Direct Path to Physical Therapy in a Supportive Community
Creighton University scores 76/100, placing it solidly in GOOD FIT territory. The academic alignment is exceptional - nearly perfect for pre...
AI Recommendation
Creighton University scores 76/100, placing it solidly in GOOD FIT territory. The academic alignment is exceptional - nearly perfect for pre-PT (top-ranked program with 3+3 pathway), business/marketing (AACSB-accredited with 95%+ placement), psychology, and pre-law (85%+ law school acceptance). The 11:1 ratio and small classes (avg 23) provide exactly the teacher support needed, and the residential campus (60% on-campus) ensures it's NOT a commuter school. Walk-on dance team opportunities exist. However, two significant concerns temper enthusiasm: 1) Weather is a major mismatch - only 215 sunny days with harsh, gray Nebraska winters directly conflict with the student's love of sunshine, and 2) School spirit is moderate rather than strong, lacking the traditional rah-rah energy desired. Nature access requires transportation. If the student can accept Midwest winters and a more service-oriented community spirit over sports culture, Creighton offers outstanding academics and support. If sunshine and high-energy school spirit are non-negotiables, this may not be the right choice despite academic excellence.
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Performance vs. Average College
Score Breakdown
Top Strengths
7
- 1 Outstanding pre-PT pathway with #48 nationally-ranked DPT program and 3+3 accelerated option - perfect for this interest
- 2 Exceptional teacher support with 11:1 ratio, average class size of 23, and teaching-focused Jesuit model
- 3 AACSB business school with strong marketing program and 95%+ job placement rate
- 4 Active residential campus (60% on-campus, 89% retention) - definitively NOT a commuter school
- 5 Walk-on dance team opportunities available with spring tryouts
- 6 93% career placement within 6 months with comprehensive support across all intended majors
- 7 No Greek life creates inclusive social environment with 200+ organizations
Things to Consider
7
- 1 WEATHER MISMATCH: Only 215 sunny days, brutal cold/gray/snowy winters (28 inches snow) - major conflict with 'loves sunshine' requirement
- 2 Moderate school spirit focused on service/social justice rather than strong traditional sports culture student desires
- 3 Limited immediate nature access - requires car to reach hiking/outdoor activities (20-30 minutes away)
- 4 Omaha is smaller Midwest city, not major metropolitan area - may lack urban energy
- 5 Dance team is club-level rather than NCAA competitive program
- 6 Conservative-leaning campus culture may not suit all students
- 7 Higher cost ($60K+ total) with 62% graduating with average $32K debt
Detailed Research
Internships
Robust internship programs through Career Center. Business students have 85%+ internship participation. Strong connections with Omaha employers (Fortune 500 companies include Union Pacific, Berkshire Hathaway, TD Ameritrade headquarters). Health sciences students get clinical placements.
Avg Class Size
Average class size is 23 students. 43% of classes have fewer than 20 students. Only 4% of classes have 50+ students.
Teaching Style
Primarily teaching-focused institution with emphasis on hands-on learning. Jesuit education emphasizes discussion-based seminars, case studies, and experiential learning. Strong focus on mentorship and personalized attention.
Academic Support
Comprehensive Academic Support Center, Writing Center, Math Resource Center, peer tutoring, disability accommodations, academic coaching. Strong faculty office hours culture. First-year advising and success programs.
Career Placement
93% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within 6 months. Business school reports 95%+ placement rate.
Program Rankings
- No dedicated pre-law major but strong advising through Interdisciplinary Studies. 85%+ law school acceptance rate for qualified applicants. Partnership with Creighton Law School (ranked #111 nationally).
- Heider College of Business is AACSB-accredited (top 5% globally). Marketing program highly regarded regionally. U.S. News ranks undergraduate business programs in top tier for Midwest.
- Strong BA/BS programs with research opportunities. Department emphasizes clinical, developmental, and social psychology tracks.
- Health sciences and business are institutional strengths. Strong pre-professional advising across all areas.
- Excellent pathway with 3+3 DPT program option. Creighton's Doctor of Physical Therapy program ranked #48 nationally by U.S. News. High acceptance rate for Creighton undergrads to DPT program.
Student Faculty Ratio
11:1
Greek Life
No Greek life - no fraternities or sororities. Social life centers on residence halls, student organizations, club sports, and campus activities.
Social Scene
Vibrant but not party-focused. 200+ student organizations. Strong service culture (average student completes 50+ volunteer hours annually). Social activities include campus events, downtown Omaha nightlife, intramurals, and club activities. Close-knit community feel.
School Spirit
Moderate to strong school spirit. Basketball (Big East Conference) draws significant crowds - CenturyLink Center games well-attended. Soccer and volleyball also popular. School traditions include Christmas Candlelight Mass, Founders Week, and Bluejay Madness. More focused on community service and social justice than traditional rah-rah spirit.
Retention Rate
89% freshman retention rate
Graduation Rate
79% six-year graduation rate
Weekend Activity
Active residential campus - approximately 60% of undergrads live on campus. Weekend programming through Campus Activities Board. Omaha's Old Market district popular for students. Campus doesn't empty out on weekends. Strong sense of community.
Political Climate
Moderate to moderate-conservative. Jesuit Catholic identity promotes social justice and service but student body leans slightly right of center. Open dialogue encouraged. Mix of perspectives but generally respectful environment.
Setting
Urban campus in central Omaha. 139-acre campus with defined boundaries but integrated into city. Residential feel despite urban location. Safe neighborhood (Aksarben/Dundee area).
Sunny Days
Approximately 215 sunny days per year. Hot, humid summers (80s-90s). Cold winters with snow (average 28 inches annually). All four seasons distinctly experienced. NOT ideal for sunshine lovers - winters are gray and harsh.
Nature Access
Limited immediate nature access. Campus has green spaces and quads. Nearby: Elmwood Park (1 mile), Zorinsky Lake (15 minutes), Fontenelle Forest (20 minutes for hiking). Missouri River trails accessible. Mahoney State Park (30 minutes). Nature access requires transportation - not walkable.
Transportation
Free campus shuttle system. Omaha Metro bus system accessible. Most students have cars by sophomore year. Uber/Lyft available. Walkable to some Omaha attractions but car helpful for full city access.
Nearest Airport
Eppley Airfield (OMA) - 15 minutes/7 miles from campus. Direct flights to major hubs.
Surrounding Area
Omaha metro area (950,000 population). Old Market entertainment district (10 minutes) - restaurants, bars, shopping. Growing downtown. College World Series host city. Henry Doorly Zoo (world-class). Joslyn Art Museum. Aksarben Village nearby for dining/shopping. Midwest friendly vibe, affordable city, growing cultural scene.
Dance Team
Creighton has the Bluejay Dance Team (also called Creighton Dance Team). They perform at basketball games and athletic events. The team is spirit/performance focused rather than highly competitive. Walk-on opportunities ARE available through tryouts held in spring (April/May typically). Team is club sport status, not NCAA. Practices 2-3 times weekly.
Recreation
Kiewit Fitness Center - modern facility with cardio equipment, weights, courts, climbing wall, indoor track. Intramural sports very popular (30+ sports offered including flag football, basketball, volleyball, soccer). Club sports include rugby, lacrosse, hockey, ultimate frisbee. Outdoor recreation program offers trips. Championship Center athletic complex.
Food Quality
Above average campus dining. Multiple dining halls including Hixson-Lied (main), Becker, The Hawk. Retail options include Jazzman's Café, Einstein Bros Bagels, Qdoba, Chick-fil-A. Meal plans flexible. Local restaurant scene excellent in Omaha (Old Market, Blackstone District).
Campus Beauty
Attractive traditional campus with mix of historic and modern buildings. Red brick architecture, tree-lined walkways, central mall area. St. John's Church is campus centerpiece. Well-maintained grounds. Harper Center (business school) and Hixson-Lied Science Building are modern facilities. Campus feels cohesive and collegiate.
Housing Quality
Good to excellent housing options. Freshmen live in traditional residence halls (Swanson, Kiewit, Deglman). Newer options include Davis Square Apartments and Opus Hall (suite-style). Living Learning Communities available. Most residence halls renovated in past 15 years. Upperclassmen can live in campus apartments. Housing guaranteed for freshmen.
Dance Team Contact
Contact through Student Activities: Creighton Dance Team via Student Organization Directory at studentactivities@creighton.edu or Athletics Department at 402-280-2723. Coach information changes; best to contact Athletics or Student Life at 402-280-2711.
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