Luther College and Rushford-Peterson Schools sign partnership for preferred college admission

On Monday, Sept. 28, officials from Luther College and the Rushford-Peterson Schools formally launched a Preferred Admission Partnership aimed at expanding access to higher education for the region’s most accomplished students.

Rushford-Peterson Schools Superintendent Ben Bernard (left) and Luther College President Brad Chamberlain sign a Preferred Admission Partnership on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026.

Under this partnership, qualifying Rushford-Peterson students will have the opportunity for Preferred Admission to Luther, including a Preferred Admission scholarship.

“Strengthening connections with schools in our region is a priority for Luther College, and we are excited to add Rushford-Peterson Schools as our first partner from Minnesota,” said Luther College President Brad Chamberlain. “Luther and Rushford-Peterson have long-standing connections, and we are excited for how this will deepen our relationship.”

Eligibility requirements for Rushford-Peterson students include a 3.25 GPA (unweighted) and completing Algebra II by the conclusion of their junior year. Eligible students who opt in to the program will be offered Preferred Admission to Luther College, provided they remain in good academic standing at Rushford-Peterson High School. This status makes them eligible to receive a $500 Preferred Admission award, plus other institutional scholarships.

“The Preferred Admission Partnership opens doors for Rushford-Peterson students to pursue an excellent academic opportunity close to home, recognizing their hard work and supporting their next steps,” said Rushford-Peterson Schools Superintendent Ben Bernard.

“Luther College and Rushford-Peterson have a long-standing relationship, and we know the caliber of students who graduate from Rushford-Peterson High School. Their students have a strong track record of success at Luther,” said Matthew R. Beatty, vice president for enrollment management at Luther. “We’re excited to build on that history by creating a clear and supportive pathway that gives Rushford-Peterson students the opportunity to continue their education at Luther and reach their full potential.”

Luther College signed a similar partnership with the Decorah Community School District in September 2025.

Luther College is ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the nation. Forbes included Luther College in its list of “25 Private Schools with Generous Financial Aid,” and gave Luther College an A+ on its 2026 “America’s College Financial Grades” ranking. As measured by the “Wall Street Journal,” Luther was ranked first for learning opportunities among private Iowa colleges and the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM) consortium.

Rushford-Peterson students who do not meet the Preferred Admission criteria are still encouraged to apply to Luther. They will be considered through Luther’s holistic review process for acceptance and potential merit awards.

To participate in the Preferred Admission Partnership, students and families are encouraged to contact Erin Thompson, college counselor at Rushford-Peterson.