Waldorf University: 73.9% Acceptance Rate

73.9%Acceptance

$25,220Tuition

2,103Students

29%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$51,165Earnings

Private forprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindNAIAData: 2023-24

About Waldorf University

Waldorf University draws students who want personal attention and strong athletic programs at a small school in rural Iowa. With 2,103 students spread across Forest City, this private college gives you the chance to know your professors and classmates well. The school has built a reputation for hands-on learning and close mentoring relationships. About 80% of students come from out of state, creating a diverse community in this small Iowa town.

The financial picture tells a mixed story. Students pay an average net price of $21,683 after aid, which is reasonable for a private college. Graduates earn a median of $51,165 ten years after starting college, and most leave with $18,752 in debt. The monthly loan payment of $199 is manageable for most graduates. However, only 29% of students graduate within six years, which means many students either transfer or don't finish their degree.

Athletics play a huge role on campus, with 503 students competing in 25 varsity sports at the NAIA level. The school awards over $7.2 million in athletic scholarships, showing how seriously they take sports recruitment. Men make up 62% of the student body, partly because of the strong emphasis on athletics. The Warriors compete in everything from traditional sports to newer programs.

Academics & Faculty

Waldorf University operates as a liberal arts college that attracts students looking for small-town college life and athletic opportunities. The 22:1 student-faculty ratio means classes stay relatively small, though the 29% six-year graduation rate suggests many students struggle to finish their degrees. The school has built a reputation around its nursing and education programs, which prepare students for careers in healthcare and teaching. With 25 varsity sports and over 500 student-athletes, athletics play a huge role on campus. The college serves students who want personal attention from professors and a tight-knit community feel, but prospective students should know that fewer than three in ten graduates finish within six years.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 22:1
Full-Time Faculty: 33.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 27.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 29.0%
Retention Rate: 51.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $51,165
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Medium)

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Campus Life

Forest City sits in north-central Iowa about 100 miles south of Minneapolis, surrounded by farmland and lakes. With just 4,000 residents, this is true small-town America where everyone knows everyone. Winters here mean heavy snow and temperatures below freezing from December through February, so you'll definitely need that winter coat. Only 28% of Waldorf's 2,103 students can live in the dorms (housing capacity is 588), which means most students rent apartments or houses in town.

The Warriors compete in 25 NAIA sports with 503 total athletes, making athletics a huge part of campus life. With 62% male students, the gender split reflects the strong sports culture. Weekends often revolve around games, especially football and basketball. Students frequently drive to nearby Clear Lake for outdoor activities or make the two-hour trip to Des Moines for bigger city entertainment. The small campus means you'll see the same faces daily, creating tight friendships but limited social options. Many students work part-time jobs in town, and house parties are common since there aren't many bars or entertainment venues nearby.

Setting: Rural-Remote
Housing Capacity: 588 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1903

Campus Safety (2023)

58 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Public Property
Burglary	15	15	0
Stalking	5	2	0
Aggravated Assault	3	2	1
Dating Violence	2	2	2
Rape	3	3	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	3	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 5°–23°F
July Avg: 62°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 34.0"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

Waldorf attracts students from across the country, with nearly 80% coming from outside Iowa to this small rural college. The student body is 62% male, reflecting the school's strong athletics program with 503 varsity athletes competing in 25 NAIA sports. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing Waldorf serves many first-generation and working-class families looking for an affordable path to a bachelor's degree. The Warriors draw students who want the tight-knit feel of a small college where they can play sports while earning their degree in a supportive rural setting.

Men: 62.0%
Women: 38.0%
White: 51.6%
Black: 12.6%
Hispanic: 2.2%
Asian: 1.2%
In-State Students: 20.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 33.9%

Location

Forest City, Iowa sits in the rural farmland of north-central Iowa, about 45 miles south of the Minnesota border. With just over 4,000 residents, this small town offers the classic small-college experience where everyone knows everyone. The nearest major city is Des Moines, roughly 130 miles to the south, making Waldorf feel genuinely isolated from urban distractions. Forest City itself revolves around agriculture and manufacturing, with Winnebago Industries (the RV maker) headquartered here as one of the town's major employers. The flat prairie landscape and tight-knit community create an environment where students either love the close connections or feel trapped by the small-town atmosphere. Students considering colleges in Iowa may also compare Waldorf with similar schools in the region.

Address: Forest City, Iowa 50436-1713

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $51,165
Median Earnings (5 years): $64,768
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $32,900
Loan Repayment Rate: 54.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $199/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $18,752

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Waldorf University?

Waldorf University accepts 73.86% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private institution. The Warriors compete in NAIA athletics and field 25 varsity sports with 503 total athletes. This Iowa college attracts students primarily from out-of-state, with only 20.37% coming from Iowa.

How much does Waldorf University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $21,683 after financial aid, with tuition set at $25,220 for all students regardless of residency. Financial aid recipients average $17,359 in institutional grants, though only 8.65% of students receive these awards. The total cost including room and board reaches $36,246 annually.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Waldorf University?

Waldorf maintains a 22:1 student-faculty ratio across its 2,103 students, which is higher than typical liberal arts colleges. The university operates on a semester system in rural Forest City, Iowa. Academic support appears challenging given the 51.75% retention rate from first to second year.

What are the graduation rates at Waldorf University?

Only 29% of students graduate within six years, with just 27.47% completing their degree in four years. Despite these low completion rates, graduates earn a median salary of $51,165 ten years after enrollment. The university's employment rate stands at 92.7% for recent graduates.

Where is Waldorf University located and what is campus life like?

Waldorf sits in Forest City, Iowa, a rural-remote setting with on-campus housing for 588 students. The student body is 62.01% male and draws heavily from outside Iowa, creating a diverse geographic mix. Founded in 1903, this private liberal arts college maintains strong athletic programs with over $7.2 million in athletic scholarships.

Does Waldorf University offer good financial aid for low-income students?

Students from families earning under $30,000 pay a net price of $19,354, lower than the sticker price. About 33.90% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating substantial low-income enrollment. However, 38.65% of students take federal loans with a median debt of $18,752 and monthly payments of $199.