As an academic community, the students and faculty of Luther College are committed to liberal learning in the arts and sciences. A Phi Beta Kappa chapter—one of only 280 nationwide—attests the academic excellence of the college and its students.

Courses are conducted by 181 full-time teaching faculty, 89 percent of whom hold a Ph.D. or other terminal degree. The ratio of students to faculty is 12:1.

Luther operates on a 4-1-4 academic calendar. First semester runs from September to December, followed by a three-week January Term. Second semester runs from February to May. In the liberal arts tradition of broad inquiry, students often use J-term to study abroad, perform internships in their field, or study one topic intensely while on campus. Two four-week summer sessions are also offered at Luther, one in June and another in July.