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Luther College

Decorah, IA · Town · 1,379 students
4
Year
Private Non-profit
Town
Small (<3k)
Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
About

Luther College, a selective liberal arts institution in Decorah, Iowa, is best known for its world-class music ensembles, exceptional nursing and pre-health programs, and deep commitment to environmental sustainability. Nestled among the scenic limestone bluffs of the Driftless Region, the college fosters a collaborative, active campus culture where students frequently combine rigorous academics with outdoor recreation and performing arts. Luther uniquely sets itself apart through its signature interdisciplinary Paideia core curriculum and a premier global learning program that sees roughly 70 percent of students study abroad before graduation.

Location
Decorah, IA, 52101-1045 · Town campus
Nearest airport from college
MSP · Minneapolis
129 mi away
Cost
Cost of attendance
$65,461
Avg net price
$23,097
Room & board
$11,530
Tuition
$52,120
Books & supplies
$1,040/yr
Average net price by family income
$0–30k
$12,517
$30–48k
$12,835
$48–75k
$19,351
$75–110k
$22,204
$110k+
$29,376
Admissions
Admit rate
72%
Test policy
Test optional
SAT average
1218
Reading 550668
Math 528738
ACT midpoint
26
Composite 2229
English 2029
Math 2028
SAT range (25th–75th percentile)
40080012001600

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Essay Requirements

Luther College accepts the Common Application. All Common App schools require the personal statement essay. Some schools also require supplemental essays — check the school's page on Common App for current prompts and word limits.

See the current Common App essay prompts for the personal statement options.

Outcomes
Graduation rate
73%
4-yr on-time completion
61%
1st-yr retention
77%
Transfer-out rate
15%
8-year outcomes
Graduated
73%
Transferred
19%
Still enrolled
0%
Dropped out / unknown
7%
Median earnings (6yr)
$49,541
Median earnings (10yr)
$59,850
Median debt
$27,000
Monthly loan payment
$286
Debt range (25th–75th)
$12,750$30,000
Debt (90th percentile)
$32,857
Student Body
Men 48%Women 52%
9
:
1
Student : Faculty ratio
Students   Faculty
Pell grant recipients
20%
First-generation
13%
Median family income
$92,364
Independent students
2%
Avg age at entry
19.0
Part-time students
1%
Race & ethnicity
White
71%
Hispanic
6%
Black
4%
Asian
1%
Non-resident
15%
AI/AN
1%
Unknown
2%
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings for graduates across all programs
6 years after entry
$49,541
10 years after entry
$59,850
Biology, General37
Music33
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing31
Business Administration, Management and Operations31
Research and Experimental Psychology23
English Language and Literature, General22
Information Science/Studies21
Political Science and Government18
Computer Science17
Design and Applied Arts15
Social Work14
Natural Resources Conservation and Research13
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods13
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General11
Accounting and Related Services11
History11
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Endowment
$205M
Classification
Baccalaureate (Arts & Sciences)
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, selective admissions
Full-time faculty
88%
Avg faculty salary
$8,115/mo
Instructional spend/student
$17,234
Federal loan rate
65%

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