About Luther College
The financial picture tells a compelling story about value. While sticker price hits $50,320 for tuition, students typically pay a net price of $25,635 after aid. Graduates earn a median of $59,850 ten years after leaving school, making the typical debt load of $27,000 quite manageable. Monthly loan payments average just $286. Families earning under $30,000 pay only $16,937 net, while even high-income families see costs drop to around $31,000.
Three-quarters of students graduate within six years, and 96.6% find employment after college. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom experiences. Luther fields 19 varsity sports teams with 534 total athletes competing in Division III, where academic achievement matters as much as athletic performance.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 80.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 74.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 75.0%
- Retention Rate
- 79.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,850
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $75,518 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $65,441 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $56,641 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $45,175 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $43,426 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $39,927 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $38,559 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $36,848 |
| Music. | Bachelor | $36,220 |
Campus Life
Decorah winters demand heavy coats and snow boots, with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing from December through March. The Four-One-Four calendar system gives students a month-long January term for intensive study or travel. With 534 athletes competing across 19 Division III sports, game days draw crowds to the gym and fields. Weekend activities center around Nordic Fest traditions, outdoor recreation in the surrounding bluffs, and the famous music program's frequent concerts. Students embrace the town's Scandinavian heritage through campus traditions and local festivals that blur the lines between college and community life.
- Setting
- Town-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 2,156 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1861
Campus Safety (2023)
24 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 8°–27°F
- July Avg
- 61°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 34.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 38.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 46.3%
- Women
- 53.7%
- White
- 73.4%
- Black
- 3.6%
- Hispanic
- 6.5%
- Asian
- 1.6%
- In-State Students
- 24.9%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 19.3%
Location
- Address
- Decorah, Iowa 52101-1045
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,850
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,417
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 82.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Luther College?
Luther College accepts 75% of applicants, making admission moderately competitive. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1075-1330 on the SAT and have an ACT average of 26. This Norwegian heritage liberal arts college draws students who appreciate its strong music program and close-knit community feel.
How much does Luther College cost after financial aid?
Luther College costs $62,540 total but the average net price drops to $25,635 after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $16,937 on average. The median graduate debt of $27,000 reflects the school's commitment to making this private Lutheran education accessible.
What are the academics like at Luther College?
Luther College maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio among its 1,454 students, ensuring personalized attention. The school operates on a unique Four-One-Four calendar system that includes a January term for intensive study. Luther is particularly well-known for its exceptional music program and Norwegian cultural heritage.
What do Luther College graduates earn after graduation?
Luther College graduates earn a median salary of $59,850 ten years after graduation with a 96.6% employment rate. The 75% six-year graduation rate reflects the supportive environment of this small Iowa town setting. Most graduates successfully repay their loans, with an 82.6% repayment rate.
Where is Luther College located and what is campus life like?
Luther College sits in Decorah, Iowa, a remote town setting that creates a tight-knit campus community. With housing capacity for 2,156 students and 534 student-athletes competing in 19 Division III sports, campus life centers around academics and athletics. The 79% retention rate shows most students embrace this small-town Lutheran college experience.
Is Luther College known for its music program?
Luther College has built a national reputation for its exceptional music program, drawing students from across the country. Only 25% of students come from Iowa, with the rest attracted by programs like music and the school's Norwegian heritage. The college's motto 'Soli Deo Gloria' reflects its Lutheran foundation and commitment to excellence in the arts.
