Luther College inspires and equips students to courageously serve the common good through a holistic education in the liberal arts. Here, we draw excellence out of every student, preparing them for lives of meaning and purpose. With more than 60 areas of learning, a focus on high-impact learning practices, and many opportunities to learn and grow in the real world, we help students uncover their passion and set them up not only for fulfilling careers but also for fulfilling lives.
Students at Luther quickly become part of its close-knit community, which is committed to academic excellence, the development of whole persons, servant leadership, and the exploration of faith, vocation, and values in an inclusive residential community grounded in the Lutheran (ELCA) tradition. Our student body comes from 77 countries and 35 states; it includes 23% students of color and 21% first-generation students.
With 70 student organizations, 24 varsity athletic teams, and one of the largest undergraduate music programs in the country, students at Luther develop rich social lives and lifelong friendships. All Luther students experience internships, study-away, research projects, creative projects, community projects, work-study projects, job shadow, or fieldwork, plus experiential learning courses. This enriching combination of experiences, grounded in Luther College values, develops graduates who better their communities and the world.
Distinctive Facts & Features
In its annual top colleges ranking, Forbes named Luther as one of 25 schools with the most generous scholarship packages.
The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked Luther #1 among Iowa private colleges for learning opportunities; community and social life; and learning facilities.
Luther has one of the largest undergraduate music programs in the country. Of our 20+ ensembles, six are touring ensembles. Four ensembles go on international as well as domestic tours. Any student, regardless of major, can participate in the music program. Music scholarships are available to students of all majors.
Luther has a robust study-away program—45% of the class of 2024 studied off campus. Recent study-away locations include: Malta, Norway, Germany, England, Honduras, Nepal, New Zealand, Turkey, Greece, Tanzania, Costa Rica, South Africa, Mexico, and more.
99% of Luther seniors (class of 2024) report that they’ve participated in career-building practices like research with faculty, study abroad, a culminating senior experience, or a learning community.
97% of 2024 graduates were employed, continuing their education, or doing service work within eight months of graduation.
#7 in sustainability nationally, according to AASHE’s College Sustainable Campus Index.
Luther’s campus includes nearly 1,000 acres—200 acres of a beautiful central campus and 800 acres of natural areas used for recreation and research.
Luther’s hometown of Decorah is regularly named one of America’s “Best Small Towns.”
Over 50 miles of trails run through and around Decorah for hiking, biking, and running. The Upper Iowa River runs through Decorah and campus for kayaking, tubing, and fishing.
Student Profile
Male: 47%
Female: 50%
Nonbinary or transgender: 3%
Iowa Students: 26%
Out-of-state students: 59%
International students: 15%
U.S. students of color: 13%
First-generation students: 21%
Most Popular Majors
60 areas of learning (majors, minors, and pre-professional programs)
Top ten majors include: nursing, management, exercise science, biology, psychology, visual communication, music, music education, environmental studies, and data science
Cost
Tuition: $53,190
Room (double room): $5,720
Board: $6,380
Financial Aid Data
In its annual top colleges ranking, Forbes named Luther as one of 25 schools with the most generous scholarship packages.
In the class that started at Luther in fall 2024:
100% received financial aid
100% received a merit-based scholarship or award
$51,868 was the average need-based financial aid offer
On-campus jobs are available to any student who is eligible to work in the U.S.
Class Size
Student/Faculty Ratio: 9 to 1
Average class size: 15
Faculty
Full-time faculty with terminal degrees: 92%
Faculty who live within 5 miles of campus: 95%
Athletics and Intramural Activities
NCAA Division III
Member of the American Rivers Conference (the Midwest Conference starting in 2026–27)
24 varsity athletics teams with 237 conference titles
Students participating in intercollegiate athletics: 40%
Students participating in intramural sports: 45%
Recent $24 million investment in the Gerdin Fieldhouse for Athletics and Wellness that will include a new arena, team meeting rooms, locker rooms, wrestling complex, and more.
Co-curricular Activities
Student clubs and organizations: 70
Luther has one of the largest undergraduate music programs in the country. Of our 20+ ensembles, six are touring ensembles. Four ensembles go on international as well as domestic tours. Any student, regardless of major, can participate in the music program. Music scholarships are available to students of all majors.
The Student Activities Council is a student org that brings world-class performers to campus, including T-Pain, Hippo Campus, Pentatonix, Lizzo, Jason Derulo, and Panic! At the Disco.
The theatre program stages four shows per academic year, with auditions open to all students.
