Luther College

• Location: Decor, Iowa, USA,
• Founded in: 1861,
• Language of instruction: English,
• Type of study: blended.

Luther College — private nonprofit Christian educational institution. The college actively cooperates with the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM) and accepts students from 15 to 18 years old, offering bachelor's degrees.

Luther College is committed to making learning accessible to all students by offering scholarships, need-based aid, on-the-job education, and credit programs.

Students have 60 majors to choose from, and the teaching philosophy emphasizes the connections between disciplines.

Luther College is a Phi Beta Kappa institution recognized by only 10% of colleges and universities. Its alumni have received numerous awards: Fulbright, Rhodes, Goldwater, and NCAA Graduate Scholarships.  An 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio gives students an individualized classroom experience, with educators additionally acting as academic advisors for research papers.

Students are actively involved in campus life: more than 25% of them compete in one or more of the 21 sports, about 40% regularly.

Students' extracurricular activities consist of more than 80 student organizations, including the campus newspaper and radio station.

The college takes seriously its mission to "practice stewardship of the resources around us." The green campus's activities, partnerships with local businesses, and academic courses that include sustainability have earned it a number of environmental leadership awards. Luther College is ranked in the Top 10 of the AASHE Campus Sustainability Index national rankings.

Faculties:

• biology
• chemistry
• the study of communication,
• informatics
• Economics, Accounting and Management,
• education
• English language
• environmental studies,
• Health and Exercise Science,
• history
• the study of identity,
• international studies,
• mathematics
• modern languages and cultures,
• music
• nursing,
• paideia,
• philosophy
• physics
• political science
• psychology
• religion
• Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work,
• Visual and Performing Arts.

About 83.63% of students return to college after their freshman year, which is in line with the national average of 68%. The ethnic composition of the students is diverse, with 75.23% white and the rest of the students from more than 20 other ethnic groups.

On-campus accommodation is possible on a boarding basis, which allows you to create a special student community and simplifies the life of foreigners, allowing you to focus on your studies without worrying about finding housing in another country.

In first-year residences, two to four students can be accommodated in one room: the rooms are equipped with public and study halls, wireless Internet access, computer labs, laundry rooms and kitchens.

• Brandt Hall is a freshman residence in the center of the campus with quick access to the library and music room. It accommodates 355 first-year students in double, triple and quadruple rooms. The west and east wings of the building are connected by educational and public halls. Each student is provided with a double elongated bed, a desk, a work chair, a chest of drawers and a wardrobe or wardrobe.
• Ilvisaker Hall is a first-year residence located across from the laboratories and the Hall of Science, near the Center for Faith and Life, accommodating 256 students in double rooms. Each student is provided with a double extended bed, a desk, a work chair, a wardrobe and a chest of drawers.

The residences employ senior students and adult professionals who provide comfort and coziness for residents.

Luther College's dining service offers students a lunch menu that includes a varied selection of dishes. Chefs create menus to make the most of fresh fruits and vegetables, all products are purchased from local producers, and some even grow their own on campus.  There are two main cafes on campus: Dahl Centennial Union Dining Hall and Peace Dining Hall.

Luther College hosts events in different directions: sports competitions, creative competitions, scientific conferences. Students can take yoga classes and take additional tests to understand their own psychological state to monitor their physical and mental health.

• An inclusive approach to working with each student, including attentive listening, acknowledging past learning experiences, and co-creating effective solutions. Services for People with Disabilities are part of the Academic Enrichment Center (CAE).
• The majority of first-year students who enter college as undecided in their choice of direction complete their degree within four years, and 20-25% complete a dual major.
• As support, there are various scholarships and awards based on demonstrated academic achievement, talent in music, theater, dance, and the arts.
• Short period of study: Graduates of the ninth grade receive vocational education in four years, while at the university they study from four to six years.

On the territory of the college, students have access to:

• equipment for sports and music halls,
• educational supplies for classrooms of general education disciplines (teaching materials, demonstration manuals),
• professional posters that are important for each specialty,
• computer equipment,
• Means for inclusive education (ramps, handrails, assistant circuits, audio systems).

Seasonal periods of school trimesters:

• The education from September to December,
• A three-week session in January,
• The education from February to May.

Holidays at Luther College are provided during the winter and summer periods: winter lasts from mid-December to early January, and summer lasts from late May to early June.  

Additional student expenses include the cost of books, stationery and study materials. Students must pay for meals, lodging, and transportation if they do not reside on campus.

• Fill out an application for admission, write an admission essay.
• Provide two letters of recommendation from faculty or advisors.
• Provide original or certified copies of high school diplomas or report cards.
• Provide the results of the secondary school final exam (school leaving certificate) and the results of any national examination.
• Confirm your level of English proficiency: TOEFL, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test.
• Submit a completed, signed, and verified International Student Financial Aid Application (ISAFA) indicating the ability to finance college travel and study. In addition, it is necessary to provide certified bank statements, certificates of salary of parents or other documents confirming the ability to finance part of the expenses associated with studying.

The original and certified copy must be stamped and signed by a school official or notary. Each copy must be submitted in English in the same format as the original.

In 2023, Luther College accepted 1648 students out of 2188 who applied, which is 75.32% of the total applicants. The average SAT score for admitted students in 2023 was 1229, while the average ACT score was 26.

After graduating from Luther College, graduates have good prospects for admission to prestigious universities around the world, including the United States, Europe, and Asia, about 96% of graduates go on to study at universities.

Graduates of the college became Rhodes Scholars and even Nobel Prize winners.

The college's admissions standards are selective: the commission tries to admit international students who, judging by their academic performance, are capable of successful academic work in the United States. A score of 80 or higher is required for the TOEFL; for TOEFL Essentials — 8.5 or higher; IELTS score of 6.5 or higher; for DET, 115 or higher. SAT or ACT test scores are optional for admission, but the administration recommends taking them too, as they can be used to increase the level of an academic scholarship.  

Main Scholarships and Grants:

• An academic scholarship ranging from $26,000 to $34,000 is awarded based on academic performance in the school, projected IB scores, SAT, ACT, and TOEFL/IELTS/DET test scores. It can be renewed annually for four years, provided that the student maintains satisfactory academic performance.
• World Leader Scholarships are awarded to international students and U.S. students living abroad at the time of college admission. The scholarship recognizes the talents and leadership potential of students from all over the world. The amount of the scholarship varies and is determined based on demonstrated need and potential contribution to improving campus life. It is renewed annually for four years, provided that the student maintains satisfactory academic performance.
• Luther International's student health insurance grant is now valued at around $2,000 and is available to international students to cover the estimated cost of health insurance for one year. The grant is renewed annually.
• An $800 transition grant is available to all international students to help them smoothly adjust to student life in the U.S. This is a one-time payment: it is designed to help new students pay for expenses related to textbooks, stationery, and other initial out-of-pocket expenses.

Other Scholarships:

• The Hervey Scholarship, which averages $700 per year, was established by Professor Norma Hervey and her husband William and is awarded to academically gifted international students.
• Weston Noble Music Scholarships ranging from $3000 to $7000 are awarded to applicants who demonstrate outstanding potential to participate in the college's music activities regardless of their chosen major.
• The $850 Robert H. Davis History Scholarship is awarded to students who have participated in historical activities and have written an essay describing why the student wants to major in history. This is a one-time payment for first-year students.
• The $3000 per year Theatre Scholarship is awarded to incoming students who demonstrate outstanding potential to participate in the college's theatre program regardless of their chosen major.
• The Sadie Simonson Memorial Art Scholarship, ranging from $500 to $1000, is awarded to applicants who demonstrate outstanding artistic ability as described in the admission essay and letters of recommendation. For first-year students only.
• Xie's math scholarship, which averages between $3,000 and $5,000 per year, is named after Enwei Xie, a graduate of the college with a degree in mathematics, physics, and computer science. It is awarded to new international students who intend to major in mathematics and demonstrate a need for financial aid.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision