In 2000, 86.6% of Nebraskans age 25 and older were high school graduates; 23.7% had obtained a bachelor's degree or higher.
The total enrollment for fall 1999 in Nebraska's public schools stood at 288,261. Of these, 197,014 attended schools from kindergarten through grade eight, and 91,247 attended high school. Minority students made up approximately 18% of the total enrollment in public elementary and secondary schools. Total enrollment was estimated at 286,176 in fall 2000 and expected to rise to 287,000 by fall 2005. Enrollment in nonpublic schools in fall 2001 was 42,141. Expenditures for public education in 2000/01 were estimated at $2,017,561.
As of fall 2000, there were 112,315 students enrolled in college or graduate school. In the same year Nebraska had 38 degree-granting institutions. In 1997, minority students comprised 8.7% of total postsecondary enrollment. In 2000 Nebraska had 7 public 4-year colleges, 15 independent colleges and universities, and 7 community colleges. The University of Nebraska is the state's largest postsecondary institution, with campuses in Kearney, Lincoln, and Omaha.