Education Note: Doane University
Institutional Overview
Doane University, founded in 1872 in Crete, Nebraska, is a private liberal arts university with additional campuses in Lincoln, Grand Island, and Omaha. Current enrollment stands at approximately 2,500 students, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1. The institution maintains moderately selective admission standards with a 67% acceptance rate and a 61% graduation rate, above the national average of 49%.
The student body demographics reflect the institution's commitment to diversity and inclusion. International students represent 5% of the total enrollment, with students coming from 42 states and 18 countries. Gender distribution shows 58% female and 42% male students. The university offers over 40 undergraduate majors, pre-professional programs, three graduate programs, and one PhD. As a well-established liberal arts institution, Doane serves both traditional and non-traditional learners while emphasizing strong student-faculty relationships.
Risk Score
Risk Score Analysis: Risk Score = (Annual Debt: $6,957 / Expected Starting Salary: $47,700) × (1 - Graduation Rate: 61%) = 0.146 × 0.39 = 0.057 The low risk score reflects a favorable balance between student debt and earning potential, reinforced by a solid graduation rate. The relatively low annual debt aligns well with the expected starting salary, while the 61% graduation rate maintains a low risk multiplier. This score indicates a strong return on educational investment.
Strengths
Doane demonstrates strong performance across multiple metrics, with 98% of students continuing their studies or starting careers within six months of graduation. The institution's emphasis on personalized education results in a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, creating close mentorship opportunities. Student reviews consistently praise the warm learning environment and strong sense of community. The university's commitment to non-traditional learners provides flexibility and accessibility. Strong financial aid programs, with 100% of undergraduates receiving some form of aid, enhance affordability. The institution's liberal arts foundation prepares students for diverse career paths and lifelong learning. Robust student life offerings, including 60+ student organizations, foster engagement and personal development.
Weaknesses
Despite solid outcomes, Doane faces several challenges. Some student reviews note inconsistent experiences with financial aid services and administrative processes. The 39% non-completion rate, while lower than national averages, suggests opportunities for enhanced student support. Limited diversity in the surrounding rural area may impact student experiences. Some reviews mention a need for updated facilities in certain academic areas. The small enrollment size, while enabling personalized attention, may limit breadth of specialized programs. Ongoing investment is needed to maintain technological infrastructure and expand online offerings for non-traditional students.
Bottom Line
Doane University's risk score of 0.057 and strong student outcomes indicate solid institutional health, but several areas merit board attention. First, streamline financial aid processes and administrative services to improve student experiences. Second, expand student support programs to further improve graduation rates. Third, invest strategically in facility upgrades and technological infrastructure. The board should prioritize these enhancements while leveraging Doane's core strengths in personalized liberal arts education and student engagement.
Student Voices
Warm Learning Environment
"Doane is an expensive school, but with the expense comes a great education, if you plan on being a teacher no school is better than Doane. With smaller class sizes the teacher really gets to know you." - Senior, Education Major
"Doane definitely provides a niche for all types of students and helps them find their place." - Sophomore, Business Major
Strong Community
"Me coming up, I always wanted to attend a HBCU and when I came to Doane I received the total HBCU experience." - Recent Graduate
"The people and the atmosphere of the campus on a daily basis are great. It really feels like a tight-knit community." - Freshman
Mixed Experiences with Administration
"They royally messed up my financial aid this year and they don't seem to care." - Junior
"Some of the administrative processes, especially around financial aid, could definitely be improved." - Senior
Opportunities for Improvement
"While the sense of community is strong, the facilities could use some updating, especially in the sciences." - Senior, Biology Major
"There's not a huge amount of diversity in the surrounding area, which can feel limiting at times." - Sophomore
Academic Excellence
"The professors are pretty hit or miss, but overall I feel I'm getting a great education that's preparing me well for my career." - Senior, Accounting Major
"The small class sizes and professor mentorship have been highlights. I feel challenged but supported." - Junior, English Major
Accessibility for Non-Traditional Students
"As an adult learner coming back to finish my degree, Doane has been so accommodating. The flexibility is essential." - Senior, Business Major
"I really appreciate how the university supports students of all backgrounds and stages of life." - Graduate Student, Education
Robust Student Life
"There are so many ways to get involved on campus, which has really enhanced my college experience." - Sophomore
"Between athletics, Greek life, and tons of student organizations, it's easy to find your place here." - Junior
Overall Satisfaction
"Doane has been the perfect school for me. I've grown so much academically and personally." - Recent Graduate
"While there are always areas for improvement, I've had a really positive experience overall and would choose Doane again." - Senior
These student perspectives underscore Doane's strong learning community and opportunities for enhanced administrative support and infrastructure investment.