Luther Promise guarantees students earn degrees in four years

Luther College President Brad Chamberlain announced the Luther Promise, a set of four institutional commitments designed to provide incoming students with support to earn their bachelor’s degrees in four years and career preparation for their futures.

“Luther College has a strong record of providing a rigorous education in the liberal arts that prepares students for leadership in their careers and communities,” Chamberlain said. “The Luther Promise makes explicit what our awards, accolades and alumni testimonials have repeatedly told us over the years – that Luther College helps students find a good job and create a meaningful life. I am excited by how the institutional commitments represented in the Luther Promise will strengthen our partnerships with students and their families, and increase their confidence in Luther’s ability to help students achieve their personal dreams and professional goals.”

The Luther Promise, which includes a four-year graduation guarantee and a substantial investment of $120,000 in scholarship assistance over a student’s career, is made up of four institutional commitments. Each commitment represents a strategic, purpose-driven investment from Luther and is intentionally designed to ensure that students thrive both on campus and after graduation. The Luther Promise begins with the college’s four-year graduation guarantee.

“We know the transformative value of a four-year degree, but also the importance of completing in four years,” said Matt Beatty, vice president for enrollment management at Luther College. “Families are asking hard questions about return on investment – both the dollars invested and the time to earn a college degree. At Luther, finishing on time is no longer a talking point; it’s a promise. The Luther Promise delivers real value in both time and money, without compromising the education their student deserves.”

The next commitment in the Luther Promise is an affordable high-value degree. The Luther Promise will invest a minimum of $120,000 in scholarships per eligible student over a four-year period.
“Affordability is more than just the bottom line – it’s about honoring the family’s investment of time and money,” Beatty said. “It’s also about doing what’s best for each individual student. The Luther Promise turns that belief into action.”

Luther has been recognized as one of the nation’s best private colleges for financial aid and almost $50 million in gift aid is awarded annually to Luther students.

Experiential learning opportunities and career preparedness are the two other components of the Luther Promise. Students may choose from a wide range of high-impact experiences, such as internships, research with faculty, and global study programs under the Luther Promise.

“At Luther, learning isn’t limited to the classroom. Every student has the opportunity for hands-on, real-world experience designed to prepare them and apply their liberal arts education in their future careers,” Beatty said.

Full-time first-year college students entering Luther in fall 2026 are eligible for the Luther Promise. Learn more about the details of the Luther Promise at luther.edu/promise.