Wartburg College: 97.5% Acceptance Rate

97.5%Acceptance

$51,040Tuition

1,446Students

67%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$56,201Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalLiberal ArtsNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Evangelical Lutheran

About Wartburg College

Wartburg College builds its reputation on strong music and education programs within a tight-knit Lutheran community. The 1,446 students attend classes in rural Waverly, where the college's Four-One-Four calendar system allows for intensive January term experiences. Music students perform in nationally recognized ensembles, while education majors benefit from extensive field placement opportunities in Iowa schools. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name, not just ID number.

Students pay an average net price of $22,604 after financial aid, making this private college surprisingly affordable. Graduates earn a median of $56,201 ten years after graduation, while carrying typical debt of $27,000. The monthly loan payment of $286 represents a manageable burden given career outcomes. The 98.5% employment rate suggests strong job placement support.

Campus life revolves around the Knights' 24 varsity sports programs, where 806 students compete in NCAA Division III athletics. The 80% retention rate reflects student satisfaction with the close community feel. Two-thirds of students come from Iowa, creating a Midwestern atmosphere where Lutheran values shape campus culture without overwhelming non-Lutheran students.

Academics & Faculty

Wartburg College operates as a Lutheran liberal arts institution known for producing strong teachers and musicians. The college maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio that enables close mentoring relationships between professors and students. About 67% of students graduate within four years, reflecting solid academic support systems. The music program has earned national recognition, with many graduates pursuing careers in performance, education, and ministry. Education majors benefit from extensive field experience in local schools throughout Iowa. The liberal arts curriculum requires students to explore diverse subjects before declaring a major. Faculty members emphasize undergraduate research opportunities across disciplines. The college's Lutheran heritage influences its approach to service learning and community engagement.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 67.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 66.8%
Retention Rate: 80.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $56,201
Carnegie Classification: Liberal Arts College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Engineering Science.	Bachelor	$58,221
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$55,286
Business/Commerce, General.	Bachelor	$47,595
Mathematics.	Bachelor	$42,682
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Bachelor	$41,193
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$38,829
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Bachelor	$37,208
Communication and Media Studies.	Bachelor	$35,546
Psychology, General.	Bachelor	$33,993
Biology, General.	Bachelor	$30,771

View all 42 programs →

Campus Life

Wartburg's compact campus houses 87% of its 1,446 students in dorms and residence halls, creating a tight-knit community where nearly everyone knows each other. The college sits in Waverly, a town of 10,000 people about two hours north of Des Moines and three hours from Minneapolis. Students bundle up for Iowa winters with heavy coats and boots, while spring brings outdoor activities to the spacious quad.

Weekend life revolves around the strong athletics program, where 56% of students compete in Division III sports across 24 teams. The Knights draw loyal crowds to football and basketball games. Music fills campus year-round through concerts and recitals, reflecting Wartburg's reputation for outstanding vocal and instrumental programs. Students often gather in the student center or head to nearby Cedar Falls for shopping and dining. The 4-1-4 academic calendar includes a January term that many students use for travel or internships. Greek life exists but doesn't dominate social scenes. Most students stay on campus weekends since 66% come from Iowa and view Wartburg as their home away from home.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 1,263 beds
Calendar System: Four-One-Four
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 10°–28°F
July Avg: 64°–85°F
Annual Precipitation: 36.3"
Annual Snowfall: 39.1"

Student Demographics

Two-thirds of students come from Iowa, reflecting Wartburg's strong reputation within the state's Lutheran communities. The student body is 80% white, typical for rural Iowa colleges. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, indicating the school serves some lower-income families despite its $51,040 sticker price. The nearly even gender split stems from the college's dual strengths in education and music, fields that attract both men and women. Students gravitate toward this close-knit campus where Lutheran values shape the academic experience.

Men: 51.8%
Women: 48.2%
White: 80.4%
Black: 4.5%
Hispanic: 4.3%
Asian: 0.5%
In-State Students: 66.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 21.5%

Location

Wartburg College sits in Waverly, Iowa, a small town about 120 miles northwest of Des Moines and 100 miles west of Cedar Falls. The college enrolls 1,446 students in this rural Iowa community of roughly 10,000 residents. Waverly offers the classic small-town college experience with tree-lined streets and a downtown that revolves around campus life. The surrounding region features rolling farmland and tight-knit communities typical of northeast Iowa. With 66% of students coming from in-state, many are familiar with Iowa's agricultural landscape and small-town values. The Four-One-Four calendar system allows students to explore internships in larger cities during the January term. Students considering colleges in Iowa may also compare Wartburg College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Waverly, Iowa 50677-0903

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $56,201
Median Earnings (5 years): $54,214
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $40,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 79.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $286/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $27,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Wartburg College?

Wartburg College accepts 97.45% of applicants, making it accessible to nearly all students who apply. The average SAT score is 1045, reflecting the college's commitment to welcoming students with diverse academic backgrounds. This Lutheran liberal arts college prioritizes finding the right fit over ultra-selective admissions.

How much does Wartburg College cost after financial aid?

The average net price at Wartburg College is $22,604 despite a sticker price of $51,040 for tuition. Students receiving institutional grants get an average of $36,157 in aid, making this Iowa college much more affordable than it initially appears. Graduates leave with a median debt of $27,000 and monthly loan payments of $286.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Wartburg College?

Wartburg College maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio with 1,446 total students. This small liberal arts environment allows for personalized attention in the college's strong music and education programs. The intimate setting reflects the Lutheran tradition of close mentoring relationships between faculty and students.

What are the job prospects for Wartburg College graduates?

Wartburg College graduates have a 98.5% employment rate and earn a median salary of $56,201 ten years after graduation. The 67% four-year graduation rate reflects the college's hands-on approach to student success. Alumni benefit from strong networks in Iowa and throughout the Midwest, particularly in education and music fields.

Where is Wartburg College located and what is campus life like?

Wartburg College sits in Waverly, Iowa, a small town setting with housing capacity for 1,263 students. The retention rate of 80.29% suggests students appreciate the close-knit community atmosphere. With 66% of students from Iowa, the campus maintains strong ties to local Lutheran communities while welcoming students from across the region.

Does Wartburg College have strong athletics programs?

Wartburg College fields 24 varsity sports teams competing in NCAA Division III with 806 total student-athletes. The Knights compete in the American Rivers Conference without offering athletic scholarships, emphasizing the student-athlete experience over recruitment. Nearly 56% of the student body participates in athletics, reflecting the college's commitment to well-rounded education.