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Cost and Aid

Wayne State College provides an excellent education at an amazing value, so you won't graduate with a mountain of debt. In fact, we are continually recognized as being the most affordable four-year college in Nebraska and throughout the region.

Wayne State keeps your college costs lower

Wayne State College is one of the most affordable four-year institutions around. We are committed to keeping college affordable and accessible for students. We work hard to pair you with great scholarships, grants, and other opportunities, and even to earn money while you attend. And, in some cases, it allows students to not borrow at all. Our tuition guarantee also promises free tuition for Pell-qualified students.

Our tuition guarantee

2026-27 Estimated Cost of Attendance

$209.50

undergraduate cost per credit hour

Tuition:$6,285

Fees:$2,351

Food plan:$4,950

Housing:$4,870

Total: $18,456
Estimates shown are for a typical undergraduate student taking 15 credit hours per semester for two semesters while living in a standard double occupancy room with a 225 block plan. They are estimated based on the current academic year. These figures do not show indirect cost estimates or course fees. To view a breakdown of additional costs you may incur while attending Wayne State College, visit the Cost of Attendance page.

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Exceptional value

Nationally recognized for affordable tuition

Wayne State College is consistently recognized for delivering exceptional value without compromising quality. From being named the Most Affordable College in Nebraska to earning a top-10 national ranking for out-of-state tuition, WSC continues to stand out for providing a high-quality education at a cost families can manage.

Top Affordable Colleges in the U.S.

Wayne State was recognized as one of the Top Affordable Colleges in the U.S. by Colleges of Distinction for delivering high-quality education at a low cost with strong student outcomes.

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Least Expensive Public College in Nebraska

Ranked the No. 1 least expensive public college in Nebraska, Wayne State College delivers exceptional value without compromising quality.

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Cheapest college in Nebraska award badge

Most Affordable Colleges for Out-of-State Students

Wayne State College was named among the top 10 most affordable colleges in the nation for out-of-state tuition.

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cheapest colleges for out-of-state students award badge
Least expensive college

Compare tuition costs

Wayne State College was recognized as the "Most Affordable College or University in Nebraska" for 2026-27 (College Affordability Guide), and "The Cheapest College in Nebraska" for 2025-26 (College Tuition Compare). When stacked up to other Nebraska colleges and universities, it's clear to see how WSC earned the title. What's more, the average remaining cost of attendance was $4,153* for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships.

CollegeNebraska ResidentNon-Resident
Wayne State College$18,456$18,456
University of Nebraska-Kearney$21,768$21,768
University of Nebraska-Omaha$23,428$28,076 - $39,948
Bellevue University$24,528$24,528
College of St. Mary$25,059$25,059
University of Nebraska-Lincoln$25,422$31,542
Hastings College$54,444$54,444
Concordia University$55,750$55,750
Midland University$56,788$56,788
Doane University$58,932$58,932
Nebraska Wesleyan$61,284$61,284
Creighton University$67,832$67,832

Costs comparisons above for 2026-27 include tuition (30 credit hours), fees, room, and board for one year calculated from information available on college websites.

*Institutional data

Iowa residents receive in-state tuition at Wayne State College. In fact, when stacked up to other Iowa colleges and universities, Wayne State College is still more affordable for Iowa residents. What's more, the average remaining cost of attendance was $4,153 for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships. This is why Wayne State College was recognized for being 

CollegeIowa ResidentNon-Resident
Wayne State College$18,456$18,456
University of Northern Iowa$21,151$33,675
Iowa State University$22,564$29,864
University of Iowa$25,993$48,269
Briar Cliff University$33,693$33,693
Northwestern College$50,870$50,870
St. Ambrose University$54,543$54,543
Morningside University$54,850$54,850
Clarke University$56,155$56,155  
Buena Vista University$56,971$56,971
Drake University$67,190$67,190
Grinnell College$91,938$91,938

Costs comparisons above for 2026-27 include tuition (30 credit hours), fees, room, and board for one year calculated from information available on college websites.

South Dakota residents receive in-state tuition at Wayne State College. When stacked up to other South Dakota colleges and universities, Wayne State College is still more affordable for South Dakota residents than most other colleges or universities. What's more, the average remaining cost of attendance was $4,153 for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships.

CollegeSD Resident/SD Advantage*Non-Resident
Wayne State College$18,456$18,456
Dakota State University$19,343$20,672 - $22,611
South Dakota State University$20,804$22,484- $24,503
Northern State University$21,351$23,653
University of South Dakota$21,664$23,205- $25,364
University of Sioux Falls$32,770$32,770
Dakota Wesleyan University$44,120$44,120
Mount Marty University$48,230$48,230
Augustana University$53,522$53,522

Costs comparisons above for 2026-27 include tuition (30 credit hours), fees, room, and board for one year calculated from information available on college websites.

*South Dakota Advantage Program: New incoming freshmen and transfer students from North Dakota, Wyoming, Minnesota, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois qualify for resident tuition rates.

Paying for College

Scholarships

We offer hundreds of types of scholarships for academic achievement, leadership, financial need, talent and other qualities, and encouragement in a particular field of study.

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Financial Aid

Need-based financial aid including grants, loans, and federal work study. This is determined by the information you provide when you file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Form.

WSC students converse in the library
A WSC student uses a laptop
Easy to pay

Payment plans

Wayne State College offers payment plans through Nelnet Campus Commerce to make paying for college easier. A tuition payment plans breaks down your tuition balance into affordable monthly payments with no interest. Nelnet plans requires a $30/semester non-refundable enrollment fee. Payment methods include automatic bank payments (ACH), credit cards, or debit cards.

For more information about our payment plans, please visit MyCollegePaymentPlan.com/waynestate, or contact Student Financial Services at 402-375-7229 if you have any questions.