About Hastings College
Hastings College builds its reputation on strong education and music programs within a close-knit Presbyterian community. The school enrolls 957 students in this small Nebraska town, creating an intimate environment where personal attention thrives. Students benefit from a 14:1 student-faculty ratio that enables meaningful mentorship. The college particularly excels in preparing future teachers and musicians, drawing on its liberal arts foundation and faith-based values.
The financial picture reveals both opportunity and challenge. Students pay an average net price of $21,554 after aid, less than the sticker price of nearly $48,000. Graduates earn a median of $51,303 ten years after completing their degrees. However, the 53% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish, and those who do carry a median debt load of $27,000 with monthly payments of $286. The college does provide substantial institutional grants averaging $25,885 to about 31% of students.
Athletics dominate campus life with 631 student-athletes competing across 22 varsity sports, meaning nearly two-thirds of students play for the Broncos. The college awards over $5 million in athletic scholarships annually. With 98% of graduates finding employment, career outcomes look promising for those who complete their degrees.
The financial picture reveals both opportunity and challenge. Students pay an average net price of $21,554 after aid, less than the sticker price of nearly $48,000. Graduates earn a median of $51,303 ten years after completing their degrees. However, the 53% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish, and those who do carry a median debt load of $27,000 with monthly payments of $286. The college does provide substantial institutional grants averaging $25,885 to about 31% of students.
Athletics dominate campus life with 631 student-athletes competing across 22 varsity sports, meaning nearly two-thirds of students play for the Broncos. The college awards over $5 million in athletic scholarships annually. With 98% of graduates finding employment, career outcomes look promising for those who complete their degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Hastings College operates as a Presbyterian liberal arts institution where students explore broad intellectual foundations alongside career preparation. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate classroom environment where professors know students by name. Education and music programs draw particular acclaim, reflecting the college's commitment to preparing teachers and performers for professional careers. However, the 53% graduation rate suggests that not all students find the academic rigor or campus culture a good fit. The liberal arts curriculum requires students to study across disciplines, building critical thinking skills valued by graduate schools and employers. Small class sizes mean active participation, not passive lecture attendance.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 53.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 53.3%
- Retention Rate
- 67.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,303
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $48,041 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $42,728 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $37,568 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $36,992 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $32,382 |
Campus Life
The 957 students at this Presbyterian liberal arts college experience small-town Nebraska living in Hastings, population 25,000. You'll need a heavy winter coat for the harsh Great Plains winters and plenty of layers for unpredictable spring weather. The campus sits about two hours from both Lincoln and Grand Island, making weekend trips to bigger cities possible but not routine.
With housing capacity for 752 students, roughly three-quarters of the student body lives on campus in a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors learn your name quickly. Weekend life revolves around Bronco athletics, with 631 student-athletes competing across 22 varsity sports through the NJCAA. Music programs draw talented performers who regularly showcase their skills in campus concerts. The Presbyterian heritage shapes campus culture through service opportunities and chapel programming, though the atmosphere remains welcoming to students of all backgrounds. Greek life and intramural sports fill gaps between studying and socializing in residence halls.
With housing capacity for 752 students, roughly three-quarters of the student body lives on campus in a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors learn your name quickly. Weekend life revolves around Bronco athletics, with 631 student-athletes competing across 22 varsity sports through the NJCAA. Music programs draw talented performers who regularly showcase their skills in campus concerts. The Presbyterian heritage shapes campus culture through service opportunities and chapel programming, though the atmosphere remains welcoming to students of all backgrounds. Greek life and intramural sports fill gaps between studying and socializing in residence halls.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 752 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
22 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 16°–36°F
- July Avg
- 66°–87°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 55.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- -748.9"
Student Demographics
Hastings College draws students who value close-knit community and strong Presbyterian values. Over half come from Nebraska, reflecting the school's solid regional reputation in education and music programs. Nearly 30% receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves middle-class families seeking affordable liberal arts education. The even gender split reflects diverse program offerings beyond traditional strengths. Students here typically choose Hastings for its personal attention and career-focused academics rather than prestige. The 957-student body creates tight bonds but limited diversity, with two-thirds identifying as white in this small-town setting.
- Men
- 48.7%
- Women
- 51.3%
- White
- 64.4%
- Black
- 5.6%
- Hispanic
- 11.8%
- Asian
- 1.4%
- In-State Students
- 53.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 28.9%
Location
Hastings sits in south-central Nebraska, about 150 miles west of Omaha and 100 miles southwest of Lincoln. The college enrolls 957 students in a classic Great Plains town of roughly 25,000 residents. Hastings serves as a regional center for agriculture and manufacturing, surrounded by cornfields and cattle ranches that stretch to the horizon. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate campus atmosphere where nearly 79% of students live on or near campus. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, while summers bring intense heat and occasional severe thunderstorms typical of tornado alley. Students considering colleges in Nebraska may also compare Hastings College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Hastings, Nebraska 68901
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $51,303
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,906
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $37,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 75.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Hastings College?
Hastings College accepts 71% of applicants with an average ACT score of 27. This Presbyterian liberal arts college draws students primarily for its strong education and music programs in small-town Nebraska.
How much does Hastings College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $21,554 after aid, less than the $47,930 sticker price. About 31% of students receive institutional grants averaging $25,885, making this private college more affordable than it initially appears.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Hastings College?
Hastings maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio with just 957 total students enrolled. This small liberal arts environment allows for personalized attention in the college's signature education and music programs.
What do graduates of Hastings College earn after graduation?
Alumni earn a median salary of $51,303 ten years after graduation with typical monthly loan payments of $286. The college boasts a 98% employment rate, though only 53% of students graduate within six years.
Where do students live at Hastings College?
The campus houses 752 students in on-campus housing at $11,690 per year for room and board. With 54% of students coming from Nebraska, the small-town setting creates a tight-knit community atmosphere.
How strong is athletics at Hastings College?
Hastings offers 22 varsity sports with 631 total athletes competing as the Broncos in NJCAA athletics. The college awards over $5.1 million in athletic scholarships, making sports a major part of campus life for this 957-student institution.
