University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) – College of Engineering

Overview

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) College of Engineering is the largest and most prestigious engineering school in Nebraska. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across several engineering disciplines, including mechanical, civil, electrical, and agricultural engineering. UNL has a strong emphasis on research, with active projects in areas such as renewable energy, environmental sustainability, and advanced manufacturing. The College of Engineering operates out of both the Lincoln and Omaha campuses, allowing students to take advantage of resources across two major cities. With its partnerships with local industries, UNL provides students with ample internship and job placement opportunities, particularly in Nebraska’s growing agricultural technology and renewable energy sectors.

Key Information

• U.S. News Ranking (2024): #90 for undergraduate engineering programs, #80 for graduate engineering programs.
• Number of Students: Approximately 4,100 engineering students.
• Degrees Offered: B.S., M.S., Ph.D. in Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, Biological Systems, Agricultural, and Computer Engineering.
• Acceptance Rate: 79%
• Average SAT Score: 1150–1350
• Average GRE Score: 155 (Quantitative)

Notable Alumni

• Warren Buffett – Billionaire investor, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway (studied briefly at UNL).
• Jeff Raikes – Former CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, co-founder of the Raikes School at UNL.
• Paul John Flory – Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry.
• Johnny Carson – Legendary television host of The Tonight Show.
• Alan J. Heeger – Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry.

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Engineering is well-regarded for its research and collaboration with local industries, especially in areas like renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and agricultural technologies.

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Creighton University – College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Engineering

Overview

Creighton University, located in Omaha, is a private Jesuit university known for its liberal arts education, but it also offers a strong foundation in engineering through its College of Arts and Sciences. The Department of Engineering provides an interdisciplinary approach, combining engineering with natural sciences and technology. Creighton emphasizes hands-on learning through internships and research opportunities. Though not as large as public engineering schools, Creighton offers personalized instruction and close faculty interaction, making it a strong choice for students looking for an intimate academic environment.

Key Information

• U.S. News Ranking (2024): #115 in undergraduate engineering programs (non-doctoral).
• Number of Students: Approximately 200 engineering students.
• Degrees Offered: B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, B.S. in Physics (with engineering emphasis).
• Acceptance Rate: 74%
• Average SAT Score: 1190–1340
• Average GRE Score: Not widely reported.

Notable Alumni

• Joe Ricketts – Founder of TD Ameritrade, owner of the Chicago Cubs.
• Bob Gibson – Hall of Fame pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals.
• Paul Silas – Former NBA player and coach.
• Mike Johanns – Former U.S. Senator and Secretary of Agriculture.
• Frank J. Dewane – Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Venice in Florida.

Creighton’s engineering programs are known for integrating a strong liberal arts curriculum with technical education, preparing students for both technical careers and leadership roles in various industries.

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University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) – College of Information Science & Technology (IS&T) and College of Engineering

Overview

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) offers engineering programs in partnership with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s College of Engineering. UNO’s campus focuses more on computer science, cybersecurity, and information technology, but students in Omaha have access to the engineering curriculum through the College of Engineering’s Omaha programs. UNO has strong ties with Nebraska’s growing tech industry and offers numerous internship and job placement opportunities in the Omaha metropolitan area. The university is recognized for its contributions to fields like information technology, cybersecurity, and systems engineering.

Key Information

• U.S. News Ranking: Not ranked for standalone engineering programs but noted for its partnership with UNL’s College of Engineering.
• Number of Students: Approximately 2,000+ in engineering and technology-related fields.
• Degrees Offered: B.S. in Architectural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, and Cybersecurity.
• Acceptance Rate: 82%
• Average SAT Score: 1080–1290
• Average GRE Score: Not widely reported.

Notable Alumni

• Terry Kroeger – Former CEO of the Omaha World-Herald.
• Gale Sayers – Pro Football Hall of Famer.
• Peter Kiewit – Founder of Kiewit Corporation, a major construction and engineering company.
• Ronald Wittek – CEO of Union Pacific Corporation.
• Harold Anderson – Renowned college basketball coach.

UNO’s College of Information Science & Technology offers a forward-thinking education in engineering, computer science, and cybersecurity, making it an excellent choice for students interested in technology-driven industries.

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Nebraska Wesleyan University – Department of Physics and Engineering

Overview

Nebraska Wesleyan University, located in Lincoln, offers a unique dual-degree program in engineering, allowing students to earn both a Bachelor of Science from Nebraska Wesleyan and an engineering degree from another institution, such as the University of Nebraska or Washington University in St. Louis. The program combines liberal arts education with rigorous engineering coursework, preparing students for various engineering fields such as mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering. Nebraska Wesleyan emphasizes small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, offering a personalized academic experience.

Key Information

• U.S. News Ranking: #134 among National Liberal Arts Colleges.
• Number of Students: Approximately 100 students in pre-engineering programs.
• Degrees Offered: B.S. in Physics with an Engineering emphasis (dual-degree program).
• Acceptance Rate: 74%
• Average SAT Score: 1080–1260
• Average GRE Score: Not widely reported.

Notable Alumni

• Ted Sorensen – Speechwriter and close advisor to President John F. Kennedy.
• Jim McKee – Notable Nebraska historian and entrepreneur.
• Dale Gibbs – Electrical engineer and innovator in medical devices.
• Erik Jensen – Founder of Jensen Motorsports, a successful racing team.
• Max Hansen – CEO of Midwest Renewable Energy.

Nebraska Wesleyan’s engineering program offers a flexible and interdisciplinary education, ideal for students who want a strong foundation in the liberal arts alongside technical engineering skills.

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Wayne State College – Department of Applied Technology and Engineering

Overview

Wayne State College, located in Wayne, Nebraska, offers a growing engineering and applied technology program designed to meet the needs of regional industries. The program focuses on practical, hands-on learning, providing students with skills in construction management, industrial technology, and systems engineering. The college has strong partnerships with local industries and emphasizes workforce readiness through internships and cooperative education programs. While Wayne State’s engineering program is smaller compared to larger institutions, it offers a focused curriculum with a strong emphasis on applied skills.

Key Information

• U.S. News Ranking: Not nationally ranked for engineering.
• Number of Students: Approximately 250 students in applied technology and engineering programs.
• Degrees Offered: B.S. in Industrial Technology, Applied Technology, Construction Management.
• Acceptance Rate: 100%
• Average SAT Score: 1010–1210
• Average GRE Score: Not widely reported.

Notable Alumni

• Greg Adams – Former Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature.
• Rex Armour – CEO of Armour Group, a Nebraska-based construction company.
• Wayne Harris – Founder of Wayne Harris & Associates Engineering.
• Margaret Jeschke – Notable civil engineer and project manager.
• Steven Harper – Former President of the Nebraska Society of Professional Engineers.

Wayne State’s Department of Applied Technology and Engineering is an excellent choice for students seeking hands-on experience and a focus on industrial and construction management careers.