About Martin Luther College
Martin Luther College prepares future teachers and pastors for the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. This specialized mission draws 718 students to the small town of New Ulm, Minnesota. The college accepts 84% of applicants, welcoming students with an average SAT score of 1184. Nearly 87% of students from other states choose this tight-knit Lutheran community over local options.
Students pay an average net price of $20,483 after financial aid, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $12,474. Graduates earn a median salary of $47,491 ten years after graduation, carrying typical debt of $20,177. The loan repayment rate of 90% suggests most graduates manage their debt successfully. Monthly loan payments average $214, reasonable given the strong employment rate of 97%.
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know their students personally. The Knights compete in 18 Division III sports with 243 student-athletes participating. Campus housing accommodates 717 students, nearly the entire enrollment, fostering a residential college experience. The 73% four-year graduation rate reflects the focused, career-oriented student body who know exactly why they're here.
Students pay an average net price of $20,483 after financial aid, with families earning under $30,000 paying just $12,474. Graduates earn a median salary of $47,491 ten years after graduation, carrying typical debt of $20,177. The loan repayment rate of 90% suggests most graduates manage their debt successfully. Monthly loan payments average $214, reasonable given the strong employment rate of 97%.
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know their students personally. The Knights compete in 18 Division III sports with 243 student-athletes participating. Campus housing accommodates 717 students, nearly the entire enrollment, fostering a residential college experience. The 73% four-year graduation rate reflects the focused, career-oriented student body who know exactly why they're here.
Academics & Faculty
Martin Luther College specializes in training future teachers and pastors for the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. The college operates with a focused mission that shapes every aspect of academics. Students work closely with faculty in a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention. The school's 72.9% four-year graduation rate reflects strong academic support systems. Education majors prepare for Lutheran elementary schools, while pre-seminary students study theology and ministry. All students complete a liberal arts foundation rooted in Lutheran doctrine. The college's specialized focus means smaller class sizes and mentorship opportunities. This targeted approach produces graduates ready for specific roles in Lutheran congregations and schools nationwide.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 79.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 72.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 71.4%
- Retention Rate
- 85.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,491
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $37,856 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $18,771 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies. | Bachelor | $15,472 |
Campus Life
New Ulm sits in south-central Minnesota, about 90 miles southwest of Minneapolis. The 718-student campus operates on a tight-knit model with a 10:1 student-faculty ratio. Nearly every student lives on campus since housing capacity reaches 717 beds. Winter coats are essential as Minnesota temperatures regularly drop below zero from December through February.
The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod shapes campus culture through daily chapel services and a strong sense of community among future teachers and pastors. With 92% of students identifying as white and many coming from Lutheran backgrounds, the environment emphasizes shared faith and academic purpose. The Knights compete in 18 varsity sports across NCAA Division III, drawing 243 student-athletes to games and matches. Students often gather in residence halls for Bible studies and social events. New Ulm's German heritage shows in local festivals and architecture, though weekend entertainment options remain limited in this town of 13,000. Many students drive to nearby Mankato for shopping and dining, while campus programming fills most evenings with intramural sports, concerts, and study groups.
The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod shapes campus culture through daily chapel services and a strong sense of community among future teachers and pastors. With 92% of students identifying as white and many coming from Lutheran backgrounds, the environment emphasizes shared faith and academic purpose. The Knights compete in 18 varsity sports across NCAA Division III, drawing 243 student-athletes to games and matches. Students often gather in residence halls for Bible studies and social events. New Ulm's German heritage shows in local festivals and architecture, though weekend entertainment options remain limited in this town of 13,000. Many students drive to nearby Mankato for shopping and dining, while campus programming fills most evenings with intramural sports, concerts, and study groups.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 717 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 5°–23°F
- July Avg
- 63°–82°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 30.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- -738.6"
Student Demographics
Martin Luther College draws students from across the country who share a commitment to serving the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. With 87% of students coming from out-of-state, the college attracts young people from WELS congregations nationwide who want to become teachers or pastors. The student body is 92% white, reflecting the denomination's demographics. Women slightly outnumber men at 53%, which aligns with the college's strong elementary education program. Nearly a quarter of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves families of modest means who prioritize religious calling over financial gain.
- Men
- 47.5%
- Women
- 52.5%
- White
- 92.2%
- Black
- 1.3%
- Hispanic
- 1.1%
- Asian
- 0.4%
- In-State Students
- 13.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 22.7%
Location
Martin Luther College sits in New Ulm, Minnesota, a town of about 13,600 people located 90 miles southwest of Minneapolis. The campus serves 718 students in a rural agricultural region of southern Minnesota. New Ulm blends German heritage with small-town Minnesota culture, featuring historic architecture and annual festivals like Oktoberfest. The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod established the college here in 1995 when two predecessor institutions merged. Students experience true small-town life with wide-open farmland stretching in all directions. The nearest shopping centers and entertainment options require a drive to Mankato, 30 miles northeast. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare Martin Luther College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- New Ulm, Minnesota 56073-3965
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $47,491
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,129
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $29,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 89.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $214/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,177
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Martin Luther College?
Martin Luther College accepts 83.72% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1184. This Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod school primarily serves students preparing for ministry and teaching careers within the denomination.
How much does Martin Luther College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $20,483, with students from families earning under $30,000 paying only $12,474. Only 22.65% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's specific mission to train Lutheran teachers and pastors.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Martin Luther College?
Martin Luther College maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio with just 718 total students. This small Lutheran college focuses exclusively on preparing teachers and pastors for Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod congregations and schools.
What are the career outcomes for Martin Luther College graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $47,491 ten years after graduation with a 97.2% employment rate. The specialized training in education and ministry leads to stable careers serving Lutheran communities nationwide.
Where is Martin Luther College located and what is campus life like?
The college sits in New Ulm, Minnesota, a small town setting where housing capacity of 717 can accommodate nearly all 718 students. The Knights compete in 18 NCAA Division III sports with 243 total athletes participating.
Does Martin Luther College serve a specific religious community?
The college exclusively trains teachers and pastors for the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, with 92.20% of students being white. Students come from across the country, with only 12.97% from Minnesota, to prepare for ministry and teaching roles in Lutheran communities.
