2026 Guide to Accredited Colleges Near Wayne, Nebraska
Are you near Wayne, Nebraska looking for an accredited college or university where you can earn a degree? Start your search with the Best Adult Colleges & Careers Guide.
This guide makes it easy for you to learn about accredited schools offering degrees near Wayne, Nebraska, including details about each institution's accreditation history, as well as insight into institutional and programmatic accreditation. You'll also find other helpful information about accredited colleges near Wayne, Nebraska, including cost, program completions and online availability.
Accreditation information provided reflects the recognized state approval agencies, as well as institutional and programmatic accrediting bodies from the U.S. Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP). Accreditation information listed for each institution may not be comprehensive or complete. Please contact the appropriate agency for the most accurate and current accreditation information. Click here to learn more about the guide.
What is Accreditation & Why Does it Matter?
Make sure the time and money you invest in your education is well spent by doing your research on accreditation. Accreditation is validation that the degree you're earning meets acceptable levels of quality. In the United States, accreditation is granted by accrediting organizations, as well as state and federal governmental agencies.
Institutional and programmatic are two main types of accreditation.
Accreditation: Institutional vs. Programmatic
Institutional Accreditation
Granted as a result of a voluntary examination of a school's academic and organizational structure.
What it Impacts:
- Financial Aid
- Corporate Tuition Reimbursement
- Credit Transfer
Programmatic Accreditation
Focuses on a specific department or program/field of study.
What it Impacts:
- Licensure
- Certification
- Employment
Sponsored
Accredited College Providing Quality Degrees for Students
Nonprofit and dedicated to student success, Franklin University was founded in 1902 in Columbus, Ohio, to provide high-quality academic programs aligned with workforce needs. Franklin demonstrates its quality through institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission and programmatic accreditation for educator preparation (CAEP), nursing (CCNE) and specific business (IACBE) programs. In addition, the University is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CD) by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security for its cybersecurity programs.
About these Accreditations
Higher Learning Commission
Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
Franklin University has been designated as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE) in Cyber Defense since 2019, by the National Security Agency and its federal partners. Our B.S. in Cybersecurity received the program of study designation in 2019 and the M.S. in Cybersecurity program was designated in 2024. These designations were awarded as a result of a thorough investigation into the University's cybersecurity curriculum, faculty credentials, and competence in research and student involvement in cybersecurity activities.
For more information about the National Security Agency's Centers of Academic Excellence, please click here and for more information about the CAE Community, please click here.
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Master of Science in Nursing, post-graduate APRN certificates, and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at Franklin University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
The H.K. & Eva James College of Education at Franklin University holds accreditation for its initial-level educator preparation programs through June 2027 from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), 1140 19th St NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 223-0077. The following bachelor's degree and post-baccalaureate initial-level licensure programs were included in the CAEP accreditation review: Adolescence to Young Adult Education, Intervention Specialist: Mild-Moderate, Middle Childhood Education, and Primary Education.
For more information about the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, please click here.
International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
The Ross College of Business at Franklin University has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road in Overland Park, Kansas, USA. For a list of accredited programs please view our IACBE member status page.
Click here to see our IACBE Public Disclosure of Student Achievement.
For more information about the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, please click here or visit www.iacbe.org.
Find Franklin Programs With Programmatic Accreditation:

Bachelor's Degrees:
Associate Degrees:
Master's Degrees:
Doctoral Degrees:
Programs accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education are committed to continuous assessment and improvement, which results in graduates that are in-tune with current thinking and best practices in business around the world.

Bachelor's Degrees:
Accreditation by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation signifies that teacher preparation programs meet national standards for ensuring that graduates are equipped with the skills to be effective classroom teachers.

Designation by the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as a Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense Education validates an institution’s quality and commitment to producing highly-qualified cybersecurity professionals.

Master's Degrees:
Doctoral Degrees:
Post-Graduate Certificates:
Through a peer-review accreditation process, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education holds U.S. nursing programs to a common quality standard as they prepare nurses for certification, employment and advanced education.
97% of graduating students believe their Franklin degree will help or has already helped them achieve their goals.
Source: Graduating Student Survey
Accredited 4-Year Private Nonprofit Colleges & Universities Near Wayne, Nebraska
Institutional Accreditation
The Higher Learning Commission is the institutional accreditor for Franklin University. The institution has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1976. The latest accreditation action concerning Franklin University occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Franklin University from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Franklin University are adults and all programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 98 associate degrees, 1,602 bachelor's degrees, 840 master's degrees and 65 doctoral degrees were completed at Franklin University.
Is in compliance with all of the agency's accreditation standards
Programmatic Accreditation
Franklin University has programmatic accreditation for 46 of its academic programs including accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education for nursing degree and post-graduate certificate programs, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation for initial-level licensure programs, and the International Accreditation Council for Business Education for specific business and accounting programs. In addition, the University has been designated as a Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense for its cybersecurity programs by the National Security Agency and its federal partners.
Cost, Enrollment & Programs
According to Lightcast™, the average annual undergraduate tuition and fees at Franklin University was $9,577 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $12,060. A total of 2,605 degrees were completed at Franklin University in Franklin University.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$9,577
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$12,060
Completions By Degree
2,605
Est. Online Degree Availability
100%
Completions by Program Area
Institutional Accreditation
The Higher Learning Commission is the institutional accreditor for Briar Cliff University. The institution has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1945. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Briar Cliff University from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Briar Cliff University are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 0 associate degrees, 177 bachelor's degrees, 40 master's degrees and 30 doctoral degrees were completed at Briar Cliff University.
Programmatic Accreditation
According to data from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), Briar Cliff University has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 4 of its academic programs, including accreditation by the American Physical Therapy Association, Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. Programmatic accreditation information sourced from DAPIP may not be current or complete, so please see the individual school's website or contact the specific accrediting agency for the most accurate status.
Cost, Enrollment & Programs
According to Lightcast™, the average annual undergraduate tuition and fees at Briar Cliff University was $34,727 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $9,366. A total of 247 degrees were completed at Briar Cliff University in Briar Cliff University.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$34,727
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$9,366
Completions By Degree
247
Est. Online Degree Availability
49%
Completions by Program Area
Institutional Accreditation
The Higher Learning Commission is the institutional accreditor for Morningside University. The institution has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1913. The latest accreditation action concerning Morningside University occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Morningside University from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Morningside University are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 0 associate degrees, 309 bachelor's degrees, 276 master's degrees and 7 doctoral degrees were completed at Morningside University.
Is in compliance with all of the agency's accreditation standards
Programmatic Accreditation
According to data from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), Morningside University has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 4 of its academic programs, including accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Programmatic accreditation information sourced from DAPIP may not be current or complete, so please see the individual school's website or contact the specific accrediting agency for the most accurate status.
Cost, Enrollment & Programs
According to Lightcast™, the average annual undergraduate tuition and fees at Morningside University was $38,190 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $11,111. A total of 592 degrees were completed at Morningside University in Morningside University.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$38,190
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$11,111
Completions By Degree
592
Est. Online Degree Availability
60%
Completions by Program Area
Accredited 4-Year Public Colleges & Universities Near Wayne, Nebraska
Institutional Accreditation
The Higher Learning Commission is the institutional accreditor for Wayne State College. The institution has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1917. The latest accreditation action concerning Wayne State College occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Wayne State College from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Wayne State College are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 0 associate degrees, 768 bachelor's degrees, 282 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at Wayne State College.
Is in compliance with all of the agency's accreditation standards
Programmatic Accreditation
According to data from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), Wayne State College has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 1 of its academic programs, by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Programmatic accreditation information sourced from DAPIP may not be current or complete, so please see the individual school's website or contact the specific accrediting agency for the most accurate status.
Cost, Enrollment & Programs
According to Lightcast™, the average annual undergraduate tuition and fees at Wayne State College was $7,923 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $5,640. A total of 1,050 degrees were completed at Wayne State College in Wayne State College.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$7,923
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$5,640
Completions By Degree
1,050
Est. Online Degree Availability
48%
Completions by Program Area
Institutional Accreditation
The Higher Learning Commission is the institutional accreditor for University of South Dakota. The institution has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1913. The latest accreditation action concerning University of South Dakota occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for University of South Dakota from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend University of South Dakota are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 26 associate degrees, 1,176 bachelor's degrees, 633 master's degrees and 261 doctoral degrees were completed at University of South Dakota.
Is in compliance with all of the agency's accreditation standards
Programmatic Accreditation
According to data from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), University of South Dakota has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 14 of its academic programs, including accreditation by the American Bar Association, Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar, the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation, the American Occupational Therapy Association, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education, the American Physical Therapy Association, Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, the American Psychological Association, Commission on Accreditation, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, the Council on Education for Public Health, the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. Programmatic accreditation information sourced from DAPIP may not be current or complete, so please see the individual school's website or contact the specific accrediting agency for the most accurate status.
Cost, Enrollment & Programs
According to Lightcast™, the average annual undergraduate tuition and fees at University of South Dakota was $9,432 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $7,118. A total of 2,096 degrees were completed at University of South Dakota in University of South Dakota.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$9,432
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$7,118
Completions By Degree
2,096
Est. Online Degree Availability
42%
Completions by Program Area
Accredited 2-Year & Other Private Nonprofit Colleges & Universities Near Wayne, Nebraska
Institutional Accreditation
The Higher Learning Commission is the institutional accreditor for St Luke's College. The institution has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 2001. The latest accreditation action concerning St Luke's College occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for St Luke's College from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend St Luke's College are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and all programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 62 associate degrees, 27 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at St Luke's College.
Is in compliance with all of the agency's accreditation standards
Programmatic Accreditation
According to data from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), St Luke's College has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 3 of its academic programs, including accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, and the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. Programmatic accreditation information sourced from DAPIP may not be current or complete, so please see the individual school's website or contact the specific accrediting agency for the most accurate status.
Cost, Enrollment & Programs
According to Lightcast™, the average annual undergraduate tuition and fees at St Luke's College was $20,940 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $0. A total of 89 degrees were completed at St Luke's College in St Luke's College.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$20,940
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$0
Completions By Degree
89
Est. Online Degree Availability
100%
Completions by Program Area
Accredited 2-Year Public Schools Offering Near Wayne, Nebraska Including Community Colleges
Institutional Accreditation
The Higher Learning Commission is the institutional accreditor for Little Priest Tribal College. The institution has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1998. The latest accreditation action concerning Little Priest Tribal College occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Little Priest Tribal College from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Little Priest Tribal College are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and no programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 15 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at Little Priest Tribal College.
Is in compliance with all of the agency's accreditation standards
Cost, Enrollment & Programs
According to Lightcast™, the average annual undergraduate tuition and fees at Little Priest Tribal College was $5,400 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $0. A total of 15 degrees were completed at Little Priest Tribal College in Little Priest Tribal College.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$5,400
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$0
Completions By Degree
15
Est. Online Degree Availability
0%
Completions by Program Area
Institutional Accreditation
The Higher Learning Commission is the institutional accreditor for Nebraska Indian Community College. The institution has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1986. The latest accreditation action concerning Nebraska Indian Community College occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Nebraska Indian Community College from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Nebraska Indian Community College are a mixture of traditional and adult aged and all programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 30 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at Nebraska Indian Community College.
Is in compliance with all of the agency's accreditation standards
Cost, Enrollment & Programs
According to Lightcast™, the average annual undergraduate tuition and fees at Nebraska Indian Community College was $4,080 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $0. A total of 30 degrees were completed at Nebraska Indian Community College in Nebraska Indian Community College.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$4,080
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$0
Completions By Degree
30
Est. Online Degree Availability
100%
Completions by Program Area
Institutional Accreditation
The Higher Learning Commission is the institutional accreditor for Western Iowa Tech Community College. The institution has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1977. The latest accreditation action concerning Western Iowa Tech Community College occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Western Iowa Tech Community College from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Western Iowa Tech Community College are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 398 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at Western Iowa Tech Community College.
Is in compliance with all of the agency's accreditation standards
Programmatic Accreditation
According to data from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), Western Iowa Tech Community College has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 4 of its academic programs, including accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission, the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation, and the American Physical Therapy Association, Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Programmatic accreditation information sourced from DAPIP may not be current or complete, so please see the individual school's website or contact the specific accrediting agency for the most accurate status.
Cost, Enrollment & Programs
According to Lightcast™, the average annual undergraduate tuition and fees at Western Iowa Tech Community College was $5,042 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $0. A total of 398 degrees were completed at Western Iowa Tech Community College in Western Iowa Tech Community College.
Avg. UG Tuition & Fees
$5,042
Avg. GR Tuition & Fees
$0
Completions By Degree
398
Est. Online Degree Availability
45%
Completions by Program Area
Institutional Accreditation
The Higher Learning Commission is the institutional accreditor for Northeast Community College. The institution has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1979. The latest accreditation action concerning Northeast Community College occurred in 2026 and was Renewal of Accreditation. See a list of the most recent accreditation history and actions for Northeast Community College from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) below. Most students who attend Northeast Community College are of traditional age and some programs completed were offered online. According to data from Lightcast™, in 2024, 711 associate degrees, 0 bachelor's degrees, 0 master's degrees and 0 doctoral degrees were completed at Northeast Community College.
Is in compliance with all of the agency's accreditation standards
Programmatic Accreditation
According to data from the U.S. Department of Education Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP), Northeast Community College has or previously had programmatic accreditation for 2 of its academic programs, including accreditation by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and the American Physical Therapy Association, Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. Programmatic accreditation information sourced from DAPIP may not be current or complete, so please see the individual school's website or contact the specific accrediting agency for the most accurate status.
Cost, Enrollment & Programs
According to Lightcast™, the average annual undergraduate tuition and fees at Northeast Community College was $3,840 in 2024 and the average annual graduate tuition and fees was $0. A total of 711 degrees were completed at Northeast Community College in Northeast Community College.