Doane University

With a 10:1 student-faculty ratio and 53 majors, Doane delivers the personalized attention expected at a small liberal arts college. The most popular programs cluster in business, education, and liberal arts, though standout offerings include applied sports science (with a strength & conditioning track) and biochemistry. The university emphasizes its Four-Year Graduation Guarantee, backing it with academic advising that helps produce Nebraska's second-highest four-year completion rate (44% for Pell recipients, 63% overall).

• Student-Faculty Ratio: 10:1
• Most Popular Majors: Business, Education, Liberal Arts
• Graduation Rates: 44% (Pell), 63% (non-Pell) in 6 years

Life at Doane revolves around its residential campus, where 75% of students live in college housing. The vibe is classic small-college Nebraska: think Division III athletics (the Tigers compete in the Great Plains Athletic Conference), a bustling Nexus multicultural center, and traditions like homecoming parades down Crete's brick streets. Students describe the culture as 'close-knit but not cliquey', with over 50 clubs and organizations fostering involvement. Notably, the university has worked to improve its inclusivity, though the student body remains predominantly regional.

• On-Campus Housing: 75% of undergraduates
• Athletics: NAIA Division II (Great Plains Athletic Conference)
• Clubs/Orgs: 50+

Doane's real strength lies in its outcomes relative to selectivity. An impressive 83-92% of graduates secure employment or further education within a year—well above national averages. Early-career alumni earn $45,000 on average, climbing to $56,000-$61,000 mid-career. The university's Four-Year Graduation Guarantee isn't marketing fluff: their 44% four-year completion rate for Pell recipients nearly doubles the national average (5.5%), and the overall 63% rate outpaces similar institutions.

• Post-Grad Success: 83-92% employed/continuing education within 12 months
• Early-Career Salaries: ~$45,000
• Four-Year Grad Rate: 44% (Pell), 63% (all)

Doane's $26,112 average net price (after aid) reflects aggressive discounting—66% of students receive institutional grants. The university promotes affordability through merit scholarships (averaging $42,934 per aid package) and its four-year graduation guarantee, which reduces long-term debt. While the sticker price aligns with private colleges, the actual cost often competes with Nebraska's public universities after aid.

• Average Net Price: $26,112
• Students Receiving Aid: 66%
• Average Aid Package: $42,934

Doane defies the typical selectivity-outcomes correlation in higher education. While admitting nearly all applicants, it graduates students at rates rivaling far more selective schools—a testament to its high-touch academic support and Midwestern work ethic. The campus offers a quintessential small-college experience (think Friday night lights meets undergrad research symposia) at a price point that surprises families expecting private college sticker shock. For students who thrive in a supportive, face-to-face environment but don't have Ivy League stats, Doane delivers outsized returns.