Best Online Liberal Arts Programs in Lincoln, NE (2026)
Lincoln, Nebraska has a population of about 291,932. The city’s median household income is $69,991 (Census ACS 2023, 5-year). About 41.0% of adults 25+ hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. There are 3 accredited liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Lincoln. In the Lincoln, NE metro area, the top-earning liberal arts-related role is Management Analyst at a median $75,940 annually (BLS OEWS, May 2024).
Closest Liberal Arts Schools to Lincoln
The five accredited institutions below are the closest options indexed in our directory that offer liberal arts programs. Distances are calculated from Lincoln city center.
| School | City | Distance | Tuition | Online |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Wesleyan University | Lincoln, NE | 2.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| College of Saint Mary | Omaha, NE | 45.5 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
| Metropolitan Community College Area | Omaha, NE | 49.6 mi | Contact school for pricing | – |
Source: IPEDS / College Scorecard (2023 cohort). Browse all Nebraska schools on the Nebraska liberal arts page.
Liberal Arts Wages Near Lincoln
Lincoln is part of the Lincoln, NE metro area (BLS area code 30700). Where MSA-level wages are published, the table below shows MSA medians; otherwise it falls back to Nebraska statewide.
| Occupation | Median Wage | Source | COL-Adjusted (US=100) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | $55,180 | Lincoln, NE | $60,240 |
| Management Analyst | $75,940 | Lincoln, NE | $82,904 |
| Technical Writer | $70,290 | Lincoln, NE | $76,736 |
| News Analyst, Reporter, or Journalist | $39,470 | Lincoln, NE | $43,090 |
| Editor | $47,670 | Lincoln, NE | $52,041 |
| Training and Development Specialist | $63,680 | Lincoln, NE | $69,520 |
| Human Resources Specialist | $60,110 | Lincoln, NE | $65,622 |
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.
Lincoln at a Glance
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 291,932 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B01003) |
| Median household income | $69,991 | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B19013) |
| Adults 25+ with bachelor’s+ | 41.0% | Census ACS 2023 5-yr (B15003) |
| Regional Price Parity (US=100) | 91.6 (below U.S. average) | BEA RPP 2024 |
| Liberal Arts-related employment in Lancaster County | 1,023 workers, 51 establishments | BLS QCEW 2024 annual |
Other Lincoln-Area Cities With Liberal Arts Programs
- Fremont, NE – 44.8 mi away (27,598 pop)
- Bellevue, NE – 45.5 mi away (53,505 pop)
- Omaha, NE – 45.6 mi away (792,463 pop)
- Council Bluffs, IA – 52.3 mi away (62,524 pop)
- Columbus, NE – 55.7 mi away (22,846 pop)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many accredited liberal arts programs are near Lincoln, NE?
Our directory lists 3 liberal arts programs within 100 miles of Lincoln. The closest is Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, NE (2.6 miles), and the farthest in our top picks is Metropolitan Community College Area (49.6 miles). 0 of these programs are offered fully online.
What are the highest-paying liberal arts roles near Lincoln?
Based on BLS OEWS May 2024 wage data, the top-paying liberal arts-related roles near Lincoln are: Management Analyst ($75,940), Technical Writer ($70,290), Training and Development Specialist ($63,680). These reflect MSA-level medians where published, with Nebraska statewide fallback for occupations not reported at the metro level.
Should I look at programs in Fremont instead of Lincoln?
Fremont, NE is 44.8 miles from Lincoln and has its own set of local liberal arts programs – see the city’s page. For online programs, distance matters less; for hybrid or in-person formats, comparing both can help.
Is Lincoln an affordable place to study liberal arts?
Lincoln’s median household income of $69,991 (Census ACS 2023) is one input. Online programs let students stay in Lincoln 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.
Related Resources
- Online Liberal Arts Programs in Nebraska
- Main Liberal Arts Degree Guide
- Liberal Arts Programs by State
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