Skip to main content
CollegeHelpGuide
Peru State College logo

Peru State College

Peru, NE·Public·1,141 students
Last updated: March 22, 2026

A good fit for families looking for lower cost and students who want small classes and close faculty access. graduation rate is below 40%; freshman retention is below 65%. a public school with 1,141 students.

N/A
Accept
1,141
Students
$11,401
Net Price
38%
Grad Rate
$39,600
Earnings
10 yr
$12,000
Debt

About This School

Peru State College is a public institution located in Peru, Nebraska with approximately 1,141 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $11,401 per year. The graduation rate is 38%, and the typical graduate earns $39,600 within 10 years of enrollment.

Peru State College (Peru) is a public college in Peru, Nebraska, United States. It was founded by members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1865, and opened in 1866 as Mount Vernon Academy. It is the first and oldest institution of higher education in Nebraska.

The numbers tell a mixed story here: at just $11,401/year average net cost and only $12,000 in median debt at graduation, this is one of the more affordable college options you'll find anywhere. However, the 38% graduation rate is a real concern — fewer than 4 in 10 students finish, which suggests many struggle to complete, and median earnings of $39,600 a decade out are modest. Worth considering if you're cost-conscious and have a clear plan to stay on track, but ask hard questions about academic support before committing.

Founded
1865
Setting
Remote rural

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing37%
Education17%
Psychology13%
Computer Science4%
Biological Sciences4%
Visual & Performing Arts3%
English1%
Mathematics0%

Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.

Notable Alumni

Edison Pettit

Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.

Admissions

SAT Scores

Average CompositeN/A

ACT Scores

Midpoint CompositeN/A

Cost & Financial Aid

In-State Tuition
$8,280
Out-of-State Tuition
$8,280
Avg Net Price
$11,401
after aid

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants34%
Median debt at graduation$12,000

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
38%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
63%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$39,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$12,000
at graduation

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$12,000
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$33,800
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$39,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 3.3x

Strong return. Graduates earn well above their debt load.

Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.

Student Body

White71%
Black12%
Hispanic/Latino9%
Asian1%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,141 undergraduates).

Contact & Location

Address

Peru State College

600 Hoyt Street

Peru, NE 68421-0010

View on Google Maps →

Other Schools in Nebraska

Browse all Nebraska schools →

Sources & Methodology

Data

Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.

Contextual Enrichment

School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.

Important Caveats
  • Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
  • Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
  • Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
  • Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
Trademarks

All school names, logos, and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Their use on this page is for identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement or affiliation with CollegeHelpGuide.