Lincoln: The Home of Multiple Universities

by Allie Busch

Lincoln is the home of multiple college and university campuses. Offering a wide variety of fields and unique learning environments, students come from across the country, and all over the world, to Lincoln for their college education.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is the largest university in Nebraska, with a 143-year history, and more than 42,000 students attending the two campuses during any given semester. A national leader in academics as well as athletics, UNL is a part of the Big Ten Conference and is recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a Doctoral/Research Extensive university.

The university has two campuses, the main campus located in the heart of downtown Lincoln, and the beautiful East Campus only a few minutes away. The campuses bring life and youthful energy to the city, as well as about 150 majors for students to choose from. In fact, UNL was one of the first institutions west of the Mississippi River to award doctoral degrees — the first was granted in physics in 1896.

A place of high ambition, the university boasts a number of notable alumni, including investor and philanthropist Warren Buffet and former television talk show host Johnny Carson.

UNL is an important supplier of Lincoln’s cultural enrichment and entertainment opportunities with concerts, films, performances and other events. The university also benefits the state’s 93 counties with research-based information through the cooperative extension service and continuing studies program. Read more at www.unl.edu.

Union College

Founded and operated by the Seventh Day Adventist Church, the shady, 50-acre campus of Union College is located in Lincoln’s College View neighborhood. More than 900 students of diverse faith backgrounds attend the college, hailing from around the world and coming together in Christian values.

Offering more than 50 majors, the college has particularly strong programs in nursing, teaching, science and business. For three years running, Union College placed in the top of its regional category in the U.S. News and World Report. Visit www.ucollege.edu to learn more.

Nebraska Wesleyan University

The Methodist Church established Nebraska Wesleyan University (NWU) in 1887. This private, liberal arts institution educates over 1,600 undergraduates, graduates, and adult learners in 106 majors, minors, and pre-professional programs.

Nebraska Wesleyan is committed to fostering in its students a strong sense of self-worth and a commitment to cultural sensitivity and community service. In fact, it is in the top 3 percent of colleges and universities in the country for volunteerism and service learning as designated by the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.

The university has received well-deserved praise for its programs. U.S. News and World Report ranked NWU as one of the Top 163 liberal arts colleges in the country, while Money Magazine listed it among the Top 100 values in higher education. You can find more information at www.nebrwesleyan.edu.

Southeast Community College

Southeast Community College (SCC) caters to more than 5,000 students seeking vocational, technical and academic training every year.

While the largest campus is on the east edge of Lincoln, SCC also serves 15 counties located in southeast Nebraska with courses operated through the Continuing Education division. Locals frequently take advantage of not-for-credit personal enrichment courses, opportunities to learn a new foreign language, explore different art techniques or develop skills in gardening and antiquing. Additionally, many of SCC’s associate-level academic programs are transferable to major universities, providing a more flexible and cost-effective education. Get more information at www.southeast.edu.

BryanLGH College of Health Sciences

Known for outstanding healthcare education, the Bryan LGH College of Health Sciences takes pride in providing clinically based programs in nursing and allied health as an affiliate of Bryan LGH Medical Center. The college offers undergraduate degrees in nursing and health professions, graduate degrees in nurse anesthesia, and a number of certificate options. Visit www.bryanlghcollege.org for details.

Doane College

Only 25 miles away, Crete, Nebraska, is home to Doane College, the oldest, private, four-year liberal arts institution in the state. This college has also been nationally recognized in a number of publications. In 2010, Forbes placed Doane in the top 20 of “The Best Religiously Affiliated Colleges” in the nation.

Around 900 undergraduate students study traditional courses on the main campus. Bachelor’s degrees in business, public administration, information systems management, organizational communications, commercial arts and other career-oriented majors are also offered at the Lincoln satellite campus for working adults. Learn more at www.doane.edu.

Kaplan University

Kaplan University is a two-year junior business college dedicated to providing students with dynamic learning settings to get the skills they need to secure quality positions after graduation.

Located on the edge of downtown Lincoln, Kaplan offers degrees in business, legal, criminal justice, computer technology, medical, secretarial, drafting and travel industries. For more information, visit www.kaplanuniversity.edu/lincoln-nebraska.aspx.

Additional nearby colleges:

Bellevue University (Lincoln Satellite) 
(402) 475-2255, www.bellevue.edu

Clarkson College (Omaha, NE) 
(402) 552-3100 www.clarksoncollege.edu

Concordia University (Seward, NE & Lincoln Satellite) 
(402) 643-3651, www.cune.edu

Creighton University (Omaha, NE) 
(402) 280-2700 www.creighton.edu

Grace University (Omaha, NE) 
(402) 449-2800 www.graceu.edu