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93.8%Acceptance
$35,080Tuition
1,009Students
63%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$54,664Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

About Wisconsin Lutheran College

Wisconsin Lutheran College brings together faith and academics for its 1,009 students in Milwaukee. The school emphasizes Christian integration across all disciplines while building a reputation for strong teacher education programs. With a 93.83% acceptance rate, the college welcomes students seeking a Lutheran liberal arts experience in an urban setting. Students benefit from small classes with an 11:1 student-faculty ratio.

The financial picture tells a compelling story. While tuition runs $35,080, most students pay far less through aid packages. The average net price drops to $21,315, making this private education surprisingly accessible. Graduates leave with a median debt of $26,000 but earn $54,664 ten years after graduation. With 97.6% of graduates finding employment, the investment typically pays off through steady career prospects.

Campus life centers around the Warriors' 19 NCAA Division III sports teams, drawing 421 student-athletes to competition. About 66% of students come from Wisconsin, creating a tight-knit community where 80% of freshmen return for sophomore year. The semester calendar and 769-bed housing capacity support a traditional college experience. Students appreciate the blend of academic rigor and faith-based community that defines this young institution founded in 1973.

Academics & Faculty

Wisconsin Lutheran College operates as a small Lutheran liberal arts institution where faith integration shapes every academic program. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally and can provide individualized mentoring. The college is particularly known for its teacher education programs, which prepare educators to serve in Lutheran schools and public districts across the Midwest. Students also pursue strong liberal arts majors in business, psychology, and the sciences. The 64.86% four-year graduation rate reflects the close-knit community support system. All coursework incorporates Christian worldview perspectives, making this ideal for students who want rigorous academics grounded in Lutheran theological principles.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
11:1
Full-Time Faculty
96.1%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
64.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
62.7%
Retention Rate
79.9%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$54,664
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $62,111
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Bachelor $46,869
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Bachelor $41,937
Communication and Media Studies. Bachelor $39,009
Biology, General. Bachelor $31,670
Psychology, General. Bachelor $30,984

View all 52 programs →

Campus Life

Wisconsin Lutheran sits in Milwaukee, where students bundle up for winter temperatures that regularly drop below freezing and snow that blankets the campus from December through March. The campus houses 769 students in residence halls, meaning most of the 1,009-student body lives on campus and creates a tight-knit community feel. With 66% of students coming from Wisconsin, many go home on weekends, but campus life revolves around the 19 varsity sports teams that compete in Division III athletics.

The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and often incorporate Lutheran values into classroom discussions. Milwaukee's downtown sits just minutes away, offering internships, restaurants, and cultural events that many students explore. Campus traditions center around chapel services and community service projects that reflect the school's Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod affiliation. Weekend activities often include attending Warriors games, participating in campus ministry events, or exploring Milwaukee's lakefront and brewery scene. The small size means student organizations rely heavily on participation, creating multiple leadership opportunities for engaged students.
Setting
City-Large
Housing Capacity
769 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1973

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Dating Violence 1 1 0 0
Fondling 2 0 0 0
Stalking 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
13°–29°F
July Avg
63°–83°F
Annual Precipitation
31.9"
Annual Snowfall
39.9"

Student Demographics

Wisconsin Lutheran College draws primarily from Wisconsin, with 66% of students coming from in-state, reflecting its strong regional reputation among Lutheran families. The student body is 73% white, typical for a faith-based institution in the upper Midwest. One in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the college serves middle-class families seeking affordable Christian education. The slight female majority at 53% aligns with the college's popular teacher education programs, which historically attract more women. Students tend to share the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod's conservative Christian values and prioritize faith integration in their academic experience.
Men
47.3%
Women
52.7%
White
72.3%
Black
6.2%
Hispanic
11.3%
Asian
1.7%
In-State Students
66.2%
Pell Grant Recipients
25.4%

Location

Wisconsin Lutheran College sits in Milwaukee, Wisconsin's largest city with over 590,000 residents. The campus occupies 22 acres in the heart of this Great Lakes metropolis, giving students access to major league sports, museums, and internship opportunities at Fortune 500 companies headquartered here. Milwaukee's brewing heritage and lakefront location create a distinctive urban environment. The college draws 66.19% of its students from within Wisconsin, with many coming from Milwaukee's suburbs and surrounding communities. Lake Michigan provides recreational opportunities just minutes from campus. The city's revitalized downtown and diverse neighborhoods offer cultural experiences beyond the college's small 1,009-student community. Students considering colleges in Wisconsin may also compare Wisconsin Lutheran College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226-4699
Wauwatosa June 2024 059
Wauwatosa June 2024 059
Wisconsin Lutheran College Athletic Center
Wisconsin Lutheran College Athletic Center

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$54,664
Median Earnings (5 years)
$59,482
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$37,200
Loan Repayment Rate
72.8%
Monthly Loan Payment
$276/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Wisconsin Lutheran College?

Wisconsin Lutheran College accepts 93.83% of applicants, making admission highly accessible for most students. The average SAT score is 1141, with the middle 50% scoring between 1038 and 1243. This Lutheran college prioritizes character and faith commitment alongside academic preparation.

How much does Wisconsin Lutheran College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $21,315, lower than the full tuition of $35,080. Students from families earning less than $30,000 pay only $14,218 on average. The college provides institutional grants averaging $23,128 to help make Christian education affordable.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Wisconsin Lutheran College?

The student-faculty ratio is 11:1 across the 1,009 enrolled students. This small college environment allows for personalized attention and mentorship. Wisconsin Lutheran is particularly known for its strong teacher education programs and faith-integrated curriculum.

What are the career outcomes for Wisconsin Lutheran College graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $54,664 ten years after graduation, with a 97.6% employment rate. The 6-year graduation rate is 62.70%, while 64.86% complete their degree in four years. Alumni often pursue careers in education, ministry, and other service-oriented fields.

Where is Wisconsin Lutheran College located and what is campus life like?

The college sits in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with housing capacity for 769 students out of 1,009 total enrollment. About 66% of students come from Wisconsin, creating a close-knit community atmosphere. The Warriors compete in 19 NCAA Division III sports with 421 total athletes participating.

Does Wisconsin Lutheran College have a religious affiliation?

Wisconsin Lutheran College is affiliated with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod and was founded in 1973. The college integrates Christian faith with liberal arts education across all programs. Students experience chapel services, faith-based curriculum, and a community centered on Lutheran values and traditions.