Most Educated in Nebraska

Top 34 cities ranked by most educated

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All Countries · United States · Nebraska

Most Educated — Nebraska

1 Gretna 53.1%

2 Papillion 48.1%

3 Chadron 41.4%

4 Lincoln 41.0%

5 Omaha 40.3%

6 Seward 37.2%

7 Blair 37.0%

8 Kearney 36.9%

9 Chalco 36.1%

10 La Vista 35.8%

11 Wayne 34.0%

12 Bellevue 33.4%

13 Gering 28.4%

14 Hastings 28.0%

15 Scottsbluff 27.2%

16 Ralston 27.0%

17 McCook 26.8%

18 Offutt AFB 26.6%

19 Plattsmouth 26.0%

20 Nebraska City 25.5%

21 York 25.4%

22 Holdrege 25.2%

23 Norfolk 24.0%

24 Columbus 23.3%

25 Fremont 21.5%

26 Grand Island 20.7%

27 Alliance 20.2%

28 Beatrice 19.9%

29 Sidney 19.3%

30 North Platte 18.2%

31 Crete 16.6%

32 South Sioux City 15.9%

33 Lexington 14.0%

34 Schuyler 8.3%

The most educated cities in Nebraska have the highest percentages of residents with bachelor's degrees or higher. Gretna leads with 53.1% of residents holding a bachelor's degree.

High education levels typically correlate with higher incomes, lower unemployment, better health outcomes, and more civic engagement. These cities often host or are adjacent to major universities and research institutions that drive both education and economic development.

Highly educated communities tend to attract knowledge-based industries and employers in technology, healthcare, finance, and professional services, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of educational attainment and economic opportunity.

Did You Know?

1. In Gretna, 53.1% of residents have a bachelor's degree — more than double the national average of about 33%.
2. Cities near major research universities consistently rank among the most educated in the country.
3. Higher education rates correlate with higher incomes, lower crime, and better health outcomes across communities.

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