Iowa is home to at least three traditional 4-year colleges that are affiliated with the Lutheran denomination. These schools each have stand-out characteristics, including their degree programs and spiritual growth opportunities. Take the time to explore these schools in more detail here.
School Comparison
The private Lutheran colleges in Iowa are all located in different cities throughout the state. Compare the schools and their undergraduate tuition in the table below.
| School Name | Institution Type | Location | Tuition (2021-2022)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand View University | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Des Moines, IA | $30,864 |
| Luther College | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Decorah, IA | $46,760 |
| Wartburg College | 4-year, private not-for-profit | Waverly, IA | $47,500 |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Description of Lutheran Colleges in Iowa
These Iowa Lutheran colleges provide students with unique degree programs and ways to deepen their faith. Students thinking about these schools may also wish to consider factors like size, student-to-faculty ratios and extracurricular opportunities. Learn more about each school and their distinguishing features.
Grand View University
According to the NCES, Grand View University had close to 1,561 undergraduate students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 12-to-1 in 2021. The university offers four graduate majors, more than 40 undergraduate majors and nine online degree programs. Students can study subjects like graphic design, biotechnology, digital media production, human services, political studies, theology and applied mathematics. The school supports students' spiritual lives through worship services, Bible studies, a Student Ministry Team and groups like Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). There are even campus ministry scholarships. Students may also wish to participate in honor societies, intramural sports, music ensembles and clubs, such as Photography Club, Swing Club (dance) or Viking Volunteers (local service opportunities).
Luther College
Luther College is an undergraduate institution where 100% of students received some kind of financial aid, and the college offers more than 60 different majors, per the school's website. Students can pursue study in fields like Africana studies, anthropology, data science, exercise physiology, German, neuroscience and religion. The school's College Ministries helps students deepen their faith through worship services, interfaith talks and spiritual groups, like FCA, Gospel Choir, Lutheran Student Fellowship and Congregational Council. There is also a wide range of academic and interest groups on campus for students to join, such as Animal Allies, Chemistry Club, Computer Science Society, Habitat for Humanity and SPIN Theatre. As of 2021, the NCES reported that the college had a little more than 1,744 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 11-to-1.
Wartburg College
Wartburg College is another undergraduate institution that aims to help students grow spiritually through weekly chapel and worship services as well as different spiritual groups, including FCA, Faith and Life Groups, Hope Overflow (traveling worship and service group) and Adopt-a-Grandparent (ministry serving the elderly). Students may also choose to participate in other clubs and organizations on campus, such as Pre-Law Club, Wartburg Trumpet Newspaper, honor societies, Anime Club, International Club and Dance Team. In 2021, the college had close to 1,541 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 14-to-1, per the NCES. Although it is considered an undergraduate college, the school offers one master's degree program in music therapy and more than 50 undergraduate majors. Majors include actuarial science, peace and justice studies, engineering science, environmental science and studies, Spanish, sociology and computer science.
