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Luther College vs Wartburg College

Luther College is a private college in Decorah, IA. Wartburg College is a private college in Waverly, IA. Luther College admits about 72% of applicants and Wartburg College about 76%, making Luther College the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $23,097 a year at Luther College after aid, and about $32,908 at Wartburg College. About 73% of students graduate at Luther College, compared with 66% at Wartburg College. Ten years after enrolling, Luther College alumni earn a median of about $59,850, against $56,201 for Wartburg College.

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Luther College

Decorah, IA · Private

Wartburg College

Waverly, IA · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Decorah, IA
Waverly, IA
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,379
1,452
Acceptance rate
72%
76%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.47–3.97
3.35–3.85
SAT (middle 50%)
1078–1406
930–1200
ACT (middle 50%)
22–29
21–27
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,097
$32,908
Full cost / yr
$65,461
$64,359
In-state tuition
$52,120
$26,250
Out-of-state tuition
$52,120
$26,250
Application fee
$0
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$12,517
$21,688
$30k - $48k
$12,835
$20,751
$48k - $75k
$19,351
$27,056
$75k - $110k
$22,204
$28,873
Over $110k
$29,376
$38,864
Outcomes
Graduation rate
73%
66%
Freshman retention
77%
76%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$49,541
$48,795
Median earnings (10 yr)
$59,850
$56,201
Median debt at graduation
$27,000
$27,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
20%
22%
First-generation students
13%
17%
International students
15%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Jan 1
Not reported
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 Luther College or Wartburg College harder to get into?
Luther College is harder to get into. It admits about 72% of applicants, compared with 76% at Wartburg 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, Luther College or Wartburg College?
Luther College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $23,097 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $32,908 at Wartburg College. 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 Luther College and Wartburg College?
Before aid, Wartburg College costs about $64,359 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, Luther College or Wartburg College?
Luther College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $12,517 there, against about $21,688 at Wartburg College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Luther College or Wartburg College?
Wartburg College is the larger of the two, with about 1,452 undergraduates against 1,379 at Luther College.
Does Luther College or Wartburg College have a better graduation rate?
Luther College has the higher graduation rate, at about 73% against 66% at Wartburg College.
Do graduates of Luther College or Wartburg College earn more?
Luther College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $59,850 ten years after enrolling, against about $56,201 for Wartburg College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Luther College and Wartburg College require SAT or ACT scores?
Luther College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Wartburg College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Luther College and Wartburg College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1078–1406 at Luther College and 930–1200 at Wartburg 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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