Are you searching for a school that offers both liberal arts and professional studies? How about a big, vibrant campus where you can also receive one-on-one attention from faculty? If this sounds like your college search criteria, then you’re in the right place. This list features private comprehensive colleges and universities in the West and Midwest that offer a wide range of degree programs from baccalaureate to doctoral, cutting-edge teaching and research facilities, and other exciting opportunities for students. Learn more about them and request information in just one click with the green “Connect me” buttons underneath each school. Your comprehensive college search just got easier!
Bradley University
Bradley University is a private comprehensive university in Peoria, Illinois—three hours from Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis. The University's faculty and students study, teach, and learn across more than 185 top-notch programs offered through five schools and colleges. Life at Bradley stays busy with students joining any of 240+ student organizations, completing at least two real-world experiences before graduation, and volunteering 50,000+ hours collectively to nonprofits each year.
Drake University
Drake University is a private comprehensive institution located in the vibrant capital city of Des Moines, Iowa. Serving approximately 3,000 undergraduate and 1,600 graduate students, Drake offers more than 150 academic programs across seven colleges and schools. Undergraduates benefit from small classes taught by expert faculty, NCAA Division I Athletics, 160 student clubs, and extensive hands-on learning opportunities, connecting classroom discovery with dynamic internships, research, and career paths in a thriving metropolitan environment.
Grand View University
Grand View University is a private comprehensive institution in Des Moines, Iowa. Serving approximately 1,875 students, the University offers 35 undergraduate majors and several graduate programs, including innovative fields like Data Science and eSports. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio and an average class size of 17, Grand View emphasizes a creative, hands-on learning style. Students stay engaged through 26 athletic teams and over 40 clubs, contributing to a remarkable 98.6% job placement average over the last 20 years.
Kettering College
Kettering College is a private Seventh-day Adventist institution in Kettering, Ohio—a suburb of Dayton. Serving over 800 students, the College specializes in seven healthcare fields, including nursing, respiratory care, and sonography. Undergraduates benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio and early hands-on clinical rotations at the co-located Kettering Health Main Campus. Emphasizing Christian values and whole-person care, the school blends rigorous medical training with campus ministries, service days, and a licensure board pass rate exceeding 90%.
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Lawrence Technological University
Lawrence Technological University is a private comprehensive university in Southfield, Michigan—just 20 miles from the center of Detroit. LTU offers around 100 programs through the Colleges of Architecture & Design, Arts & Sciences, Business & Information Technology, and Engineering. Approximately 3,000 students from 37 states and 50 countries benefit from an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and receive a high-end laptop loaded with industry-standard software, retailing at over $75,000 on average.
North Park University
North Park University is a private Christian institution in Chicago, Illinois, defined by its city-centered and intercultural identity. With a student-faculty ratio of 15:1 and an average class size of 17, students receive personalized care across popular majors like Nursing and Business. The unique Catalyst 606 program leverages the Chicago location for experiential learning, allowing students to tackle real-world problems and build professional networks. North Park balances a traditional campus experience with the vibrant opportunities of a world-class city.
Ohio Northern University
Ohio Northern University is a private comprehensive Methodist institution in the small rural village of Ada, Ohio—90 minutes from Columbus. More than 3,000 students from all 50 states and 15 countries are enrolled in a variety of majors, minors, professional programs, and concentrations through the Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business Administration, Engineering, and Pharmacy. ONU also offers an average class size of 19, a student-faculty ratio of 12:1, 200+ clubs and organizations, and 23 athletic teams competing in NCAA Division III.
St. Catherine University
St. Catherine University is a comprehensive liberal arts institution located in central St. Paul, Minnesota. At the heart of the University is the College for Women, a traditional undergraduate program with nearly 4,000 students and over 60 majors, plus 35 more programs in partnership with neighboring colleges and universities. St. Kate’s also offers a strong orientation program, peer mentors, 70+ chartered clubs and organizations, and 28 National Honor Society chapters.
University of Indianapolis
University of Indianapolis is a private Methodist-affiliated institution located just 10 minutes from downtown Indianapolis. Home to students from 44 states and 68 countries, UIndy offers more than 100 undergraduate programs alongside graduate and doctoral options. Students benefit from a close-knit 13:1 student-faculty ratio, personalized attention, and hands-on experiential learning. Campus life stays active with over 70 student organizations and 23 NCAA Division II athletic teams, while 95% of new students receive financial aid.
Looking for more great options for undergrads? Explore all our featured undergraduate school profiles to learn more and get recruited quickly and easily!
