Nebraska (NE)

Known as the "Cornhusker State," Nebraska is a land of vast prairies, friendly communities, and rich history. From the Oregon Trail to the Sandhills, this Midwest gem blends agriculture, outdoor adventure, and a pioneering spirit.

• Population: ~2 million
• Weather: Hot summers (85-100°F); cold winters (10-40°F) with snowfall.
• Famous Sites: Chimney Rock, Henry Doorly Zoo, Scotts Bluff National Monument, Strategic Air Command Museum, Carhenge.
• Top Activities: Hiking, wildlife viewing, college football games, historical trails, rodeos, and exploring state parks.

Nebraska’s job market is strong, with key industries like healthcare, agriculture, technology, and manufacturing offering stable careers with solid wages. These fields provide plenty of opportunities for skilled workers. Below are the top five in-demand jobs in Nebraska based on salary and job openings. Click the job titles to view details from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Nebraska offers a friendly atmosphere, numerous colleges, and several lively cities. The state's largest cities vary in size and attract students to their colleges and universities. Below is a table showing the 10 largest cities in Nebraska, their approximate populations, and student enrollments.

Nebraska is home to some of the best public and private universities, offering diverse programs in agriculture, business, healthcare, and engineering.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Nebraska

• University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) – The state's flagship university, known for its top programs in business, engineering, and agriculture.
• University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) – A metropolitan university offering strong programs in business, criminology, and computer science.
• University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) – A leader in medical education, nursing, and healthcare research.
• University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) – Provides high-quality programs in education, business, and the sciences.
• Wayne State College – A regional public college with strong teacher education, business, and health programs.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Nebraska

• Creighton University – A prestigious Jesuit university known for its business, healthcare, and law programs.
• Doane University – A private liberal arts school with strong education and business programs.
• Nebraska Wesleyan University – A respected liberal arts college with a focus on science, healthcare, and business.
• Concordia University, Nebraska – A Christian university offering strong education, business, and theology programs.
• Hastings College – A small private college with strong arts, sciences, and business programs.

Nebraska offers a variety of top-tier public and private high schools, known for their strong academic programs, extracurricular activities, and college readiness. These schools provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in higher education and future careers.

Top Public High Schools in Nebraska

• Elkhorn South High School, Omaha – Recognized for its excellent academics, high graduation rates, and strong athletic programs.
• Millard North High School, Omaha – Offers a challenging International Baccalaureate (IB) program and a wide variety of extracurricular opportunities.
• Elkhorn High School, Elkhorn – Known for its commitment to academic excellence and student engagement in arts and athletics.
• Gretna High School, Gretna – Provides outstanding academic programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses and strong college preparation resources.
• Lincoln East High School, Lincoln – Features a well-rounded curriculum with a focus on STEM education, arts, and athletics.

Top Private High Schools in Nebraska

• Creighton Preparatory School, Omaha – A Jesuit college preparatory school known for its rigorous academics and leadership development programs.
• Marian High School, Omaha – An all-girls Catholic school dedicated to academic excellence, faith-based education, and leadership training.
• Mount Michael Benedictine School, Elkhorn – A highly respected all-boys boarding school with strong STEM programs and a values-based education.
• Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, Omaha – An all-girls institution offering a challenging academic curriculum and a focus on social responsibility.
• Scotus Central Catholic High School, Columbus – Provides a faith-centered education with strong academic and extracurricular programs.

Nebraska does not have any major league professional sports teams (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL). However, sports play a significant role in the state's culture, with the Nebraska Cornhuskers (University of Nebraska-Lincoln) dominating the sports scene, especially in college football. Their games at Memorial Stadium turn into some of the most electric atmospheres in all of college athletics.

Even without major league teams, Nebraska is home to several minor league and semi-pro teams across various sports:

Minor League & Semi-Pro Teams in Nebraska

Baseball 🏟️

• Omaha Storm Chasers (Triple-A – Kansas City Royals affiliate) – A successful minor league baseball team with a passionate fan base.
• Lincoln Saltdogs (American Association – Independent league) – A staple of the Lincoln sports community with a strong following.

Soccer ⚽

• Union Omaha (USL League One – Third-tier professional league) – A growing soccer team bringing the sport to Nebraska fans.

Hockey 🏒

• Omaha Lancers (USHL – Junior hockey) – A well-respected team in the junior hockey circuit known for player development.
• Lincoln Stars (USHL – Junior hockey) – Another top-level junior hockey team with a strong reputation.

Basketball 🏀

• Omaha Blue Crew (TBT – The Basketball Tournament) – A competitive summer tournament team featuring former Creighton players.

1. The Only State with a Unicameral Legislature 🏛️ – Nebraska is the only U.S. state with a single-house legislature, making its government unique and more efficient.
2. Home of Kool-Aid 🍹 – The refreshing drink Kool-Aid was invented in Hastings, Nebraska, in 1927 by Edwin Perkins, and it’s now the official state soft drink.
3. Largest Indoor Rainforest in the U.S. 🌿 – The Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha features the Lied Jungle, the biggest indoor rainforest in America, housing exotic wildlife from all over the world.
4. A State Without Natural Lakes 🌊 – Despite having plenty of rivers and man-made lakes, Nebraska is one of the few states without a natural lake.
5. Carhenge: A Unique Roadside Attraction 🚗 – Nebraska has its own version of England’s Stonehenge—Carhenge in Alliance, a quirky monument made from old cars painted gray.
6. The Birthplace of the Reuben Sandwich 🥪 – This delicious sandwich made of corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and rye bread was first created in Omaha.
7. Millions of Sandhill Cranes Stop Here 🦢 – Each year, over 500,000 sandhill cranes migrate through Nebraska’s Platte River, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.
8. The Cornhusker State 🌽 – Nicknamed the “Cornhusker State,” Nebraska is one of the nation’s leading corn producers, fueling the economy and agriculture industry.
9. Warren Buffett’s Hometown 💰 – Omaha is home to billionaire investor Warren Buffett, one of the richest people in the world, who still lives in the house he bought in 1958.
10. A State with More Cows Than People 🐄 – Nebraska has nearly four times more cattle than people, showing just how important the beef industry is to the state’s economy.