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.
Cornell College
Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, offers a unique "One Course At A Time" block plan, allowing students to focus on a single subject for 18-day sessions. This immersive schedule ensures classes end by 3:00 p.m. daily, leaving ample time for campus life and athletics. Through the "Ingenuity" curriculum, students are guaranteed two funded, hands-on experiences, such as internships or fieldwork, to build a professional edge. Set on a historic hilltop campus, Cornell combines intensive faculty mentorship with a vibrant community, helping students dive deep into their passions while preparing for future success.
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Drake University
Drake University is a private comprehensive university in Des Moines, Iowa. The University is home to nearly 3,000 undergraduate students who study in more than 150 majors, minors, and concentrations through seven schools and colleges. Drake’s expert faculty members acknowledge that experience is the best teacher, offering students in every major abundant opportunities to learn by doing through internships, professional and career development services, and student leadership opportunities.
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.
Lewis University
Lewis University is a private comprehensive Catholic university in Romeoville, Illinois. Lewis is a dynamic university offering more than 80 undergraduate majors, 37 graduate programs, and two doctoral programs to 6,500 undergraduate and graduate students. With more than 100 clubs and organizations and 23 intercollegiate NCAA Division II athletic teams, campus activities include theatre and performing arts, intramural and club sports, a nationally recognized scholars program, peer ministry, and volunteerism.
Newman University
Newman University is a private Catholic institution in Wichita, Kansas—the state’s largest hub for commerce and healthcare. Newman offers a wide array of undergraduate programs in fields like nursing, business, and education, all supported by a small 14:1 student-faculty ratio. Through the unique Newman Navigator program, every student receives personalized one-on-one mentorship to guide their academic and career goals. This community-focused environment emphasizes hands-on learning and ethical leadership, preparing students to make a meaningful impact.
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 Detroit Mercy
The 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 a 13:1 student-faculty ratio to more than 5,500 undergraduate and graduate 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.
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Looking for more great options for undergrads? Explore all our featured undergraduate school profiles to learn more and get recruited quickly and easily!
