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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

2025-26 Estimated Cost of Attendance

$201.90

undergraduate cost per credit hour

Tuition:$6,057

Fees:$2,351

Food plan:$4,830

Housing:$4,870

Total: $18,108
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-meal block plan. They are estimated based on the current academic year. These figures do not show indirect cost estimates. 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.

An Affordable College of Distinction

Wayne State was recognized as an Affordable College 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 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 $1,189* for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships.

CollegeNebraska ResidentNon-Resident
Wayne State College$18,107.50$18,107.50
University of Nebraska-Omaha$20,848$24,220 - $35,336
University of Nebraska-Kearney$21,437.50$21,437.50
Bellevue University$22,055$22,055
University of Nebraska-Lincoln$25,130$43,970
College of St. Mary$36,314$36,314
Hastings College$51,870$51,870
Concordia University$53,750$53,750
Midland University$55,600$55,600
Doane University$56,427$56,427
Nebraska Wesleyan$58,300$58,300
Creighton University$65,413$65,413

Costs comparisons above for 2025-26 include tuition (30 credit hours), fees, room, board, and average books and supplies 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 $1,189* for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships.

CollegeIowa ResidentNon-Resident
Wayne State College$18,107.50$18,107.50
Iowa State University$20,020$41,068
University of Northern Iowa$20,489$32,647
University of Iowa$25,302$47,390
Briar Cliff University$51,020$51,020
Morningside University$51,310$51,310
St. Ambrose University$51,893$51,893
Buena Vista University$54,452$54,452
Clarke University$54,674$54,674  
Northwestern College$59,394$59,394
Drake University$65,006$65,006
Grinnell College$84,948$84,948

Costs comparisons above for 2025-26 include tuition (30 credit hours), fees, room, board, and average books and supplies 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 $1,189* for undergraduate students after financial aid and scholarships.

CollegeSD Resident/SD Advantage*Non-Resident
Wayne State College$18,107.50$18,107.50
Dakota State University$18,443.50$19,741 - $21,636
South Dakota State University$20,202$21,843 - $23,814
Northern State University$20,746$22,979
University of South Dakota$20,787$22,292 - $24,399
University of Sioux Falls$31,780$31,780
Dakota Wesleyan University$43,040$43,040
Mount Marty University$46,075$46,075
Augustana University$51,778$51,778

Costs comparisons above for 2025-26 include tuition (30 credit hours), fees, room, board, and average books and supplies 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.