Best Online Education Programs in Kearney, NE (2026)
Kearney, Nebraska has a population of about 34,024. The city’s median household income is $69,790 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 36.9% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 3 accredited education programs within 100 miles of Kearney. In Nebraska, the top-earning education-related role is Education Administrator, K-12 at a median $109,020 annually (BLS, May 2024).
Closest Education Schools to Kearney
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer education programs. Distances are calculated from Kearney city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nebraska at Kearney | Kearney, NE | 0.7 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Hastings College | Hastings, NE | 37.9 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| York University | York, NE | 79.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Nebraska schools on the Nebraska education page.
Education Wages Near Kearney
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage (Nebraska, statewide) |
|---|---|
| Secondary School Teacher | $61,900 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $61,700 |
| Middle School Teacher | $62,470 |
| Education Teacher, Postsecondary | $75,130 |
| Education Administrator, K-12 | $109,020 |
| Education Administrator, Postsecondary | $86,440 |
| Tutor | $39,800 |
| Educational and Career Counselor | $66,650 |
Source: BLS, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes wage data at the metro (MSA) and state level – not by individual city.
Kearney at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 34,024 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $69,790 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 36.9% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Education-related employment in Buffalo County | 76 workers, 9 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Kearney-Area Cities With Education Programs
- Hastings, NE – 37.0 mi away (24,393 pop)
- Grand Island, NE – 40.9 mi away (53,556 pop)
- North Platte, NE – 92.5 mi away (24,578 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited education programs are near Kearney, NE?
Our directory lists 3 education programs within 100 miles of Kearney. The closest is University of Nebraska at Kearney in Kearney, NE (0.7 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is York University (79.5 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying education roles in Nebraska?
Based on BLS May 2024 state wage data, the top-paying education-related roles in Nebraska are: Education Administrator, K-12 ($109,020), Education Administrator, Postsecondary ($86,440), Education Teacher, Postsecondary ($75,130). Wages for Kearney workers will track these statewide medians, adjusted for local cost of living.
Should I look at programs in Hastings instead of Kearney?
Hastings, NE is 37.0 miles from Kearney and has its own set of local education programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Kearney an affordable place to study education?
Kearney’s median household income of $69,790 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Kearney while attending lower-cost out-of-state schools, and Nebraska public universities often offer reduced in-state online tuition.
How do I verify a program is accredited?
Confirm institutional accreditation via the U.S. Department of Education database (U.S. Dept. of Education database), and check for any program-specific accreditation listed by the school.