Peru State College: $8,280 Tuition

$8,280Tuition

1,141Students

38%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$47,071Earnings

#16 in NebraskaPublic4-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Peru State College

Peru State College has built its reputation around teacher education since opening its doors in 1865. This small public college serves 1,141 students in rural Nebraska, where future educators learn their craft in a close-knit environment. The school maintains strong ties to Nebraska's educational community and draws students who want hands-on training in small classrooms.

The financial picture works in students' favor here. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same $8,280 tuition, unusual for a public institution. After financial aid, the average student pays $11,401 per year. Graduates typically earn $47,071 ten years after leaving school, while carrying $21,875 in debt. Monthly loan payments average $232, which is manageable given the employment rate of 93.5%.

Women make up 58.81% of the student body, reflecting the college's education focus. The Bobcats field 13 varsity sports teams with 335 total athletes competing in NJCAA athletics. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, students get personal attention from professors. However, only 35.67% of students graduate in four years, suggesting the rural setting and student demographics present retention challenges that prospective students should consider carefully.

Academics & Faculty

Peru State College built its reputation around teacher education when it was founded in 1867. The college maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention in small classes. However, only 37.7% of students graduate within six years, reflecting the challenges many rural students face balancing work and studies. The school serves as Nebraska's designated teacher preparation institution, producing educators for rural and small-town schools across the region. With just 1,141 students enrolled, Peru State offers an intimate learning environment where professors know students by name. The college has expanded beyond education to include business and liberal arts programs, but teaching remains its academic cornerstone.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 35.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 37.7%
Retention Rate: 62.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $47,071
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Medium)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations.	Master	$64,493
Curriculum and Instruction.	Master	$49,612
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$45,207
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$39,369
Special Education and Teaching.	Bachelor	$36,041
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$35,060
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$33,281
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Bachelor	$26,739

View all 23 programs →

Campus Life

Peru sits 75 miles southeast of Omaha in a town of fewer than 1,000 residents. The 1,141 students make up more than half the local population. With housing for 566 students, about half the campus lives on-site in a close-knit community where everyone knows each other. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors remember your name and academic struggles.

Winters demand heavy coats as temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February. Students bundle up for walks across the compact campus between red-brick buildings that date back over a century. The Bobcats compete in 13 varsity sports with 335 total athletes, making athletics a major part of campus social life. Weekends often center around basketball games in the Al Wheeler Activity Center or football at Oak Bowl Stadium. With limited off-campus entertainment options, students create their own fun through residence hall activities, intramural sports, and outdoor recreation along the nearby Missouri River bluffs. The rural setting means real stars at night and genuine quiet for studying.

Setting: Rural-Remote
Housing Capacity: 566 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1865

Campus Safety (2023)

29 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential
Dating Violence	6	6
Rape	5	5
Burglary	2	2
Aggravated Assault	1	1
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 14°–34°F
July Avg: 67°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 32.3"
Annual Snowfall: 30.4"

Student Demographics

Peru State draws students from across Nebraska and beyond who value affordable, close-knit education. Women make up nearly 59% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong reputation in teacher preparation and education programs. The school serves a diverse mix of students, with nearly 34% receiving Pell Grants, making quality higher education accessible to working-class families. About two-thirds come from Nebraska, showing the college's deep roots in serving local communities. Students here typically choose Peru State for its personal attention, supportive environment, and pathways into teaching and public service careers.

Men: 41.2%
Women: 58.8%
White: 71.3%
Black: 11.8%
Hispanic: 9.1%
Asian: 0.6%
In-State Students: 67.5%
Pell Grant Recipients: 33.8%

Location

Peru State College sits in Peru, Nebraska, a town of fewer than 1,000 residents about 60 miles south of Omaha. The campus enrollment of 1,141 students nearly doubles the local population during the academic year. This corner of southeastern Nebraska features rolling farmland and sits along the Missouri River valley near the Kansas border. The rural setting means students drive to nearby Auburn or Nebraska City for shopping and entertainment options beyond campus. Housing capacity of 566 means about half of students live on campus in this classic small college town atmosphere. Students considering colleges in Nebraska may also compare Peru State College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Peru, Nebraska 68421-0010

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $47,071
Median Earnings (5 years): $50,192
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $33,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 55.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $232/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $21,875

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Peru State College?

Peru State College has an open admission policy typical of small public colleges focused on access. With enrollment at 1,141 students, the school prioritizes serving rural Nebraska communities rather than selectivity. The college was founded in 1865 as a teacher training institution and maintains that mission of educational opportunity.

How much does Peru State College cost after financial aid?

Students at Peru State College pay an average net price of $11,401 annually. The same tuition rate of $8,280 applies to both in-state and out-of-state students, making it affordable for regional recruitment. About 34% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's commitment to serving low-income students.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Peru State College?

Peru State College maintains a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in this small college environment. The retention rate stands at 63%, which is typical for regional public colleges serving first-generation students. The college operates on a semester calendar system with strong ties to teacher education programs.

What are the graduation rates at Peru State College?

Peru State College has a 37.7% six-year graduation rate and 35.7% four-year graduation rate. Graduates earn a median salary of $47,071 ten years after enrollment, with 93.5% finding employment. The college serves many students who need additional support to complete their degrees in rural Nebraska.

Where is Peru State College located and what is campus life like?

Peru State College sits in rural Peru, Nebraska, with housing capacity for 566 students on campus. The campus has a close-knit feel with 58.8% women and 41.2% men among the 1,141 total students. The Bobcats compete in 13 NJCAA sports with 335 total athletes, creating strong school spirit in this small town setting.

Is Peru State College known for teacher education programs?

Peru State College was founded in 1867 specifically as a teacher training institution and maintains that legacy today. Students graduate with median debt of $21,875 and monthly loan payments of $232, making the investment manageable for future educators. The college's rural location and mission continue to serve Nebraska's need for qualified teachers in small communities.