A College Town too

by Rayna Collins

Lincoln is the capitol of the state of Nebraska. But it’s also a college town—a big college town. Besides the University of Nebraska’s flagship school, there are many excellent smaller private and public colleges. Lincoln provides higher learning opportunities for anyone to expand their knowledge, skills and career opportunities. 

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is the largest university in Nebraska. It began as a land-grant college in 1869 and now boasts an enrollment of 48,862 students. Their most recent graduating class was the largest in their history, with more than 500 first-generation college students. A national leader in academics as well as athletics, UNL, a part of the Big Ten Conference, recently added the School of Computing to the College of Engineering and is recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a Doctoral/Highest Research Activity university.

UNL is also nationally known for the University of Nebraska Press, the Sheldon Museum of Art—a major collection of American art—and the Prairie Schooner literary magazine.

The University has three campuses in Lincoln. The main campus is located in the heart of downtown Lincoln, and the beautiful East Campus, as well as the new and always growing Innovation Campus are only a few minutes away. They all contribute a youthful energy to Lincoln, with well over 150 majors and 100 graduate programs for students to choose from. In fact, UNL was one of the first institutions west of the Mississippi 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, philanthropist and Nebraska resident, Warren Buffet; former television talk show host, Johnny Carson; author Willa Cather, and Jeff Raikes, former CEO of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. 

The Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experiences Program (UCARE) is a unique, independent study program at UNL, and the Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management is one of the reasons Lincoln’s ‘silicon prairie’ is flourishing.

Starting with a $20 million grant from the Johnny Carson Foundation, the Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts teaches innovative technology to solve human problems, to entertain, and to tell stories that inspire. 

UNL is also an important source of Lincoln’s cultural enrichment and entertainment, including concerts, films, museums, theatre productions 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, as well as campuses in Omaha and Kearney. U.S. News and World Report ranked UNL as number 72 in public institutions in the U.S. You can find more information at unl.edu. 

Doane University

Since 1872, Doane University has prepared students of all ages to lead and serve in the global community. At Doane, students can pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees, professional certificates and micro-credentials in person and online. 

No matter which program they choose—students will find a community and build relationships with peers, faculty and staff that will support them during and beyond their education. 

With small class sizes, Doane’s faculty work closely with students to answer questions, engage in discussions and advise students about classes and careers. Faculty strive to create dynamic and engaging courses that provide students with an immediate impact.

One of the values of Doane University is innovation. Innovation is central to the approach the university takes to ensuring its programs are relevant and prepare students for their future. 

“We are always open to exploring new ideas for programs and courses,” said Dr. Jennifer Bossard, dean of the College of Business. “We like to work with businesses and organizations to tackle
problems and find solutions. We embrace opportunities to find better ways to serve our students and our community.”

Doane’s residential campus in Crete provides students with more traditional classroom experiences and extra-curricular opportunities, such as athletics, theatre, forensics and music. Classes in Lincoln and Omaha are held in the evening to meet the needs of students who work during the day. Online classes are available to students who prefer to learn at times that work best for them.

As the landscape of higher education evolves, Doane will continue its tradition of building leaders and offering distinctive educational experiences. 

Union College

Founded by the Seventh Day Adventist Church in 1891, Union College’s picturesque, 50-acre campus is located in Lincoln’s historic 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. They also offer a unique bachelor’s degree in International Rescue and Relief. Union College consistently places in the top 40 in its regional category in the U.S. News and World Report. Visit www.ucollege.edu to learn more. 

Nebraska Wesleyan University

Founded by Nebraska Methodists, Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln is home to nearly 2,000 traditional undergraduates and hundreds of adult and graduate students from across the country and around the world. NWU students thrive on a close-knit, supportive campus in a vibrant college city. At NWU, one hundred percent of students engage in internships, research, service learning or study abroad. The Nebraska Wesleyan experience transforms each student to lead a life of learning, service, leadership, and success in a global society. 

NWU features more than 130 majors, minors
and preprofessional programs as well as master’s degrees in athletic training, business administration, nursing and social work. Nebraska Wesleyan ranks 22 in U.S. News & World Report’s top regional universities in the Midwest. Learn more at nebrwesleyan.edu. 

Southeast Community College

The Southeast Community College (SCC) Lincoln Campus serves more than 9,000 students seeking transfer courses and career/technical education. SCC also has campuses in Beatrice and Milford. SCC operates on a semester academic calendar, which means better alignment with Nebraska high schools and four-year colleges and universities to which SCC students transfer.

A major focus for SCC is producing more graduates to fill employers’ needs. The expansion of the college’s facilities and programs will put more students into the workforce as qualified technicians in a variety of areas, including agriculture, business, computers, culinary, community services, public safety, health care, construction, manufacturing, and transportation.

The largest campus is on the east edge of Lincoln where the college recently embarked on a $30 million renovation and expansion. And there is another campus in the heart of downtown Lincoln. SCC also serves 15 counties located in southeast Nebraska. SCC operates learning centers in Falls City, Hebron, Nebraska City, Plattsmouth, Wahoo, and York. Classes at those sites are both credit and non-credit. The Continuing Education Division offers classes and workshops related to business, careers and professional development, trades and industrial technology, health care, computers and technology, adult education, personal interest, and traffic safety and licensing. SCC also offers customized training to businesses and industries, both large and small, throughout the 15-county area. Additionally, many of SCC’s associate degree-level credit programs are transferable to major universities, providing a more flexible and affordable education.

Ninety-three percent of recent SCC graduates found work or continued their education, and of those who are employed, 89 percent are working in Nebraska. Get more information at www.southeast.edu.

Bryan College of Health Sciences

Known for outstanding healthcare education, the Bryan College of Health Sciences takes pride in providing clinically based programs in nursing and allied health as an affiliate of Bryan 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.bryanhealthcollege.edu for details.