Luther College

• Location: Decorah, Iowa, USA,
• Founded in: 1861,
• Language of instruction: English,
• Type of study: blended,
• Programs: Bachelor of Arts,
• Duration: four years.

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.

The Bachelor of Arts degree requires 128 semester credit hours. All students participate in hands-on learning through internships, research, study abroad, student teaching, or service learning. Externships and opportunities for students to collaborate with faculty on research are also available.

90% of students study away from campus, either in the United States or abroad. Two-thirds study abroad during their time at college. The January Term allows students to explore one discipline in depth.

Nearly 175 students major in music. The curriculum stipulates:

• Music theory,
• Ear training,
• Music history,
• Music education,
• Composition,
• Jazz,
• Church music,
• Performance.

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.

Academic options are divided into majors and minors. The available combinations are listed below.

A Luther College student was one of seven finalists for the 2027 Rhodes Southern Africa award.

Other student achievements include receiving the Kuh Family “Positively Luther” Award and the Krahn Family Student Life Service Award for contributions to student life.

Michael Gerdin, a 1992 graduate, is the chairman, president and CEO of Heartland Express.

Luther College is included in the top tier of national liberal arts colleges in the U.S. News and World Report college guide.

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.

Luther College's wind turbine, known as Daryll, was commissioned by General Electric on November 1, 2011.

The campus maintains three Residence Hall Gardens, two edible landscapes, and several community gardens.

Michael Gerdin and his wife, Nicole, supported the expansion and renovation of the Regents Center. The renovated complex was named Gerdin Fieldhouse.

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.

One-third of students participate in music through large ensembles, faculty-coached chamber groups, private lessons, and master classes. The college has five choirs, three orchestras, two bands, and two jazz bands.

The theme of Christmas at Luther is “Let Us All Rejoice and Sing!” The Center Stage Series offers Ten Thousand Hours by the Australian circus ensemble Gravity and Other Myths. Students receive free tickets to the performance.

Creative groups include AfroNorse, an organization celebrating African music and dance, SPIN Theatre Company, Top Banana Improv Troupe, and Orchesis Contemporary Dance Group.

Students can develop their academic interests through:

• Anthropology Club,
• Business Club,
• Chemistry Club,
• Computer Science Society,
• Luther Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning Association,
• Health Sciences Club,
• Neuroscience Club,
• Society of Physics Students,
• Luther College Model United Nations (LCMUN).

Active recreation options include Climbing Club, Equestrian Club, Luther College Men’s Volleyball, Luther College Ballroom and Swing, Luther College Disc Golf Club, and Norse Self Defense / Kickboxing Club. There is also LUFDA Men’s Ultimate Frisbee and the Luther College Board Game Club.

Student Senate and Student Activities Council take part in campus life. International Students & Allies Association brings foreign students together. Students working in the college gardens help plant, grow, and harvest.

Other student organizations include:

• Council for Faith and Life,
• Student Athlete Advisory Committee,
• Aspiring Educators/Luther Student Education Association (LSEA),
• Future Music Educators Association (FMEA),
• Luther Arts Collective,
• Luther Student Nurses Association,
• Mock Trial,
• Pre-Dental Club,
• Vis Biz,
• Luther College Cheerleading,
• Luther College Dance Team,
• Pound Ultimate Frisbee,
• Moving For Wellbeing,
• Norse Student Emergency Management,
• Special Olympics,
• Stitches and Threads,
• Alpha Beta Psi (ABY) Sorority,
• Beta Theta Omega,
• Inter Greek Council,
• Tau Delta Gamma Sorority,
• Tri-Omega Fraternity,
• Beautiful Mess,
• CHIPS,
• K-Move,
• KWLC,
• Luther College Vocal Jazz,
• Luther Folk Society,
• Luther Ringers,
• MerryMakers,
• Performing Arts Committee,
• Undeclared TTBB Acapella,
• UpTempo Acapella,
• Asian Student Association and Allies,
• Black Student Union,
• Latines Unides,
• ECO (Environmental Concerns),
• Food Council,
• Luther College Dance Marathon,
• Luther College Social Work Association,
• PALS,
• Student Philanthropy Council,
• Common Ground,
• Luther College Democratic Forum,
• Luther Disability Alliance,
• Norse Against Sexual Assault (NASA),
• PRIDE,
• Turning Point USA – Luther College,
• Up2Us Luther College,
• Fellowship of Christian Athletes,
• Thursday Night Discipleship.

The events program includes a free public lecture by Eddie Glaude Jr., followed by a book signing.

• 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,
• 95% of faculty members hold the most advanced degree in their field.

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).

Noble Recital Hall is located in the Jenson-Noble Hall of Music. The campus also has Sampson Hoffland Laboratories.

Sports facilities include:

• Carlson Stadium,
• Tennis Courts,
• Baseball Field,
• Softball Field,
• Soccer Pitch,
• Challenge Course.

Other campus facilities include:

• Bentdahl Commons,
• Sperati Guest House,
• Campus House,
• Koren,
• Larsen Hall,
• Loyalty Hall,
• Main Building,
• Farwell Hall,
• Miller and Dieseth Halls,
• Campus Apartments,
• Olson Hall,
• Solar Array,
• Anderson Prairie.

Academic semesters and January Term:

• 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.

Tuition is charged at a flat rate rather than calculated by credit hour.

Additional charges include technology, health and wellbeing, and co-curricular activity fees, applied music lessons, and a non-refundable enrollment deposit.

• Fill out an application for admission. An admission essay or writing sample is an optional supporting document,
• Two letters of recommendation from faculty or advisors are optional supporting documents,
• 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.

The admissions committee assesses the entire high school transcript.

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.

Within eight months of graduation, 93% of graduates are employed, pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree, completing an internship, or volunteering.

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.

A transfer student is an applicant who has earned college credit after graduating from high school.

ACT or SAT results, when provided, must show the composite score, all corresponding subscores, and test dates.

Main Scholarships and Grants:

• An academic scholarship 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 available to international students to cover the estimated cost of health insurance for one year. The grant is renewed annually,
• A 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 annual Hervey Scholarship was established by Professor Norma Hervey and her husband William and is awarded to academically gifted international students,
• Weston Noble Music Scholarships are awarded to applicants who demonstrate outstanding potential to participate in the college's music activities regardless of their chosen major,
• The 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 annual 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 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 annual math scholarship 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.

100% of Luther College students receive financial assistance. An applicant’s cumulative GPA is used to determine the academic merit scholarship. Eligibility for this scholarship does not depend on whether standardized test scores are submitted.

Luther College Impact Awards cover tuition for eligible high-achieving students throughout their enrollment. For families borrowing toward education, additional loan support can cover transportation and personal expenses.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision