Students walk through campus near Benthack Hall

Honors and Distinctions

Wayne State has received recognition for affordability, academic excellence, and community service. We strive to produce graduates who will become successful, productive, and contributing members of society.

Academic distinction

Recognized for excellence

Among our recognitions for offering a high-quality education, Wayne State has been recognized as a College of Distinction for several years in a row, and has also been recognized as a Top Public College in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report.

A Best College of Distinction

Wayne State was recognized as a Best College of Distinction for our excellence in student engagement, teaching, community, and successful graduate outcomes.

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Best College of Distinction, 2024-25

A Top Public College in the Midwest

WSC was identified as one of the top public universities in the Midwest for 2025 by U.S. News & World’s Best Colleges ranking report.

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A 2025 Top Public College/University in the Midwes

Our recognitions

Recent accolades

Ranking spotlight

In the news

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Wayne State College

WSC Delivers $573.1-Million Boost to Nebraska's Economy

Jan. 28, 2025

Dr. Marysz Rames, Angie Stenger, and Matt Marshall

Growing Together Career Scholars Program Recognized for Workforce Development

Dec. 5, 2024

Military Friendly School Award, 2024-25

Wayne State College Named a Military Friendly School for 2024-25

May 17, 2024

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Industrial Technology Programs Earn National Accreditation

Nov. 15, 2022

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WSC Business Programs Reaccredited by IACBE

May 25, 2022

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WSC Wins 3 National Collegiate Advertising Awards

April 2, 2021

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WSC Recognized as Military Friendly College for 2021-22

Feb. 17, 2021

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Board Recognizes WSC's Safety Management Degree Program for Quality

Jan. 29, 2020

An excellent value

Recognized for affordability

Wayne State is continually recognized for incredible value and affordability, without sacrificing quality. We’ve been recognized as the"Most Affordable College in Nebraska" for several years in a row, among other recognitions for offering an excellent education at a low cost.

Most Affordable College in Nebraska

Wayne State was named the No. 1 Most Affordable College or University in Nebraska in recognition of our low cost of attendance, our free tuition guarantee for Pell-qualified students, and our ample scholarships and aid packages.

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Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees

Wayne State College was identified as having the No. 9 most affordable online master's degree program for 2025 out of more than 2,000 other colleges and universities in the U.S.

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Most Affordable Online Master's Degree 2025
Military Friendly School Silver Status award badge
Military Friendly® Schools

Military Friendly® Silver Award

Wayne State is proud to be a Military Friendly® School. It's the standard that measures an organization’s commitment, effort, and success in creating sustainable and meaningful benefit for the military veterans and students. For 2024-25, Wayne State College is the only public college or university in Nebraska to receive the Silver Award. The Military Friendly® Silver Award designation is awarded to schools who meet the requirements and score within 30% of the 10th-ranked institution within their category. Only a select group of institutions achieve this honor.

View all undergraduate program recognitions

View all graduate program recognitions