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Peru State College

Peru, NE·Public·1,092 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 1,092 students.

N/A
Accept
1,092
Students
$11,632
Net Price
38%
Grad Rate
$39,600
Earnings
10 yr
$21,875
Debt

About This School

Peru State College is a public institution located in Peru, Nebraska with approximately 1,092 undergraduate students enrolled. The average net price after financial aid is $11,632 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
Avg Faculty Salary
$8,181

Popular Programs

Business & Marketing33%
Education18%
Psychology17%
Biological Sciences5%
Visual & Performing Arts4%
Computer Science3%
Social Sciences1%

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
$8,640
Out-of-State Tuition
$8,640
Avg Net Price
$11,632
after aid

Net Price by Family Income

Under $30k$9,986
$30–48k$9,779
$48–75k$12,845
$75–110k$12,313
$110k+$13,450

Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.

Financial Aid

Students receiving Pell Grants37%
Median debt at graduation$21,875

Full Cost

After Graduation

Graduation Rate
38%
within 6 years
Retention Rate
64%
freshmen returning
Earnings (10 yr)
$39,600
after enrollment
Median Debt
$21,875
at graduation

Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender

Male graduates$37,300
Female graduates$30,600

Gap: 18% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.

Will This School Pay Off?

Median Debt
$21,875
at graduation
Earnings (6 yr)
$33,800
after enrollment
Earnings (10 yr)
$39,600
after enrollment
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio: 1.8x

Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.

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

Student Body

White66%
Black14%
Hispanic/Latino10%
Two or more races5%
International2%

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,092 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

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