Peru State College
Out-of-state tuition
$8,433
$18,897 with room and board
Peer median $18,658
Undergraduates
1,308
Student-faculty ratio 17:1
Peer median 16 : 1
Graduation rate
20.2%
4-year; 6-year rate 33.9%
Peer median 29.5%
“Peers” are all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Peru State College, located in Peru, Nebraska, is known for its strong commitment to providing a comprehensive liberal arts education in a small, supportive environment. Established in 1867, it is one of the oldest colleges in Nebraska and has a rich history of fostering student growth and success. The college boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 15:1, which allows for personalized attention and mentorship from a dedicated faculty. Peru State College emphasizes the importance of experiential learning and offers a variety of programs designed to prepare students for successful careers. With a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, particularly noted in education, business, and criminal justice, the college equips students with the skills necessary to thrive in their chosen fields.
The campus culture at Peru State College is vibrant and inclusive, providing various extracurricular activities and organizations that promote student engagement and community involvement. The college's athletic programs compete in the NAIA, and students are encouraged to participate in sports as a way to promote health, teamwork, and school spirit. Additionally, Peru State College has a strong focus on student support services, including academic advising and career counseling, which help guide students through their academic journey and into the workforce. The college's commitment to creating a nurturing and innovative educational environment is reflected in the success of its graduates, many of whom go on to make significant contributions in their communities and professions.
Analysis of Key Metrics at Peru State College
The data from Peru State College over the years reveals significant trends in tuition costs, student enrollment, and graduation rates that warrant attention.
Firstly, tuition fees for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students have seen a steady increase from 2014 to 2024. In-state tuition rose from $5,746 to $8,280, indicating a 44% increase over this decade. This rise in costs can pose a barrier for prospective students, especially those from lower-income families, potentially affecting enrollment numbers. The increasing costs of education are a nationwide concern, as many institutions continue to struggle with affordability.
In terms of student enrollment, there has been a noticeable decline in both undergraduate and graduate students, with undergraduate numbers dropping from 2,158 in 2014 to 1,569 in 2023. This 27% decrease could reflect broader trends in higher education, where fewer students are enrolling in traditional college pathways, possibly due to rising costs, alternative education options, or changing job market demands.
Furthermore, the graduation rates, particularly the timely graduation rate for undergraduates, have fluctuated but showed an upward trend, reaching approximately 20% in 2023. While this is a positive indication that students are increasingly completing their degrees, the overall low percentage highlights ongoing challenges in student retention and success.
Lastly, the retention rates reveal a mixed picture, with a peak in 2020 at 67% but a decline in subsequent years. Retaining students is critical for institutions, as higher retention often correlates with better graduation rates and overall student satisfaction.
In summary, while there are positive developments in graduation rates at Peru State College, the rising tuition costs and declining enrollment numbers raise concerns about the institution's long-term viability and its ability to attract new students in an increasingly competitive educational landscape.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Rural, remote
- Nearest major city
- Omaha, about 60 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Kansas City International Airport (MCI), about 100 mi
- Also known as
- Peru State
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Wendy Waugh (Interim President)
- Phone
- 4028723815
- Address
- 600 Hoyt Street, Peru, NE 68421-0010
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Curriculum and Instruction · Master's72 (0% international)
- Organizational Behavior Studies · Master's7 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduates by Major at Peru State College in 2023
The graduation data from Peru State College in 2023 reveals interesting trends in the distribution of degrees awarded across various programs. The most notable observation is the prominence of the Education field, which consistently shows a significant number of graduates, particularly at the master's level. This trend aligns with the increasing demand for qualified educators in a world that values education as a fundamental pillar for societal development. With 133 master's degrees awarded in Education, the program clearly stands out as a leader in producing skilled professionals ready to address educational challenges.
In contrast, the Business Administration programs also demonstrate strong performance, particularly in the bachelor's category, with a total of 94 graduates across different business-related majors. This reflects a growing recognition of business skills in an increasingly competitive job market. Interestingly, there is one international student who graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, indicating a welcoming environment for global talent, which is crucial for fostering diversity and innovation in the academic setting.
Moreover, the data highlights the absence of doctoral graduates across all fields, which might suggest that Peru State College is primarily focused on undergraduate and master's levels, potentially limiting pathways for advanced research and academic careers.
Overall, the data indicates that Peru State College is effectively aligning its academic offerings with market demands, particularly in education and business sectors, while also showcasing an emerging international student presence. As institutions continue to adapt to the evolving educational landscape, these trends will likely influence future program development and recruitment strategies.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $56,425 | ||
| Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other. | $56,425 | ||
| Organizational Behavior Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | $39,572 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | $39,371 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | - | ||
| Biomedical Sciences, General. | - | ||
| Biochemistry. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Design. | - | ||
| Art/Art Studies, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| History, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological and Physical Sciences. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | - |
Students
1,492 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 45:55 · Freshman retention 64.5%
- Continuing undergraduates 723
- First-year undergraduates 254
- Graduate students 184
- Transfers and others 331
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,308)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Graduate students
Data insights
Analysis of Student Demographics at Peru State College in 2023
The student population at Peru State College in 2023 reflects a diverse and dynamic academic environment. Among the undergraduate newcomers, there are 231 students, with a balanced gender distribution of approximately 47.6% male and 52.4% female. This slight female majority is an encouraging sign, aligning with broader national trends where female enrollment in higher education has been on the rise.
For continuing undergraduate students, the total number is 832, showing a substantial presence of returning students. Here, the gender ratio tilts more toward females, comprising about 58.5% of the group. This higher percentage may suggest that female students are more likely to persist in their studies, which is a vital factor for institutions aiming to enhance graduation rates.
Transfer students amount to 123, with a similar gender distribution as the newcomers, indicating a relatively balanced intake of male and female students. However, graduate students present a different picture, with only 230 enrolled, and a striking 76.1% being women. This significant female representation in graduate studies could reflect the increasing number of women pursuing advanced degrees and entering traditionally male-dominated fields.
Overall, the data shows a notable trend towards a higher female enrollment across all student categories, which is promising for the future of gender equality in education. As institutions continue to develop initiatives to support diverse student populations, it will be essential to monitor these trends to ensure that all students have equal opportunities to succeed.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at Peru State College in 2023
The age distribution data of students at Peru State College in 2023 reveals a diverse demographic landscape. The largest group of students is aged 18-19, comprising 44.4% of the total female student body and 43.1% of the male students. This trend highlights the college's appeal to recent high school graduates, reflecting a national trend where younger students are increasingly pursuing higher education immediately after secondary school.
In contrast, the 25-29 age group shows a significant representation of both graduate and undergraduate female students, with females in this age bracket outnumbering their male counterparts. This could indicate a growing trend of adult learners returning to education, possibly in pursuit of career advancements or career changes, which aligns with recent reports on lifelong learning becoming increasingly vital in today's job market.
Interestingly, the data also shows that as age increases, the number of students declines. For instance, only a handful of students are aged 50-64, and none are above 65 in the undergraduate male category. This pattern is typical in many colleges, where the majority of the student body tends to be younger, reflecting the traditional college demographic.
The presence of graduate students in their late twenties to early thirties suggests that Peru State College is successfully attracting non-traditional students, which is crucial for colleges aiming to diversify their enrollment. Overall, the age composition at Peru State College not only reflects current educational trends but also underscores the institution's role in accommodating a variety of learners in today's evolving educational landscape.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
26 in 2025 · 0.8% in 2016
0 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Peru State College
The data reveals significant fluctuations in the number of international students at Peru State College over the years. In the early 2000s, the number of international undergraduates was quite low, peaking at just 13 students in 2005 and 2004, translating to around 0.87% of the total undergraduate population. This trend continued to decline, hitting a low of only 1 student in 2014, which raises concerns about the college's appeal to international students during that period.
However, there appears to be a resurgence in international enrollment in the later years, particularly from 2016 onwards. The proportion of international undergraduates rose to 1.37% in 2018 and maintained a notable presence, reaching 1.34% in 2023, which suggests a growing interest in the college’s programs. The number of graduate international students, although limited, saw an increase in 2021 with one notable student, representing 0.37% of the graduate population, and then surged to 0.99% in 2022, indicating potential for growth in this sector as well.
Overall, while the college has seen ups and downs in international student enrollment, the recent years suggest a positive trend. This is crucial, as international diversity contributes to a richer educational experience and enhances the global perspective within student communities. Moving forward, Peru State College may need to focus on building its international recruitment strategies to sustain and enhance this growth, especially in the context of a more interconnected world and the increasing importance of global education.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$18,897
- Undergraduate tuition
- $8,433
- Room and board
- $10,464
- Graduate tuition
- $9,600
Peer median tuition + room and board $31,000 · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Tuition rose 32% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 47%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$41.1M
Expenses$31.1M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NAIA · Heart of America Athletic Conference
Heart of America Athletic Conference: football, basketball, baseball, cross country
| NAIA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 134 | - |
| Baseball | 70 | - |
| Basketball | 35 | 25 |
| Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 30 | 21 |
| Volleyball | - | 32 |
| Softball | - | 29 |
| Golf | - | 7 |
| Other Sports | - | - |
| Bowling | - | - |
| NAIA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 104 | - |
| Basketball | 34 | 23 |
| Baseball | 49 | - |
| Volleyball | - | 34 |
| Softball | - | 28 |
| Cross Country | 11 | 10 |
| Bowling | 8 | 10 |
| Golf | - | 10 |
| Other Sports | - | 9 |
| NAIA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 96 | - |
| Baseball | 60 | - |
| Basketball | 34 | 25 |
| Cross Country | 17 | 14 |
| Volleyball | - | 29 |
| Softball | - | 25 |
| Bowling | 9 | 15 |
| Golf | - | 11 |
| Other Sports | - | 10 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Creighton UniversityOmaha · 55.8 mi
U.S. News #100
-
University of Nebraska-LincolnLincoln · 56.0 mi
U.S. News #169
-
University of Nebraska--OmahaOmaha · 56.1 mi
U.S. News #299
-
Kansas State UniversityManhattan · 99.6 mi
U.S. News #156
-
University of KansasLawrence · 107.9 mi
U.S. News #148
-
University of Missouri--Kansas CityKansas City · 116.8 mi
U.S. News #250
-
Drake UniversityDes Moines · 133.5 mi
U.S. News #191
-
Iowa State UniversityAmes · 152.4 mi
U.S. News #116
-
University of South DakotaVermillion · 171.2 mi
U.S. News #262
Data insights
Here are some notable schools surrounding Peru State College:
-
Creighton University - Ranked 124th in the 2024 US News rankings, Creighton University is a comprehensive university known for its strong emphasis on liberal arts education and professional programs.
-
University of Nebraska-Lincoln - With a ranking of 159, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, and is recognized for its research initiatives.
-
University of Kansas - Ranked 151st, the University of Kansas is a comprehensive institution that provides an extensive array of programs across various fields of study.
-
Iowa State University - This comprehensive university is ranked 115th and is distinguished for its programs in engineering, technology, and agriculture.
-
Grinnell College - As a highly regarded liberal arts college, Grinnell College ranks 11th and is known for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to social justice.
-
University of Iowa - With a rank of 93, the University of Iowa is a comprehensive university recognized for its writing programs and research contributions.
Each of these institutions offers unique opportunities and programs that could be of interest to students in the region.
Peer median 4.7 · all 238 public master's colleges and universities in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Rates at Peru State College
The crime data from Peru State College over the past decade reveals a fluctuating trend in crime rates, with significant variations year by year. In 2013, the crime rate was notably low at 4.10 per 1,000 students, but it saw a dramatic increase in subsequent years, peaking at 12.23 per 1,000 students in 2020. This uptick may correlate with broader societal trends, including increased substance abuse and domestic violence incidents reported nationally during the pandemic.
The highest recorded rates of offenses, particularly related to drug-related arrests and assaults, signal a potential concern for campus safety. In 2015 and 2016, the number of crimes was particularly high, which could be indicative of underlying issues on campus that need to be addressed through enhanced safety measures and community outreach programs.
Interestingly, there was a decline in reported crimes in 2021, coinciding with the gradual return to normalcy following pandemic restrictions. This decline may suggest that the measures taken during the pandemic to limit social interactions had an impact on crime rates.
However, the increase again in 2022, with a rate of 10.64 per 1,000 students, highlights that crime remains a persistent issue. It emphasizes the ongoing need for preventative strategies and support for students, especially concerning alcohol and drug abuse.
Overall, the data underscores the importance of ongoing vigilance and proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of students at Peru State College. Further investigation into the specific circumstances surrounding these incidents will be essential for effective intervention. For a deeper understanding of crime rate calculations, you can refer to the following resource: Crime Rate Calculation Method.
Notable Alumni
Notable alumni of Peru State College include Edison Pettit (Astronomer), Merwin Coad (Former U.S. Representative from Iowa) and Floyd Fithian (US representative from Indiana).
-
Edison Pettit 1889–1962
Astronomer
-
Merwin Coad 1924–2025
Former U.S. Representative from Iowa
-
Floyd Fithian 1928–2003
US representative from Indiana
-
Robert Vernon Denney 1916–1981
Nebraska U.S. representative and federal judge
-
Robert Dinsmore Harrison 1897–1977
Nebraska Republican politician
-
Melvin O. McLaughlin 1876–1928
Republican Party politician
-
Clair Armstrong Callan 1920–2005
U.S. Representative from Nebraska
-
Silas Reynolds Barton 1872–1916
Nebraska congressman
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.