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The oldest liberal arts and sciences college in Nebraska, Doane University’s history actually dates back to 1857, when the General Association of Congregationalist Churches (the education-focused denomination responsible for many of America’s leading liberal arts institutions, including Harvard and Yale) moved to establish a college in the Nebraska Territory. It took until 1871 for any of these efforts to take root, however, when the Crete Academy (in Crete, NE) was founded. In the next century and a half, Doane University has emerged as a leader in Nebraska and the Midwest, recognized by the Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report as a best regional Midwestern college (top 25) and by Money magazine as a best buy. Doane is also in the U.S. News top 25 nationally for least graduate debt.
Academic Programs
Doane University is committed to student success, with a host of innovative and student-centered programs designed to help students make the most of their time and energy. Doane was one of the first colleges to institute a four-year graduation guarantee in 1995, promising students a curriculum that can be realistically completed in only four years. Now Doane has gone one better, with three-year guarantees in eight of their most popular majors, including computer science, environmental studies, and mathematics. Students are scheduled for an intensive, carefully-chosen load that uses all three semesters per year to finish in only three years. With an 11:1 student/faculty ratio, students get the guidance and support they need to do it.Doane is also dedicated to success after graduation. All first-year students at Doane are granted $1000 travel scholarships for study abroad or exploration, while internships are plentiful and competitive. The Career Center is highly proactive, offering skills development and career planning services that help students prepare themselves for a job market where the Doane name is known and trusted. Further, for those would want to move on to master’s programs, more than 90% of graduates who apply to graduate school are accepted – far above average. Generous financial aid helps Doane students graduate with one of the lowest student debt rates in the nation, which means starting off on the right foot into adult responsibilities.
Student Life
Located in the small town of Crete, Doane University takes pride in a close-knit, community atmosphere. The student body is just over 1000, and the town of Crete only 7000 residents. More than three-quarters of students live on-campus, and most live there all four years of their college career, drawn to a strong campus community and active student-led organizations and groups. Ten fraternities and sororities make for an engaged Greek life on campus, while more than 75 clubs, honor societies, and professional organizations help students build friendships, career networks, and service opportunities.Leadership is also highly prized at Doane. The Hansen Leadership Program identifies leaders from their freshman year and provides development and enrichment opportunities to students throughout their four years. Doane’s athletics program puts a premium on leadership as well, leading Tigers through 23 intercollegiate varsity teams in the NAIA conference.