Transfer Students Scholarships and Awards
These scholarships are for students enrolling at Luther after high school. We grant these scholarships and awards without regard for financial aid. Once awarded, they become an important part of your total financial aid package.
Academic Merit Scholarships
Admitted students automatically receive one of the following academic achievement awards; the only application required is an application for admission. Academic scholarships are renewable for each year a student attends Luther College. The amount is based on academic performance, as measured by cumulative GPA (calculated according to Luther’s weighting formula).
Award Name GPA Range Maximum Annual Award
Founders >=3.90 $39,000 per year
President's 3.70 - 3.89 $37,000 per year
Dean 3.50 - 3.69 $36,000 per year
Martin Luther 3.2 - 3.49 $33,000 per year
Achievement <=3.19 $31,000 per year
Accepted students are informed of their award as part of their admission notification packet.
Transfer Student Scholarships
Value
Up to $1,000 per year
Renewal
Renewable through fourth year of full-time enrollment
Application
None
Deadline
Eligible visit must be completed by August 1 of the academic year prior to enrollment at Luther College.
Selection Criteria
Must attend an eligible visit (individual or group) prior to enrolling at Luther College.
Value
Up to $1,000 yearly match per student from Luther College for congregational support.
Renewal
Renewable through fourth year of full-time enrollment
Application
A representative of the student’s home congregation must submit the EPIC Contribution Form (PDF).
Deadline
None
Selection Criteria
Matching grants are given to students whose home congregation financially supports their Luther education.
Value
Up to $1,000 per year
Renewal
Renewable through fourth year of full-time enrollment upon yearly completion of the FAFSA
Application
None
Deadline
March 15
Value
Up to $1,000 per year
Renewal
Renewable through fourth year of full-time enrollment
Application
None
Deadline
Referral must be received by March 1 prior to first semester at Luther.
Selection Criteria
Offered to students who have been referred by an alumnus/a through the Future Norse Referral Form, as part of the Alumni Ambassador Program.
Notes
- A student may only earn one Future Norse Referral Grant, regardless of the number of alumni who have completed a Student Referral Form for that student.
- Parents may not refer their children; the Luther Legacy Award is designated for this purpose.
- Referrals are not accepted for students currently attending Luther College.
A Free Tuition Opportunity for Qualified Incoming Students
A quality higher education can, and should, be accessible for all students regardless of their financial circumstance. That’s why the Luther College Impact Awards were created: to foster an opportunity for high-achieving students to pursue their academic goals at Luther College. This award will consist of institutional, state, and federal sources to cover the cost of full-time tuition. If you receive a departmental endowment in addition to your scholarship, the scholarship amount may be adjusted to ensure your total aid does not exceed institutional or regulatory limits.
Requirements to qualify for this award include:
- A high school GPA of 3.5 or higher
- Family adjusted gross income of $80,000 or less
- Must be a legal resident of the United States
- Must reside on campus for each year the award is received
- Must be an incoming student first-time or transfer student for fall 2027
- FAFSA completion recommended by March 15
Value
Up to $1,000 per year
Renewal
Renewable through fourth year of full-time enrollment
Application
None
Deadline
None
Selection Criteria
Awards are given to the dependent children of Luther College graduates.
Value
Up to $2,500 per year
Renewal
Renewable through fourth year of full-time enrollment
Application
Complete a Luther application for admission and indicate Phi Theta Kappa membership when prompted. Also provide proof of membership.
Deadline
None
Selection Criteria
Offered to new transfer students who are Phi Theta Kappa members
Value
Up to $55,000 per year
Renewal
Renewable for the final two to three years needed to complete a bachelor’s degree, based on continued eligibility and enrollment.
Application
Required. Applications open August 19, 2026.
Deadline
December 9, 2026
Selection Criteria
Highly competitive scholarship for high-achieving community college students who demonstrate financial need, persistence, leadership, and service to others. Applicants must meet the Foundation’s eligibility requirements, including a minimum 3.50 GPA and plans to enroll full-time in a bachelor’s degree program in fall 2027.
Talent Scholarships
Luther offers a wide variety of scholarships and awards based on musical talent, regardless of chosen major.
Value
Up to full tuition
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
Must be an applicant to Luther College to apply for auditioned music scholarships.
If an admitted student applies for more than one talent scholarship, they will receive only the highest value award for which they are eligible. If the student receives a departmental endowment in addition to the scholarship, the scholarship amount may be adjusted to ensure the total aid does not exceed institutional or regulatory limits.
Luther offers theatre scholarships based on talent, regardless of chosen major.
Value
Up to $3,000 per year
Renewal
Renewable through fourth year of full-time enrollment
Application
Required
Deadline
Application deadline: March 29, 2027
Audition deadline: March 31, 2027
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.
If an admitted student applies for more than one talent scholarship, they will receive only the highest value award for which they are eligible. If the student receives a departmental endowment in addition to the scholarship, the scholarship amount may be adjusted to ensure the total aid does not exceed institutional or regulatory limits.
Other Sources of Aid
Financial Aid Office
Main 27
700 College Drive
Decorah, Iowa 52101
Phone: 563-387-1018
Fax: 563-387-2241