement. There are many clinical and non-clinical avenues that an RN with MSN can pursue.
Learn about Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Degree.
RN Licensing Requirements in Nebraska
Comprehensive guide to Nebraska Nursing License Requirements Renewals RN and APRN.
Nebraska Health and Human Services System
Dept. of Regulation & Licensure, Nursing Section
301 Centennial Mall South
Lincoln, NE 68509
Phone: (402) 471-3121
Website: http://dhhs.ne.gov/publichealth/pages/crlNursingHome.aspx
More of the Best RN Programs in Nebraska
|
Grade
|
University
|
Nebraska Rank
|
Degree
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 83.68 | Central Community College (Grand Island) | 4 | ADN |
| 83.66 | Southeast Community College Area | 5 | ADN |
| 64.65 | Mid-Plains Community College | 6 | ADN |
| 82.09 | Nebraska Wesleyan University | 7 | BSN |
| 81.14 | College of St Mary | 8 | BSN |
| 80.27 | Midland University | 9 | BSN |
Compare Nursing Salaries in Nebraska
How much do nurses earn in Nebraska?
- CNA Salary Report for 2025
- LPN Salary Report for 2025
- RN Salary Report for 2025
- NP Salary Report for 2025
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