About York University
York University serves 443 students in a small Nebraska town where everyone knows your name. This Churches of Christ institution has deep roots dating back to 1890, building character alongside academics in a close-knit Christian community. With a 57% acceptance rate and average SAT scores around 963, York welcomes students who may not have thrived at larger universities but are ready to grow. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors become mentors, not distant lecturers.
The financial picture tells a story of accessibility with some trade-offs. Students pay an average net price of $20,129 after aid, with those from lower-income families paying as little as $15,941. Graduates carry a median debt of $21,500, which is manageable given the $228 monthly payment. However, median earnings sit at $44,130 ten years out, suggesting career advancement may take patience and additional effort beyond graduation.
York's athletic program stands out for a school this size, offering 19 varsity sports to 374 student-athletes who share over $3 million in scholarships. The 66% retention rate indicates some students struggle to adjust, but those who stay often find their place. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, creating an economically diverse community despite the rural setting.
The financial picture tells a story of accessibility with some trade-offs. Students pay an average net price of $20,129 after aid, with those from lower-income families paying as little as $15,941. Graduates carry a median debt of $21,500, which is manageable given the $228 monthly payment. However, median earnings sit at $44,130 ten years out, suggesting career advancement may take patience and additional effort beyond graduation.
York's athletic program stands out for a school this size, offering 19 varsity sports to 374 student-athletes who share over $3 million in scholarships. The 66% retention rate indicates some students struggle to adjust, but those who stay often find their place. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, creating an economically diverse community despite the rural setting.
Academics & Faculty
York University offers a broad liberal arts education rooted in its Churches of Christ heritage, emphasizing service and character development alongside academics. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in small classes, though academic support varies given the 37% six-year graduation rate. The school maintains strong programs in education, business, and ministry studies that align with its Christian mission. Students benefit from close mentorship opportunities with professors who know them by name. York's academic approach combines traditional liberal arts coursework with practical preparation for careers in teaching, social work, and church leadership. The intimate campus environment allows for collaborative learning and undergraduate research opportunities.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 47.4%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 39.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 37.4%
- Retention Rate
- 66.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,130
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Campus Life
York sits in a farming community of about 8,000 people, roughly 50 miles west of Lincoln. With 443 students and housing for 661, nearly everyone lives on campus in this close-knit environment. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name by the second week of classes.
Nebraska winters require heavy coats and snow boots, while summers bring muggy heat that sends students to the campus pool. With 19 varsity sports and 374 total athletes, nearly every student either plays or supports the Panthers. The Churches of Christ affiliation shapes campus culture through required chapel attendance and dry campus policies. Students from 27 states create surprising diversity for rural Nebraska, with 72% coming from out-of-state. Weekend activities center around athletic events, outdoor recreation, and trips to Lincoln for shopping and nightlife. The small-town setting means strong campus community bonds, but some students feel isolated from big-city amenities. Greek life doesn't exist, so residence halls and athletic teams become primary social circles.
Nebraska winters require heavy coats and snow boots, while summers bring muggy heat that sends students to the campus pool. With 19 varsity sports and 374 total athletes, nearly every student either plays or supports the Panthers. The Churches of Christ affiliation shapes campus culture through required chapel attendance and dry campus policies. Students from 27 states create surprising diversity for rural Nebraska, with 72% coming from out-of-state. Weekend activities center around athletic events, outdoor recreation, and trips to Lincoln for shopping and nightlife. The small-town setting means strong campus community bonds, but some students feel isolated from big-city amenities. Greek life doesn't exist, so residence halls and athletic teams become primary social circles.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 661 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1890
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 11°–35°F
- July Avg
- 63°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 59.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 23.7"
Student Demographics
York University draws students from across the country, with over 70% coming from outside Nebraska. The school serves a diverse student body where nearly half qualify for Pell Grants, reflecting its commitment to making education accessible. The even gender split mirrors the university's broad liberal arts mission within its Churches of Christ tradition. Students represent varied ethnic backgrounds, with significant Hispanic and Black enrollment alongside white students. This mix creates a community where students from different economic and cultural backgrounds come together in York's small-town setting.
- Men
- 49.4%
- Women
- 50.6%
- White
- 54.0%
- Black
- 10.8%
- Hispanic
- 19.6%
- Asian
- 0.2%
- In-State Students
- 27.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 43.7%
Location
York sits in southeast Nebraska, roughly 50 miles west of Lincoln and 65 miles southwest of Omaha. This small town of about 8,000 residents offers a classic rural college experience in America's heartland. The surrounding area features rolling farmland and wide open spaces typical of the Great Plains. With 27.91% of students coming from in-state, the majority travel from other states to experience this tight-knit community atmosphere. The remote town setting means students find most of their social and academic life centered around the campus. Students considering colleges in Nebraska may also compare York University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- York, Nebraska 68467-2699
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $44,130
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,138
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 59.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $228/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $21,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at York University?
York University accepts 57% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The average SAT score is 963, with middle 50% scores ranging from 800 to 1125.
How much does York University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $20,129 after aid, with total attendance costs of $31,500. Nearly 44% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating significant financial need among the student body.
What is the student-faculty ratio at York University?
York University maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with just 443 total students. This small Christian college affiliated with Churches of Christ emphasizes close faculty-student relationships in a tight-knit community.
Does York University have good graduation rates?
The four-year graduation rate is 40% and the six-year rate is 37%. The 67% retention rate suggests some students struggle to persist, which is common at small rural institutions.
Where is York University located and what is campus life like?
York University sits in York, Nebraska, a remote town setting that creates an intimate campus atmosphere. With 19 varsity sports and 374 total athletes, athletics play a major role in student life at this small Plains college.
What do York University graduates earn after college?
Graduates earn a median of $44,130 ten years after graduation with typical monthly loan payments of $228. The 97% employment rate shows strong job placement, though earnings reflect the regional economy of rural Nebraska.
