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Dordt University vs Luther College

Dordt University is a private university in Sioux Center, IA, and Luther College is a private college in Decorah, IA. Dordt University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 68% of applicants against 72% at Luther College. Luther College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $23,097 a year against $25,807 at Dordt University. About 73% of students graduate at Luther College, compared with 68% at Dordt University. Ten years after enrolling, Luther College alumni earn a median of about $59,850, against $52,559 for Dordt University.

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Dordt University

Sioux Center, IA · Private

Luther College

Decorah, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Sioux Center, IA
Decorah, IA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,597
1,379
Acceptance rate
68%
72%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.48–3.98
3.47–3.97
SAT (middle 50%)
1070–1330
1078–1406
ACT (middle 50%)
21–29
22–29
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$25,807
$23,097
Full cost / yr
$51,733
$65,461
In-state tuition
$37,050
$52,120
Out-of-state tuition
$37,050
$52,120
Application fee
Not reported
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$22,597
$12,517
$30k - $48k
$21,083
$12,835
$48k - $75k
$24,079
$19,351
$75k - $110k
$25,113
$22,204
Over $110k
$29,940
$29,376
Outcomes
Graduation rate
68%
73%
Freshman retention
85%
77%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$50,551
$49,541
Median earnings (10 yr)
$52,559
$59,850
Median debt at graduation
$21,500
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
20%
First-generation students
12%
13%
International students
9%
15%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Not reported
Jan 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Dordt University or Luther College harder to get into?
Dordt University is harder to get into. It admits about 68% of applicants, compared with 72% at Luther College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Dordt University or Luther College?
Luther College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,097 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $25,807 at Dordt University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Dordt University and Luther College?
Before aid, Dordt University costs about $51,733 a year and Luther College about $65,461. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Dordt University or Luther College?
Luther College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,517 there, against about $22,597 at Dordt University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Dordt University or Luther College?
Dordt University is the larger of the two, with about 1,597 undergraduates against 1,379 at Luther College.
Does Dordt University or Luther College have a better graduation rate?
Luther College has the higher graduation rate, at about 73% against 68% at Dordt University.
Do graduates of Dordt University or Luther College earn more?
Luther College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $59,850 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,559 for Dordt University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Dordt University and Luther College require SAT or ACT scores?
Dordt University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Luther College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Dordt University and Luther College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1070–1330 at Dordt University and 1078–1406 at Luther College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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