Data and Rankings
Access basic data about Luther College and find out how outside sources rank us in comparison to other colleges and universities.
Rankings
We recommend that you consult a variety of sources to find the best college fit for you, including those listed here.
A Top National Liberal Arts College
- U.S. News and World Report‘s Best Colleges ranks colleges using data such as graduation and retention rates, social mobility indicators, student debt, graduates’ earnings, faculty and financial resources, academic reputation, and student excellence. In the latest edition of this annual guide, Luther ranks among the top National Liberal Arts Colleges, coming in at #108.
- The Wall Street Journal / College Pulse’s Best Colleges in the U.S. focuses on student outcomes: graduation rates and graduate salaries and the value that colleges add to their students’ success. Luther is in this listing of the top 500 U.S. colleges and universities.
- In WalletHub’s best U.S. colleges ranking, Luther was named one of the top 50. Rankings were weighted most heavily by student selectivity, cost and financing, educational outcomes and career outcomes of graduates. Luther was ranked 42nd among all colleges (which award only bachelor’s degrees); it ranked second in the state of Iowa among all colleges and universities (institutions that award both undergraduate and graduate degrees).
- The Princeton Review named Luther one of the top colleges in the Midwest region.
Hidden Gem College
College Raptor helps students and families find affordable schools that meet their career goals. It released a list of “Hidden Gem Colleges in the U.S.,” ranking Luther as the Hidden Gem of the state of Iowa as well as the #1 Iowa Hidden Gem of the Plains Region (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024).
The Latest News
Luther placed best among its peers in key criteria evaluated in the Wall Street Journal / College Pulse 2025 best colleges ranking.
“We are pleased to announce that fall enrollment shows a 6.6 percent increase in the first-year class compared to last year, and we are also pleased to see positive change in rankings across a wide range of national indicators,” President Jenifer K. Ward said.
Luther College has earned a Bicycle Friendly University silver award after completing a comprehensive assessment conducted by the League of American Bicyclists.
Top 3 Among Peers in Wall Street Journal / College Pulse Ranking
In the criteria that determined the Wall Street Journal / College Pulse top 500 universities ranking, Luther was ranked top three in several key areas, compared to its peers: Iowa private colleges, the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM) and the Network of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Colleges and Universities (NECU).Â
The areas in which Luther ranked highly were learning opportunities, character development, career preparation, community and social life, learning facilities and campus facilities.
- Learning opportunities: Luther ranked first among Iowa private colleges, the ACM and the NECU.
- Character development: Luther ranked first in the ACM and second among Iowa private colleges and the NECU.
- Career preparation: Luther tied for first in the ACM and third among Iowa private colleges and the NECU.
- Community and social life: Luther ranked first among Iowa private colleges and the ACM and second in the NECU.
- Learning facilities: Luther ranked first among Iowa private colleges, second in the ACM and tied for third in the NECU
- Campus facilities: Luther ranked first in the ACM and NECU and second among Iowa private colleges.
For decades, we’ve found success hiring and developing Luther College graduates into leadership roles at Fastenal. We keep going back to recruit at Luther year after year based on their track record of success with us.
Matt Loos ’96IT Manager, Fastenal Company
Bicycle Friendly University Silver Award
The League of American Bicyclists awarded Luther a silver rating in its first application for the Bicycle Friendly University designation. As of 2024, Luther is one of three Iowa colleges and universities ranked as bicycle friendly.Â
One of the Best College Towns in America
Luther’s hometown of Decorah was ranked among the Top 50 Best College Towns in the U.S. based on public schools, cost of living, job opportunities, crime, and local amenities.
Best Value College
Luther ranks among the top 10 best-value colleges in Iowa, according to SmartAsset Advisors, based on our financial aid awards, graduation rates, living costs, and our graduates’ starting salaries.
International Diversity
Luther ranks among the Schools with the Most International Students for National Liberal Arts Colleges in U.S. News and World Report‘s America’s Best Colleges. Students from 77 different countries (in 2024–25) enrich the Luther community and educational experience.
Sustainability Commitment
- Luther is #7 among baccalaureate institutions nationally on the Sustainable Campus Index (AASHE 2024 Sustainable Campus Index). Rankings are measured by the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System (STARS). Luther’s Center for Sustainable Communities promotes sustainability and serves as a catalyst for change.
- Luther was ranked #21 in America in the Princeton Review’s Top 50 Green Colleges, scoring 97 out of 99 points in the ranking.
Data
Find basic information on Luther College and nearly 7,000 other colleges and universities in the United States by visiting College Navigator. This website primarily presents the latest data collected by the National Center for Education Statistics.