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Luther College

Decorah, IA · Town · 1,379 students
WebsiteCommon AppScorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$23,097
Average net priceYour net price
2023-24
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
73%
Graduation rate
Entered fall 2017 & 2018
69% typical
$59,850
Earnings 10 years on
Measured 2020 & 2021
$58,391 typical
72%
Acceptance rate
Applied for fall 2024
64% typical · not scored
Accredited by Higher Learning Commission
About

Luther College, a selective liberal arts institution in Decorah, Iowa, is best known for its world-class music ensembles, exceptional nursing and pre-health programs, and deep commitment to environmental sustainability. Nestled among the scenic limestone bluffs of the Driftless Region, the college fosters a collaborative, active campus culture where students frequently combine rigorous academics with outdoor recreation and performing arts. Luther uniquely sets itself apart through its signature interdisciplinary Paideia core curriculum and a premier global learning program that sees roughly 70 percent of students study abroad before graduation.

Location
Decorah, IA, 52101-1045 · Town campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
MSP · Minneapolis
129 mi away
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
YoursEveryone
Tuition & fees$52,120
Housing & food (on campus)$11,530
Books & supplies$1,040
Cost of attendance$68,970
Average net price$23,097
Same price for all students
Tuition & fees$52,120
Housing & food (on campus)$11,530
Books & supplies$1,040
Cost of attendance$68,970
Average net price$23,097
Source: U.S. College Scorecard · published total: www.luther.edu
How it’s made up · 2026-27
Luther College’s own figures for 2026-27, newer than the 2024-25 federal figures above, so the amounts differ.
Tuition$55,140
Housing$6,010
Food$6,700
Books & supplies$550
Total published by the school$68,970
Net price by family income · 2023-24
$0–30k
$12,517
$30–48k
$12,835
$48–75k
$19,351
$75–110k
$22,204
$110k+
$29,376
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
73%
Entered 2017–18
Within 4 yrs
61%
Back for yr 2
77%
Transferred
15%
8 yrs after starting · first-time, full-time students
73% graduated · 19% transferred · 7% left or unknown · none still enrolled
Earnings · measured 2020 & 2021
6 yrs after entry$49,541
10 yrs after entry$59,850
Debt
Median at graduation$27,000
Monthly payment$286
Middle 50% owe$12.8k–$30k
90th percentile$32,857
Green marks a figure above the typical Baccalaureate — arts & sciences: 69% graduate within 6 yrs, $58,391 earned 10 yrs after entry.
Admissions
Getting in · applied for fall 2024
Admit rate
72%
Test policy
Test optional
Per College Scorecard
SAT average
1218
R 550–668 · M 528–738
ACT midpoint
26
Comp 22–29 · E 20–29 · M 20–28
SAT middle 50%: 1078–1406
40080012001600

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Essay prompts

If Luther College asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the Common App.

The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.

Student Body
Gender
Men 48%Women 52%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
9 : 1
Pell grant
20%
First-gen
13%
Family income
$92,364
Independent
2%
Age at entry
19.0
Part-time
1%
Race & ethnicity
White
71%
Hispanic
6%
Black
4%
Asian
1%
Non-resident
15%
AI/AN
1%
Unknown
2%
Varsity sports
NCAA Division III with football · EADA 2024-25
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Bowling
    Men's · Women's
  • Football
    Men's
  • Golf
    Men's · Women's
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Swimming and Diving (combined)
    Men's · Women's
  • Tennis
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)
    Men's · Women's
  • Volleyball
    Women's
  • Wrestling
    Men's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs · measured 2020 & 2021
After 6 yrs
$49,541
After 10 yrs
$59,850
Biology, General37
Music33
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing31
Business Administration, Management and Operations31
Research and Experimental Psychology23
English Language and Literature, General22
Information Science/Studies21
Political Science and Government18
Computer Science17
Design and Applied Arts15
Social Work14
Natural Resources Conservation and Research13
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods13
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General11
Accounting and Related Services11
History11
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$205M
Full-time faculty
88%
Faculty salary
$8,115/mo
Teaching spend
$17,234
per student
Federal loans
65%
Classification
Carnegie type
Baccalaureate — arts & sciences
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, selective admissions

Wondering if Luther College is the right fit for you?

SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

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Financial aid & net cost estimates
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