Doane University
Crete, NE, USA

Reviews

Doane University

Alex from Crete, NE

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
Doane College is a small college therefore class sizes are small and the material gets relayed and related to you in new and innovative ways. Teachers have more time to focus on the students because of the smaller class sizes. Doane is a great choice especially for teaching, musical, and human sciences majors.
Am enjoying being here
The campus is always alive whether it's with school planned activities such as dances, or video game tournament, or student planned activities like intramural sports or cutting loose on the weekends. Doane always keeps you involved and that's why the campus feels more like a community rather than making you feel like you're just a number at a big school.
Bang for the buck
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 and with a smaller staff the teachers you have once you're likely to have again, and they will know exactly how to help you succeed, The teaching staff at Doane is top notch and will do anything to see their students succeed.
Tips for prospective students
Any student thinking about a smaller college should consider Doane. It is an old school with lots of heritage and tradition. The class size is small and attention on the student is the main focus of the college. A small campus always keeps everyone involved. If you want to be a part of a plethora of activities and meet many new friends than Doane College is right for you.
Great for these types of students
Great for students who love campus involvement, there is almost always something going on all over campus. It's also great for both the free minded, and structural based thinkers as Doane will challenge your perspective and change how you see the world. Great for students who want a small college and emphasis on student success, a teacher will always stay after class or come in early to help.

Vanessa from Omaha, NE

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
A perfect fit for people who want to know a little bit about everything, and a whole lot about your major. A small, beautiful campus, it is the perfect college for the ultimate college experience. Doane is all about getting their students involved in many things, and the students absolutely love every minute of it.
Tips for prospective students
If you want to go to a school in Nebraska, but not feel like you are in Nebraska, Doane is the college for you. It is gorgeous, and feels so much like its own little world, without letting you forget about the real world, and making sure you get a job when you graduate (in four years!). So much of the Doane experience is socializing; don't drive home every weekend, or lock yourself in your dorm! One of the best parts about Doane is the relationships you build with your peers outside of the classroom.
Academic Rigor
Like with most schools, you get out of your classes what you put in. Doane professors do their best to really encourage participation and a respectful learning environment, and are extremely passionate about their subjects. However, if you just don't care, you probably won't get much out of the class, even though the opportunity is right there.
Dorm Life
Living in the dorms at Doane is one of the most fun experiences I have ever had. It is a perfect way to get to know people that you might not have classes with, and a great way to spend your weekends. Most of the dorms have classrooms and lounges where you can meet up with a couple classmates and study. There are also plenty of activities planned by the Residence Hall Association (run by students) if you are ever looking for something to do.
Food and Dining
The dining is probably Doane's biggest downfall. When visiting the school, you see all the options and think that you'll never be dissatisfied, but the truth is - most people are. It's the average cafeteria food, with not many healthy options advertised or focused on. There is a coffee shop, but if you are ever interested in getting a drink in the evening, it is often not mixed or made well. Tiger, the fast food option, while open at more convenient hours for busy students, does not have much variety once you've eaten there for a couple weeks. The food is satisfactory, and gets you through the day, but not ideal.
What to do for fun
Get involved! It sounds so cheesy, but it is true. The more involved you are in student organizations, the more fun you have, and the more connections you make. Doane often offers dances on Saturday nights in Butler gym, there is the student activities council that brings in artists, singers, performers, and hosts talent shows, that are a lot of fun. Even if you sit out in the lounge of your dorm hall on any given night, you're guaranteed at least a laugh or two with other people you will run into.
Bang for the buck
The quality of Doane's education improves every single year, and is already at an amazing level. The passion from the professors and advisors is contagious, and most students leave Doane looking back at a wonderful, purposeful, and well spent four years.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Doane's campus is beautiful, and some students dedicate their time to exploring it, and finding all of the hidden or secret spots. There are a few secret passageways to different locations on campus that if you weren't looking for them, you wouldn't see them.
Great for these types of students
If you are a student that wants to know or know of most of your peers whether it is by being their friend, or just recognizing faces on a day to day basis, Doane is the school for you. It is not small enough for every single person on campus to know your business, but it is definitely not large enough for you to hardly recognize anyone you pass by during the day. If you don't mind taking a few classes in subjects you don't like, Doane is perfect for you. While everyone might not like science, or english might not be their favorite subject, most of the Doane plan classes that aren't in your field of study are actually pretty interesting, and make taking a class in a subject you hate, pretty enjoyable.
Clubs and Activities
There are ample amounts of clubs, organizations, and honorary programs for students to get involved in at Doane. Many are within the majors offered at Doane, and some are completely random that have developed over the years. Doane offers a club fair day, and with the honorary organizations, often times they will email you, or put a letter in your mailbox inviting you to join them.
Greek Life
Doane is not a campus with the stereotypical greek life. The sororities and fraternities are not national groups, and therefore are specific to Doane, and do not exist at any other college or university. The groups are much smaller, and do not have the university feel to them. The dues are significantly cheaper, and there is a wide variety of groups on campus, even though there are only four sororities, and four fraternities.

Abbey from Crete, NE

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
According to www.doane.edu/Athletics/ 134 students were named scholar athletes just this last year, and since Doane is a small school, I find that extremely impressive. What I can also tell you, is that I'm one of those 134 students, and honored to be. I've loved every minute at Doane, every class, and every track practice. In the 8 months I've spent at the school I can't tell you there's ever been a day that I haven't learned something whether it be in the class room, or on the track, at Doane there's always something to be discovered.
Am enjoying being here
I love this college, it's only been a year, but I'll give it 5 stars across the board. The campus is beautiful, the faculty are amazing, and we've really got one heck of a track team. I really couldn't picture myself anywhere else, I feel at home, I enjoy my professors, and my coaches, what more could you ask for?
Bang for the buck
Doane has all the help a student could ever ask for. Student advisers, free tutors, a writing center in order to get help on those pesky college papers (just kidding, of course.) and your professors are more then willing to help out too. Sure, it's expensive, but it's more than worth it for all the help a student is able to receive. At any other large university, you're just a number, but not at Doane. Your professors often know your name by the end of the first week of class. If any of those aren't worth the money for tuition, I don't know what is.
Tips for prospective students
Go to class, don't slack off, and ask for help. At times college can be a little frustrating, life gets in the way, and you won't want to go to class, but trust me when I say it'll be worth it if you do. College isn't easy, but neither is life, and that's what it's supposed to prepare you for, isn't it? And make sure to talk to your Professors if you need help, they'll be more than happy to hear it, and willing to help.
Great for these types of students
Great for student athletes, students who want to learn, who work hard, go to class. It's as easy as that.

Tiffany from Omaha, NE

a current student here
Categories Comments
Am learning a lot
The class sizes are small so you can get the extra help you need. The teachers work with you to make it possible to get the best grade you can. There are also a lot of extra things such as the writing center to help you achieve the highest grade. Learning as much as possible is definately the goal
Am enjoying being here
There are many different activies provided by SAC (Student Activities Council) to keep students busy during their extra time. These activities cover a wide variety of things; plays, concerts, comedians, etc. This gives the students a time to bond with each other and make great friendships. This helps you enjoy yourself as much as possible.
Bang for the buck
Doane is well rounded with the focus on students. It is expensive because it is a private college, but those extra expenses help provide you with the best education possible.
Tips for prospective students
Be prepared for expenses. College is not cheap. Try to enjoy yourself. College is also supposed to be fun. Try to take advantage of all of the things they provide for you. Different activites or discount that will help you have the best experience.
Great for these types of students
Great for students who might want more attention in their classroom. Students who prefer smaller class sizes and a smaller campus.

Amanda from Lincoln, NE

a past student here
Categories Comments
Did learn a lot
The classes that you will take at Doane will be private school sized classes (being that Doane is a private school). My classes ranged from 10-14 people. It was great. If you needed extra help, the professors are right there to help and they make sure that you know they are there for YOU. The small classes helps the learning environment in being that there are not as many distractions. The professors are excellent in their teaching and knowledge and they show it off well. Whether you are a fast learner or it takes you some time to understand things, Doane is a great school for learning.
Did enjoy being here
For my own personal preference, I don't think I'm much of a small college person. Doane is increasing it's incoming freshman numbers as the years go by but I felt as though I were in high school all over again there. If you like familiarity, Doane is for you. Everyone knows your name. I was on the track team and I loved it. Being a part of clubs and activities on campus will definitely help your college experience. Doane hosts many events and is always looking out for all its students. At Doane, you will find close ties and friendships for life.
Bang for the buck
Doane has many scholarship opportunities for everyone! You just have to apply and you have to ask and stay on top of things! For me, I was on an athletic scholarship and I also had an academic scholarship. I basically had everything paid for, it was awesome. The great things is, Doane wants you to be a student at their school and they will try everything in their power to do so. Because it is a private school, it is costly but you are getting the best education in Nebraska that is possible. Apply for all scholarships that you can! Talk to advisors!
Tips for prospective students
-When you decide Doane is for you, don't hesitate to fill out residence hall applications to get your pick, rooms go fast!
-Find out where all your classes are BEFORE the day of classes!
-Attend Orientation Week! It's a great way to meet the incoming freshmen and get a feel for the campus before the upperclassmen come!
-Get a good meal plan. You will be in Crete, NE so there aren't the biggest picks of restaurants around town if you end up hungry after dinner.
-Coordinate things with your roommate so you both are on the same page! (I've seen too many clash-ups with roommates before!)
-Check your mail frequently. Doane has so many things going on ALL the time and they make sure you know it! Also, there have been too many times where I show up to class and it ends up being cancelled.
-Take notes. (Self-explanatory)
-Don't skip class. Doane has a policy in which it's vital to come to class. When you start missing, grades start dropping.
-Have fun! It's college. Don't hold anything back.
Great for these types of students
-Students who like familiar things.
-Students who want to be in close quarters with others.
-Don't wanna walk 15 minutes to class, you won't have to! It takes about 5 minutes to walk to every class on Doane Campus.
-Students who enjoy school spirit. Doane is proud of not only it's alumni and academics, but it's athletics, and clubs. A majority of Doane students play a sport, so go support!

Christian from Crete, NE

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
To sum up Doane College in three sentences, you only need one word: Community. It is pretty obvious when you visit Doane, that the small student population gives you a sense of home that larger universities can't offer you. From the beautiful campus scenery, the small class sizes, and great people I met on my tour that Doane was the right choice for someone coming from out of state like myself.
Tips for prospective students
I have a couple tips to all of you getting ready to start the next stage of your life. Listen. Listen to everything everyone is telling you. Coming to college many people told me what to expect and, but I shrugged off some of the things being said to me and I really wish I hadn't. Tip number two,when your lost you can always find help. From the financial wisdom of the staff in the Financial Aid Office to the Career Development Office located in our Student Leadership Office, you will have no problem finding help in whatever area you need. Whether it's academic, physical, or emotional help your looking for Doane College's staff is here for you. Lastly, create new habits that will help you become successful for the road ahead. A habit that drastically needed changing was my work ethic. I procrastinated too much in high school which made life in college very hard. Lucky for me the professors here really want you to succeed so the work with you in the class room and through designated meetings. We also have a great tutoring system here on campus. The tutors are students who have been recommended by their professors as knowledgeable, so you know your getting the best help possible.
Academic Rigor
Your classes are meant to challenge you. With Doane that is no exception. We have a well known education program and amazing music and art programs. That success doesn't come without a cost. In order to succeed in these and many other programs you need to fully invest yourself and dive into the curriculum here.
Dorm Life
You have many options to choose from for living at Doane. We have three main dorms Frees Hall, Sheldon Hall, and Smith Hall. These three halls have been renovated within the past few years so you have a fresh clean place to live in. You also have Hanson Hall which is home to the Directions Leadership program, where you live with those that are in the program with you. Lastly, for the upper class you have the Quads which are Colonial and Burrage. This form of housing is good if you want to live with more than one other person, because at the quads you have eight roommates instead of one.
Food and Dining
Being a smaller school we do not have fast food chains represented on campus, though you have the option if you walk downtown. The options on campus are Common Grounds, which is our coffee shop where you can by pastries, smoothies, and of course coffee. Then we have Tiger Inn, which is a little fast food restaurant if your in a hurry and on the go. Your food options are the basic burgers and chicken strips but you also have days where you can choose mini corn dogs, mini tacos, buffalo chicken nuggets, and nachos. Of course, you have the main option of The Caf or cafeteria. Here you can get the healthy option of Simply to Go, which offers a variety of sandwiches, fruits and yogurts, and salads. You can also go through the buffet style lunch line and get as much or as little as you would like.
What to do for fun
Doane is located in Crete, Nebraska. On campus you have options of the common area where you can play pool or pingpong, which is a very popular thing to do while waiting for your food from Tiger Inn. The Student Programming Board is a group of students that sets up activities such as live bands, games like a campus wide scavenger hunt, and movie nights in the open air Cassel Theater. If you want to get of campus and do stuff you can drive approximately 25 minutes to get to the state capital Lincoln. Here you have malls, movies, restaurants. Many places to go, see, and do to keep entertained.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
From the bell tower that stands on the place where the first building on campus burned, to the haunted rooms of Gaylord Hall, Doane has many interesting places and things to see. You can stand in the middle of the circle at the theater and clap and hear an echo bounce back to you. Take your chances and stare at the beautiful lake, but beware of the temperamental swans. There are these and many more things you will learn if you visit Doane.
Clubs and Activities
College is a place where you are supposed to learn about yourself and to meet others who may or may not share the same ideas as yourself. One thing is sure though that Doane College is a great place for that. Diversity is a large thing on campus with people from all walks of life. You have foreign exchange students, out of staters, and hometown heros and with such a wide variety of people we have a group just for you. Whether your into sports or the arts, religious or non-religious, or a part of the LGBT community we have a group of organization fit for you.
Greek Life
Being apart of a Greek group I can speak first hand and say that they are awesome. We do not have national fraternities or sororities like the big colleges do since we are a small private liberal arts college. That doesn't take away from the fact that we have a strong Greek system. The five fraternities on campus are Alpha Pi Epsilon, Alpha Omega, Delta Kappa Pi, Sigma Phi Theta, and Tau Sigma Zeta. The sororities on campus are Chi Delta, Gamma Phi Iota, Phi Sigma Tau, and Omega Psi Theta. The Greek groups are very active in the community with service projects being preformed, to their involvement on campus. They preform skits and provide entertainment during homecoming week as well as hosting dances in Butler Gym. With a wide variety of groups you can find the one that best fits you. With life long bonds and memories joining a Greek group is something you won't regret.

Anonymous

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
Doane is a very down to earth, liberal college that makes it a priority to get every student involved. The students and faculty at Doane want to know each other; they practically beg for your acquaintanceship. Doane is like a family away from your family, and you won't want to leave.
Tips for prospective students
Get involved instantly. Don't be the person who sits in his/her dorm all day and night. Be involved, but make sure you have a balance on your academics and life.
Academic Rigor
There is pretty much a class for every interest. They don't have a lot of majors; however, they do have the ability to create your own major, and the faculty works really closely in that process.
Dorm Life
The dorms are nice. Doane does a good job with cleaning and making sure the students keep their dorms clean. All of the dorm halls are co-ed.
Food and Dining
You have three choices. Tiger Inn (fast food), Common Grounds (coffee shop/cafe), and the cafeteria. The meal plan options are not as great, but they are said to be working on that.
What to do for fun
Doane is a very active college. It has over 150 clubs/activities/sports/etc. It's actually hard to not find something to do.
Bang for the buck
Doane is expensive, but it gives great scholarships. The students were in an uproar about Doane raising the tuition price to compete with other colleges. It's worth the money, though. You get a great liberal arts education with some pretty decent financial aid.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Greek Week: You'll have to experience that. It's entertaining and slightly scary, coming from someone who didn't join the Greek life.
There are many cool places to go. Myth has it that some places are haunted. Many places to explore if you're bored.
Great for these types of students
Doane is great for everyone. If you're shy, Doane will get you out. If you're not...welcome. :)
Clubs and Activities
Get involved!
Greek Life
I can't provide an accurate description on Greek Life other than my comments on Greek Week above.
Campus Safety
Doane has a nice Safety unit. They are mostly friendly and willing to help.

Kristine from Crete, NE

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
The learning environment is wonderful. The classes are small enough to get one on one time with teachers. Most of the teachers try to make you and others better and try to help you succeed. Its a wonderful school!
Tips for prospective students
If you can a good college, try Doane. Small classes, Doane faculity tries their hardest for you to graduate.
Academic Rigor
Awesome!
Dorm Life
Most dorms have been renovated. All the dorms are nice.
Food and Dining
They have a cafeteria, Tiger Inn, which is fast food and a coffee shop.
What to do for fun
Play sports. Doane Sac always tries getting something fun for students to do almost every movie. There are events that are put up, for example Casino Night. Also, Doane can get a night to have a free movie at the downtown movie theatre. You can go look at the art gallery in the library, if showing, the plays that theatre department puts on.
Greek Life
Greek life is big here.
Campus Safety
The campus security can be strict, but they are trying to keep everyone safe.

Levi from Bennet, NE

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
Great Professors, Staff that helps you when you need it , beautiful campus , great housing and they try and help you out financial as much as they can.
Tips for prospective students
Come see the Campus and Meet the Professor
in the subject you are interested in. Talk to the students that go here to get a fill of the whole collage and different prospective.
Academic Rigor
They are really good at helping you and the classes are small enough that you can get individual help if you need it.
Dorm Life
I love the dorm life, people are respectful of you as a person and the RA's are great . Rooms are neet and repair if needed is done right away -very clean place.
Food and Dining
Very good food choices -get tired of eating at one place so they have several places to get food.
What to do for fun
The campus always has something going on if you want to look.Many different things to do every day.
Bang for the buck
I have a learning issue and they have got me a lot of help and Sherri is great and the nice thing about it is they do not hold it against you or single you out if you are different which I hated in high school.I really appropriate this factor at this collage.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The swans in the pond and the pond it self .
Great for these types of students
All types of students there is something for everyone !
Clubs and Activities
Im in Track & Field and have done the music side also loved them both . We also have great theater also. We even have a Horse club.
Greek Life
very respectful they do not harass you to join if you are not interested, there is no hazing allowed .
Campus Safety
you always can reach or you see campus police.

Zachary from Crete, NE

a current student here
Categories Comments
In three sentences
Doane is a great school. There are many options for fields of study. The teaching staff is absolutely amazing.
Tips for prospective students
Manage your time. Don't party too much. Be a part of as many school activities as you can.
What to do for fun
I hang out with my friends, and go workout.
Bang for the buck
This college is expensive, but offers many financial support opportunities, and the education is beyond great.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The earning your stripes for freshman is and interesting bunch of traditions that are great for making new students not feel uncomfortable and getting the students comfortable with interacting with one another.
Great for these types of students
Doane is great for any type of student
Clubs and Activities
There are many activities and clubs to be a part of.
Greek Life
Greek life is a big part of Doane, the sororities and Frats put on many activities for students such as dances and other things.
Campus Safety
Doane is all for keeping their students safe, and out of harms way.