Peru State College

Key Highlights

• Public research university with state support
• Rural campus with natural surroundings and tight-knit community
• Research-intensive with extensive graduate programs
• Diverse academic programs across multiple disciplines

Student Life & Environment

Life at Peru State College reflects the rhythms of a small rural community where campus and town blend together. Most students live on campus in residence halls like Delzell Hall and the newer apartment-style housing that offers more independence for upperclassmen. The dining hall serves as a social hub, with students gathering for meals that feature regional comfort food alongside healthier options. Athletics play a significant role in campus culture, with the Bobcats competing in NAIA Division II across sports including football, basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, and cross country. Game days bring energy to the small campus, and many students participate in intramural sports from flag football to volleyball leagues. The college also supports active Greek organizations that host social events, community service projects, and leadership development programs. Student organizations cover interests from the campus newspaper to science clubs, theatre productions to religious groups. The Student Government Association gives students a voice in campus decisions and organizes events like homecoming week and spring festivals. Many students spend weekends exploring the Missouri River valley, hiking in nearby Indian Cave State Park, or driving 30 minutes to larger towns for shopping and entertainment. The close-knit community means students often form lasting friendships with both peers and faculty members who remember their names years after graduation.

Location & Surroundings

Peru State College's campus occupies 104 acres along the bluffs overlooking the Missouri River in Peru, Nebraska, a village of roughly 850 people in Nemaha County. The setting offers natural beauty with wooded hillsides, river views, and abundant wildlife, though students seeking urban amenities will need transportation to reach larger cities. Nebraska City lies about 20 miles north, while Omaha and Lincoln are each about an hour away by car. The campus architecture blends historic limestone buildings with more recent additions. The T.J. Majors building, dating to the 1890s, houses administrative offices and serves as a campus landmark with its distinctive tower. The Al Wheeler Activity Center provides modern athletic and recreation facilities, including a swimming pool, gymnasium, and fitness center. Oak Bowl stadium hosts football games and track meets, while the baseball and softball complexes sit on the eastern edge of campus. Housing options include traditional residence halls and apartment-style units, with most students living on campus due to limited off-campus options in the small town. The campus library underwent renovations to create collaborative study spaces alongside quiet reading areas. Students appreciate the safety of the rural setting, where crime is rare and doors often remain unlocked. Those with cars can easily access outdoor recreation at Indian Cave State Park or day trips to larger cities, while others rely on campus activities and occasional shuttles for off-campus excursions.

Costs & Career Outcomes

Peru State College's career services office operates with the understanding that many students will seek employment in Nebraska and surrounding states after graduation. Career counselors help students from their first year, encouraging early exploration of career paths through assessments and informational interviews. The office maintains strong connections with regional employers, particularly school districts seeking teachers and local businesses looking for business graduates. Teacher education students benefit from an extensive network of partnerships with Nebraska school districts. These relationships facilitate student teaching placements and often lead directly to job offers, with many graduates accepting positions at schools where they completed their training. The education department tracks placement rates carefully, and Peru State consistently sends graduates into teaching positions across the state. For business and other majors, the career office hosts smaller job fairs and networking events that connect students with regional employers. Resume workshops, mock interviews, and professional development seminars prepare students for the job search process. Many students complete internships with local businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, gaining practical experience while earning academic credit. Alumni frequently return to recruit at their alma mater, and the career office maintains an active job board featuring positions from employers who specifically seek Peru State graduates.

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