Admissions Process for First-Year International Students
To be considered for admission as a first-year international student, you must submit the following:
- Common Application-including the essay/personal statement.
- Two Letters of Recommendation: Teachers, Counselors, Coaches or Advisors.
- Official transcripts/Gradesheets/Marksheets:
- Original or certified copies of your secondary schooling. These copies should be signed by the proper authorities.*
- Final secondary school examination (school leaving certificate) and the results of any national examination (if applicable). If not available at time of application, please submit once complete.
- English Proficiency: Students who do not attend an English-speaking high school, and who are not native English speakers, must submit one of the following exams:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): 80 or higher
- TOEFL Essentials: Band 8.5 or higher
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Band 6.5 or higher
- DET (Duolingo English Test): 115 or higher
- SAT or ACT: OPTIONAL. If you submit your scores, they will be included as part of our holistic application review process.
- Financial Documents:
- Interview: Applicants are invited to an interview with Luther College admissions, as one of the final parts of the admissions process.
*Please note: An original or certified copy of a document must include a stamp/seal and signature from a school official or notary, which certifies the document as a copy of an original. Each document should be submitted in English. If the document is not available in English from the school, please submit a complete translation using the same format as the original document.
About Luther
Located in the vibrant town of Decorah in northeastern Iowa, Luther is an undergraduate liberal arts college affiliated with the Lutheran Church (ELCA).
A Place of Welcome
Luther values the diversity of its students, staff, and faculty, who hail from many faith backgrounds and heritages.
The college strives to make Luther affordable for all students by offering scholarships, need-based aid, work study, and loan programs.
Academic Excellence
Luther offers 60 areas of learning. The college’s learning philosophy highlights connections between disciplines. Its thoughtful and rigorous curriculum moves beyond immediate interests toward engagement in the larger world. This approach to education helps Luther earn inclusion in the top tier of national liberal arts colleges in the U.S. News and World Report’s college guide.
Luther is a Phi Beta Kappa institution, a recognition belonging to only 10 percent of colleges and universities, and its graduates have been honored with awards, such as Fulbright, Rhodes, Goldwater, and NCAA Postgraduate scholarships.
Passionate Teachers
Luther’s faculty are committed to their areas of expertise-95 percent of them hold the most advanced degree in their field. This means that Luther students receive an education from qualified professors who are passionate about what they teach and invested in the college and its students.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Luther values learning beyond the classroom. Internships, externships, and opportunities to collaborate with faculty on research are vital components of a Luther education-and they help test career goals and build résumés. This experiential learning contributes to the stellar career outcomes and postsecondary education rates of Luther graduates.
Study-away experiences are another way that students learn beyond the classroom, and they’re key to the global perspective that Luther promotes. In fact, 90 percent of Luther students study away, domestically or internationally. Many undergraduates take advantage of study-away opportunities during January Term, a three-week period between semesters that allows students to study a particular subject in depth.
A student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1 gives students an exceptional classroom experience, and Luther’s faculty also mentor students, act as advisers, and learn and research in collaboration with students.
An Open-Door Culture
An open-door culture is part of the Luther ethos. Faculty and staff are enthusiastic, accessible, and focused on student success.
An Active Student Body
Luther’s students are highly engaged in campus life. More than 25 percent of them compete in one or more of the college’s 22 intercollegiate sports, and about 40 percent play intramural sports.
Luther also has one of the largest undergraduate music programs in the nation, with five choirs, three orchestras, two bands, and two jazz bands. One-third of all Luther students participate in music, including large ensembles, faculty-coached chamber groups, private lessons, and master classes. Nearly 175 music majors study music theory, ear training, history, education, composition, jazz, church music, and performance.
Student involvement, a Luther hallmark, is also evident in more than 80 student organizations, including a campus newspaper and radio station, as well as many service and honor societies.
Sustainable Practices
Luther takes seriously its mission to “practice joyful stewardship of the resources around us.” Green campus operations, partnerships with local businesses, and academic courses that incorporate sustainability have earned Luther a number of environmental leadership awards. They include a Top 10 national ranking on the AASHE Sustainable Campus Index.
Our Mission
Luther College inspires and equips students to courageously serve the common good through a holistic education in the liberal arts.
IDENTITY
Luther College, a place of intersection, is a community of learners 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 tradition.
VALUES
Community, Curiosity, Excellence, Inclusivity, Sustainability
VISION
Luther College will be widely recognized for providing a holistic education in the liberal arts that draws excellence out of every student and prepares them for lives of meaning and purpose. Luther College will catalyze the creation of a more sustainable and just world, elevating individuals, communities, and society, one graduate at a time.
CALLED BY OUR MISSION
“Luther College inspires and equips students to courageously serve the common good …
Students receive more than a degree at Luther College. A Luther education is transformative and our graduates transform their communities. We move students beyond immediate interests into the larger world, inspiring them to take risks and to serve with distinction for the common good. We prepare students with the tools and dispositions to be global citizens working to make a difference in the world.
… through a holistic education in the liberal arts”
Luther College celebrates the liberating power of a broad course of study in the humanities, fine arts, and natural, physical, and social sciences supported by a robust co-curricular experience. Luther College is a laboratory for life. A Luther education leads students through processes of self-exploration, reflection, and engagement-a progression of inward and outward discoveries that nurtures heart, mind, and body; a sense of belonging and community; and a focus on others. Students take risks, test new roles, and develop lifelong skills, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a sense of wonder, purpose, and adventure.
GROUNDED IN OUR IDENTITY
a place of intersection
Luther College connects ideas, people, and places. Founded where river, woodland, and prairie meet, we strive to be a community where students, faculty, and staff are enlivened and transformed by encounters with one another and by the exchange of ideas.
a community of learners
Community is the foundation of everything we do at Luther College. We honor our heritage as a college founded by Norwegian immigrants by committing to an inclusive community that welcomes all and focuses on uplifting each other through shared inquiry. We believe that the study of the liberal arts is a collective pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness, and we strive together for knowledge and wisdom.
committed to academic excellence
Luther College draws out excellence. We push every student out of their comfort zone, beyond what they thought might have been capable for them. We emphasize curiosity and growth over time as individuals recognize and develop their unique gifts and talents. Our commitment to excellence is both a call for individual achievement and a collaborative pursuit that elevates communities and society.
the development of whole persons
We embrace and enrich all aspects of campus life for an educational experience that develops hearts, minds, and bodies. From athletic competitions to recital halls, laboratories to sacred spaces, Luther College takes a holistic approach to students and their education, striving for well-rounded graduates prepared for lives of meaning and purpose.
servant leadership
Luther students are creative, compassionate, and critical thinkers who become leaders in their communities and careers. Grounded in commitments to sustainability and justice, our graduates lead through a focus on serving others.
the exploration of faith, vocation, and values
Luther College inspires students to explore and discover what gives meaning and direction to their lives. We invite students to a lifelong journey of connecting their passions and gifts to the deepest needs of the world. We help students discern how they may stay rooted in their most profound guiding principles while meeting the challenges of the present moment.
an inclusive residential community
Luther College strives to be a place where all people feel a sense of belonging and a community that is open and welcoming to all. Our beautiful campus in Decorah, Iowa, is the heart of this community, which extends across the globe to include our alumni and friends.
grounded in the Lutheran tradition
Luther College embraces a rich faith and intellectual tradition that calls us to couple freedom of inquiry with intellectual humility; promote the well-being of individuals so that communities may flourish; identify oppression and seek justice to heal divisions; and practice radical hospitality, welcoming all so that we may learn from all.
GUIDED BY OUR VALUES
COMMUNITY
We live and learn in community, so we
- strive to be transformed by encounters with one another.
- support one another and sustain lifelong relationships.
CURIOSITY
We cultivate curiosity, so we
- ask big questions and tackle tough problems.
- take joy in learning and in a sense of wonder.
EXCELLENCE
We prioritize excellence, so we
- challenge each other to grow in our learning, creating, and competing.
- accept risk and equip ourselves to serve with distinction for the common good.
INCLUSIVITY
We are committed to inclusivity, so we
- embrace the diverse identities and perspectives that enliven our campus.
- strive to be a community where people of all backgrounds and identities flourish and belong.
SUSTAINABILITY
We pursue sustainability, so we
- care for one another, for our place and for the planet that sustains us.
- prepare globally engaged leaders who understand and confront a changing society.
Tuition and Fees
Costs for 2026-27
| Tuition | $55,140 |
| Housing (Double Room) | $6,010 |
| Food | $6,700 |
| Technology Fee | $530 |
| Health & Wellbeing Fee | $270 |
| Student Activity Fee | $320 |
| Total Comprehensive Fee | $68,970 |
|---|
Information regarding the calculation of our per credit hour rate for Department of Defense MOU purposes.
Cost Per Credit Hour for Programs Eligible for the Military Tuition Assistance Program
The Department of Defense requires all institutions using a flat rate for tuition to post on their websites the derived “cost per credit hour” of eligible programs in order for our active military students to receive the tuition assistance benefit. This figure is calculated for the sole purpose of meeting this requirement and is not equivalent of the per credit hour tuition rate charged to part-time students. Luther College does not use a cost per credit hour to calculate its flat rate tuition charge.
Program Name Cost Per Credit Hour Calculation
Bachelor of Arts $1,723.00
The per credit hour cost is calculated by taking our current tuition cost ($55,140) x the number of years to complete the program (4) =$220,560/total number of semester hours needed to complete the program (128)=cost per hour of $1,723.
| Description | Per Semester | Full Year |
|---|
| Tuition | $27,570 | $55,140 |
| Technology Fee | $265 | $530 |
| Health and Wellbeing Fee | $135 | $270 |
| Co-Curricular Activity Fee | $160 | $320 |
| Food | $3,350 | $6,700 |
| Housing (Full Food Plan Required) | | |
| Super Single | $4,110 | $8,220 |
| Single Room | $3895 | $7,790 |
| Double Room | $3005 | $6,010 |
| Quad/Triple | $2820 | $5,640 |
| Apartment (w/out Kitchen) – triple | $2,820 | $5,640 |
| Apartment (w/out Kitchen) – double | $2,860 | $5,720 |
| Housing (Full Food Plan NOT Required) | | |
| Baker Village | $4,275 | $8,550 |
| Prairie House – Double | $3,675 | $7,350 |
| Sustainability House – Double | $3,675 | $7,350 |
| Prairie House – Single | $4,275 | $8,550 |
| Apartment (w/Kitchen) | $3,675 | $7,350 |
| Rochester – Single | $8,260 | N/A |
| Rochester Double (interior) | N/A | N/A |
| Rochester Double (corner) | N/A | N/A |
Other Costs to Consider
- Estimated Books $550
- Applied Music Lessons $680 per credit
Families who plan to borrow toward the cost of education may choose to request an additional $2,330 to help offset expected transportation and personal expenses. Estimate your actual cost
We’re Here to Help
We’re ready to help you and your family understand your options for financial aid and scholarships. Connect with Admissions Staff
The Value of a Luther Education
- All Luther students participate in distinctive, hands-on learning: internships, research, study abroad, student teaching, or service learning.
- ⅔ of Luther students study abroad during their time at Luther.
- 93 percent of Luther grads are employed, in graduate school, or engaged in an internship or volunteer work within 8 months of graduating.
Learn more about Luther outcomes
100% of Luther students receive financial assistance. The average total assistance offered to qualifying new students was $48,886 in fall 2023.
Learn more about how to apply for aid
Scholarships for International Students
To demonstrate its strong commitment to global diversity, Luther strives to meet the financial need of all admitted international students.
We offer a wide variety of scholarships and awards based on demonstrated academic excellence, musical talent, fellowships, and other criteria.
Note: Music, talent, or other discipline-based scholarships and the StudyIowa Anne Doyle Award may require additional materials.
Academic Scholarships
Students are automatically considered for academic merit scholarships. It is awarded on the basis of academic performance, predicted exam scores, and a full review of the admissions file. Current academic scholarships are up to $37,000 per academic year.
Academic merit scholarships are renewable through a student’s fourth year at Luther College.
Need-Based Aid
Luther Global Leaders Scholarships: Award amounts vary. The scholarship recognizes the talents and leadership potential of students from around the world whose very presence on campus connects us deeply, personally, and globally. Based on demonstrated need and/or potential contributions to enhancing campus life. It is renewable through a student’s fourth year.
Luther International Student Health Insurance Grant: Valued at $100. Awarded to international students to cover the estimated cost of health insurance premiums for one year. It is renewable through a student’s fourth year.
Luther Transition Grant: Valued at $800. Provided for all incoming international students to help make a smooth adjustment to college life in the U.S. This is a one-time award, and is intended to help new students pay for expenses related to textbooks, school supplies, and other initial personal expenses.
Luther College Work Study: An on-campus job is guaranteed to all international students who choose to work on campus. Students earn approximately $3,800 during the academic year. The earnings can be saved or used to pay for educational and personal expenses throughout the year.
Special Endowed Scholarships
These endowed or named scholarships were given to Luther as generous gifts from alumni and friends of the college. The scholarship amount and criteria for selection varies.They are generally renewable providing the student is enrolled full-time and making satisfactory academic progress.
The Synneva Hella Anderson Memorial Endowed Scholarship, averaging $2,000 a year, was established to encourage the exchange of students and study opportunities between Luther College and Norway, and is awarded to incoming international student(s) from Norway.
Hervey Endowed Scholarship, averaging $700 a year, was established by Professor Norma Hervey and her husband, William, and is awarded to an academically gifted international student.
Engebret Nelson (Sebo) Hong Scholarship, averaging $2,000 a year, was established by Anna E. Hong in memory of her father, and is awarded to incoming international students who are residents of Norway and who desire to prepare themselves for careers in teaching, government service, business, social service, performing arts, law, or medicine.
Reckling-Chossek Scholarship, averaging $1,200 a year, is awarded to a student(s) who can show demonstrated need, with preference given to someone from Tanzania.
The Wigeland/American-Scandinavian Foundation Scholarship Fund, ranging from $1,600 to $3,500 a year, is awarded to students from one of the Scandinavian countries of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Greenland.
Talent Scholarships
Scholarships are available regardless of the student’s intended major.
If an admitted student applies for more than one talent scholarship, they will receive only the highest value award for which they are eligible. The maximum total award for talent and academic scholarships is $50,000 per year.
Music Scholarships
Luther offers a wide variety of scholarships and awards based on musical talent, regardless of chosen major.
Value: $1,000-$25,000 per year
Renewal: Renewable through fourth year of full-time enrollment Application:
- Auditioned music scholarships require completion of the Music Scholarship Application.
- Non-auditioned scholarships are awarded based on specific criteria; no separate application is required.
Deadline: See individual scholarship pages for details.
Selection Criteria: See individual scholarship pages for details.
Notes If an admitted student applies for more than one talent scholarship, they will receive only the highest value award for which they are eligible. The maximum total award for talent and academic scholarships is $50,000 per year.
Learn About Music Scholarships
Theatre Scholarships
Value $3,000 per year
Renewal Renewable through fourth year of full-time enrollment
Application Required
Deadline Application deadline: April 7, 2026 Audition deadline: April 11, 2026
Selection Criteria
- Performance: Audition and interview required.
- Design and Technical Theatre: Portfolio and interview required.
Notes
- Must be an applicant to Luther College to apply.
- Theatre scholarships are available to students regardless of intended major.
- If an admitted student applies for more than one talent scholarship, they will receive only the highest value award for which they are eligible. The maximum total award for talent and academic scholarships is $50,000 per year.
Learn More Apply in the admissions portal
Art Scholarships
Sadie Simonson Memorial Art Scholarship:
Value: $500 – $1,000 per year
Renewal: Non-renewable, one time award
Deadline: March 15, 2026
Selection Criteria Awarded to incoming students who demonstrate outstanding artistic ability as described in their admissions essay and recommendation letters. Students receiving this scholarship are required to enroll in ART 108 Foundations: Drawing or ART 111 Foundations: Sculpture in their first year. For additional details, visit the Art Department Incoming Student Scholarship page.
Lennis Moore Scholarship Value: Amount varies
Renewal: This award is not renewable. However, the art program has additional scholarships it awards to continuing students on the basis of academic and creative performance at Luther. Apply in the admissions portal Other Academic Discipline Based Scholarships
Xie Scholarship for Math: Named for Enwei Xie, a Luther graduate (originally from China) who graduated from Luther with majors in mathematics, physics, and computer science.
Value: $3,000 to $5,000 per year
Renewal: Renewable through fourth year of full-time enrollment
Deadline: Automatically considered
Selection Criteria: Awarded to new international students who intend to major in mathematics and demonstrate the need for financial assistance. Outside Scholarships for Targeted Populations
Davis United World College (UWC) Scholarships Luther is one of nearly 100 colleges in the U.S. recognized as a Davis UWC Scholars Program partner school. This scholar program is committed to bringing talented students from every corner of the world to U.S. colleges and universities in hopes of creating international understanding and positive changes in the world. Through the generous philanthropic support funded by one of its founders, Shelby Davis, matriculated UWC graduates attending Luther may receive up to $30,000 based on need. This scholarship will be renewed each year for four years as long as a student is making satisfactory academic progress. Other Awards and Scholarships
Luther Legacy Award Value: $1,000
Renewal: Renewable through fourth year of full-time enrollment
Deadline: Automatically considered
Selection Criteria: Awarded to dependent children of Luther alumni.
Anne Doyle Award Value: $1,000
Renewal: Non-renewable, one time award
Selection Criteria: Awarded to a new international student who plans to attend a member college or university of StudyIowa, a consortium of which Luther College is a member. The recipient is chosen based on the student’s academic record, essays, and recommendation letters. Instructions on how to apply for this scholarship can be found on StudyIowa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can financial aid be used to pay for books?
Financial aid can be used to pay for books once the student has a remaining credit balance on their student account after other charges have been paid. Students simply can charge books purchased in the Luther Book Shop to their student account.
What financial aid forms am I missing and where do I find those forms?
The Financial Aid Office will notify prospective students of needed forms via mail, e-mail or telephone as required in order to create a financial aid award. Students who choose to attend Luther will receive a mailed notice of forms needed to complete their file in May of the year they will start college.
Once a student begins attendance at Luther, requests for forms are sent via e-mail and a list of needed forms can also be viewed on a student’s Norse Hub account. Most forms that are being requested can be downloaded within Forms.
How many hours of work study are allowed each week?
Most work-study awards allow for a student to work an average of six to ten hours per week throughout the academic year. International students are allowed to work up to thirteen hours per week because the law generally does not allow them to work off campus. Continuing students who are also resident assistants (RAs) are limited to six hours per week due to the work requirements of a RA position.
How many months is the monthly payment plan?
Families can choose to participate in a 4 or 5 month payment plan each semester. Details on each plan can be found in the Student section of the Financial Services website.
My FAFSA Submission Summary says I don’t qualify for a Federal Pell Grant. Does that mean I’m not eligible for financial aid?
f you are not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, you may be eligible for a variety of other types of aid including scholarships, grants, work-study and student loans.
Does it cost anything to participate in the monthly payment plan?
Our payment plan is administered in-house; therefore, there is no cost to participate in the plan as long as payments are automatically withdrawn from a bank account.
Can we use the monthly payment plan in combination with student loans?
The monthly payment plan can be used in combination with both student and parent loans to assist in paying any remaining balance to the college.
Will my financial aid change in future years?
The results of the FAFSA each year are one of the main factors that drive the make-up of a financial aid offer. If FAFSA results are similar each year, the financial aid offer should be similar.
The main components driving FAFSA results are family size and the income and assets of both the student and parents. Failure to meet renewal criteria for scholarships can also change a financial aid offer.
My parents are divorced. Which parent’s information should be reported on the FAFSA?
Effective in the 2024-25 award year, income and assets are reported for the parent who provides the most financial support over the 12 months prior to filing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), even if the student does not live with that parent or lives with the other parent.
How does the federal government come up with my SAI?
A standard formula is used to evaluate the Student Aid Index (SAI) of all students. The main factors that drive SAI for a dependent student include a student’s income and assets, income and assets of the parent(s) a student lives with, the number of family members in the student’s household.
Does Luther College have a priority filing date for financial aid?
February 1st of each year is designated as Luther’s priority filing date for incoming students. This means we encourage families to have their FAFSA on file by February 1st. This allows us adequate time to construct a financial aid package for the upcoming year. The continuing student priority filing date has been moved to March 15th.
Can PLUS loans be put into deferment?
Yes, PLUS loans can be deferred while the student is enrolled in college on at least a half-time basis. The parent borrower can either request the deferment at the time they complete the online loan application or they can contact their loan servicer and request the deferment once the loan has been disbursed.
How do I pay the interest that will accrue on my unsubsidized and private loans?
You will need to contact your lender for specific instructions on making interest only payments on loans while you are enrolled, as procedures may vary by lender. We strongly encourage students and their families to pay this interest as it accrues to help lower the overall cost of the loan.
Why is the college encouraging me to sign up for direct deposit?
Direct Deposit allows the recipient of funds quicker access to those funds without the hassle of keeping track of a paper check and making a trip to the bank. Direct Deposit is also less costly for the college to administer and serves as an efficient means to process payments.
How will a job loss of one of my parents affect my financial aid?
Job losses of a parent should be discussed with a member of the financial aid staff. In many cases, a loss of income will increase the amount of financial aid a student is eligible to receive. This, however, is dependent on the percentage of income lost when compared to adjusted gross income and reported assets.
Why has my friend received his financial aid award but I have not?
Prospective students must be admitted to the college in order to receive a financial aid award. Receipt of the award is also dependent on documents we may need from a student and/or their parents to complete the award.
Our office will also hold an award if we expect a student to complete a music audition or if we are waiting on new transcripts or test scores.
Continuing students receive an award once they are registered for the upcoming year and have submitted all necessary documents to complete their financial aid file.
I don’t want to work my first semester at Luther. Can I still get a job second semester?
Many students choose not to work during their first semester at Luther. Students who do this can still secure a job for second semester by reviewing job postings on the financial aid website. The Student Employment Office does not assign placements after the initial placement is made.
When should I report outside scholarships to the Financial Aid Office?
Outside scholarships are usually reported to the Financial Aid Office in the summer once a student feels they have heard from all of the entities to which they applied for a scholarship. Many students bring this information with them to summer registration. It is recommended that these scholarships be reported prior to July 1, so accurate billings can be calculated.
If we don’t accept the loans in the financial aid package now, can we utilize them later if needed?
In most cases, loans declined now can be reinstated later in the academic year as long as the student is enrolled at least half time and making satisfactory academic progress at the time the request is made.
Why do I have to include my parents’ information on the FAFSA when they don’t claim me on their taxes?
A series of thirteen questions on the FAFSA determine a student’s dependency status. The U.S. Department of Education’s definition of a dependent student is different than that used by the Internal Revenue Service.
Why was only half of my aid credited to my account?
Most financial aid is credited to a student’s account at the rate of one-half each semester. As a general rule, financial aid is credited to a student’s account no sooner than ten days prior to the start of each semester if all documents are returned.
What lender should I use for my private loan?
Each private loan lender’s loan terms and conditions will vary. Therefore, what may be right for one family may not be for another. The financial aid website contains a preferred list of lenders that offer competitive terms as well as a link to frequently asked questions regarding private loan borrowing.
Does an outside scholarship check that is made out only to the student and sent to them at their home address need to be reported to the Financial Aid Office?
All outside scholarships must be reported to the Financial Aid Office as federal regulations require that outside scholarships be considered as a part of the total financial aid package. The Luther College Financial Aid Office will reflect those scholarships on an award letter as “Outside Scholarship Received By Student”.
Will my academic scholarship change in future years?
The value of academic scholarships remains constant for four academic years of full-time study. Each scholarship is renewable providing that the student maintains satisfactory academic progress.
Can I have more than one work-study job?
A student can have multiple positions, but the total hours per week for all positions cannot exceed what is allowed in the work-study award. This is generally between six to ten hours per week.
Can I borrow my federal loans from a hometown bank?
Since Luther College utilizes the Federal Direct Loan program; a student would borrow their federal Stafford and PLUS loans directly from the government and would not need to utilize their hometown bank for this purpose.
When do I find out where I will work?
Work-study assignments for first-year students are given out during the Registration, Orientation and Advising Days (ROAD) held each May and June.
