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Great Private Comprehensive Undergraduate Colleges in the Midwest

Looking for a comprehensive college that offers everything from bachelor’s degrees to doctoral programs? Check out these great options in the Midwestern US.

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 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!

Creighton University

Creighton University logoCreighton University is a private comprehensive institution on the edge of downtown Omaha, Nebraska. The University offers more than 60 majors in the Arts & Sciences, Business, and Nursing, plus 45+ graduate and professional programs. Over 4,000 undergraduates benefit from an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, an average class size of 22, and an abundance of research opportunities, with 36% of undergrads participating in research that results in hundreds of national and international presentations each year. 

Connect me with Creighton!

Indiana Wesleyan University

Indiana Wesleyan University logoIndiana Wesleyan University is a private comprehensive Christian liberal arts university in Marion, Indiana—65 miles from Indianapolis. Nearly 3,000 undergraduates pursue over 80 degrees in Business, Technology, Education, Science, Ministry, Nursing, and more. IWU also offers cutting-edge facilities and residence halls, a diverse range of student organizations, and a 97% career outcomes rate.

Connect me with IWU!

Lawrence Technological University

Lawrence Technological University logoLawrence 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.

Connect me with LTU!

Ohio Northern University

Ohio Northern University logoOhio Northern University is a private comprehensive United Methodist–related institution in the small rural village 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.

Connect me with ONU!

St. Ambrose University

St. Ambrose University logoSt. Ambrose University is a comprehensive Catholic institution grounded in the liberal arts and located in the center of Davenport, Iowa—180 miles west of Chicago. The University offers more than 60 majors and lets students mix majors, minors, and electives to match their interests. More than 2,000 undergraduates also benefit from an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, 50+ student organizations, and generous scholarships and grants in the areas of academics, athletics, and fine arts.

Connect me with St. Ambrose!

St. Catherine University

St. Catherine University logoSt. 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.

Connect me with St. Kate’s!

Trine University

Trine University logoTrine University is an independent nondenominational comprehensive university in Angola, Indiana—40 miles from Fort Wayne. Over 5,000 students benefit from a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, an average class size of 19.8, and more than 40 career-focused undergraduate majors in the Arts & Sciences, Business, Education, Health Sciences, and Engineering. The University also has more than 60 clubs and organizations, 36 competitive athletic teams, and a championship golf course that’s hosted PGA events and NCAA national championships.

Connect me with Trine!

University of Chicago

University of Chicago logoThe University of Chicago is a private comprehensive university located seven miles south of downtown Chicago, Illinois. Approximately 6,800 undergraduates pursue over 50 majors and more than 40 minors, with the opportunity to double-major, create their own, or explore interdisciplinary opportunities. UChicago also features a rigorous liberal arts curriculum, small discussion-style seminars, a 5:1 student-faculty ratio, more than 3,000 offered courses, nearly 60 faculty-designed and taught study abroad programs, and 400+ student organizations.

Connect me with UChicago!

University of Detroit Mercy

University of Detroit Mercy logoThe University of Detroit Mercy is a private comprehensive Roman Catholic institution sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy with three campuses in Detroit, Michigan. The University offers more than 100 academic programs and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio to more than 3,000 undergraduate students. Detroit Mercy also features accelerated options, intricate study abroad programs, community service projects, research opportunities with award-winning faculty, and competitive internships at major organizations in Detroit and beyond.

Connect me with Detroit Mercy!

University of Notre Dame

University of Notre Dame logoThe University of Notre Dame is a Roman Catholic church-affiliated comprehensive university located in Notre Dame, Indiana—just five miles from South Bend. Undergraduates can choose from approximately 75 degree programs through the Schools of Architecture and Public Affairs, plus the Colleges of Arts & Letters, Business, Engineering, and Science. Students also benefit from the University’s research-class telescope, a Digital Visualization Theater, 900 arts events annually, nearly 30 eating establishments, and over 30 unique residence halls, with 100% of incoming first-year students living on campus.

Connect me with Notre Dame!

Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis logoWashington University in St. Louis is a private comprehensive institution located in St. Louis, Missouri. More than 7,000 undergraduates are enrolled in 90+ areas of study through the College of Arts & Sciences, the Olin Business School, the McKelvey School of Engineering, and the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts. Along with a low 7:1 student-faculty ratio, WashU also offers 480+ clubs and organizations, study abroad programs, and cutting-edge research opportunities alongside professors who are leaders in their fields.  

Connect me with WashU!

Looking for more great options for undergrads? Explore all our featured undergraduate school profiles to learn more and get recruited quickly and easily!

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