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Luther College Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Luther College reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Luther College. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Luther College reviews, or contribute your own Luther College review if you're a current student there.

  • 6 out of 6 people found this review useful.

    matt from Rochester, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Almost every department takes pride and enjoyment in teaching students everything they came to learn as well as a good deal they did not sign up for. Most students are pleasantly surprised by the faculty's desire and success in challenging what we think we know.
    Am enjoying being here

    My music collection has tripled, I can play racquetball with almost anyone, I can hold my own in a ballroom with latin or swing, I eat gyros like it's my job, I can blow minds around the bonfire with stories and philosophical musings, and all this happened within my first year. I met my college sweetheart at a freshman orientation dress-up dinner the first week. Now that graduation is here, I can not imagine any part of the rest of my life living up to my experience at Luther.
    Bang for the buck

    Unless you have a wealthy relative, Luther is not the place for kids who barely survived high school. This college takes its role as a bridge to adulthood seriously by making sure people who are ready to become adults do so. This is done by providing deserving students with stunning financial aid packages, even blurring the scholarship lines in places so that those who plan on getting the full experience miss out on nothing.
    Tips for prospective students

    Walk softly but carry a big stick -Roosevelt
    Keep in mind that any college you choose is a business at some level. You need to think of yourself as a consumer of education. This means knowing what you need to do to get the absolute most of your experience. Do not allow the administration to intimidate you into accepting less than you pay for. This does not mean you need to start riots, just understand what is required of you and be firm but reasonable when organizing your time.
    We can never step twice in the same river- Heraclitus
    Your college experience will be what you make of it. There is truly no limitation to what you can accomplish within the borders of college and Luther does a fantastic job of providing you with more than enough avenues to accommodate your personal expansion.
    Man is the measure of all things- Protagoras
    Do not forget that you are your own person. You may have learned in high school that it can be easy to get sucked into the herd mentality. This may be worse at Luther than other schools because of its small enclosed community. That said, it is not impossible to triumph over the group-think if you consciously hold on to what is personally important. You may find as I did that the individual emerging from the other side is stronger and clearer than you could have guessed.

    Great for these types of students

    As long as you participate, any college will expand your horizons. Luther is no different, promising friends for life, new favorite foods, music, authors, and pastimes. I came to realize and maximize my potential on an individual and community level. Luther has the same pitfalls as other schools, but avoiding them is surprisingly easy if you stay true to yourself. Of course, if you are coming for a party, there is no shortage of that either.

  • 4 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Nathan from Decorah, IA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Luther College is a great place to go to learn. The professors are very knowledgeable and very friendly. The professors will gladly spend time with a student to help that student understand concepts that a student is not understanding. The class sizes are fairly small. 25-30 students is the most I have seen in a class. The professors will know by name rather than a number.
    Am enjoying being here

    I love it here at Luther. The people here are very friendly. Luther is not just a school. It is a community. You are not just here to learn, you are also here to live. Luther wants to make life away from home as comfortable as they can. They do a fine job. There are so many things to do, you will never be bored.
    Bang for the buck

    Luther is one of the most expensive colleges in the state of Iowa, but you get your money's worth. Luther will do everything it can to get you out of here in four years. They have all the resources needed to get through college in four years, all the student has to do is apply himself or herself.
    Tips for prospective students

    1) Get to know your professors. Go in during their office hours and just chat with them. They will be more than willing to talk to you, and try to make life here easier.

    2) Get to know your RA's (Resident Assistants). They are upperclassmen who have been through what you going through. They remember how difficult it was during their first year, and they will be able to help you get through it.

    3) Get to know the people down in the Student Academic Support Center(SASC) and Student Support Services(SSS). They are located on the ground floor of the library. They will help you with whatever you need. They will help with academic help, and provide you with tutors. They can give advice for financial support and they are great people to talk to when you are having problems and you have no idea who to turn to.

  • 4 out of 5 people found this review useful.

    Douglas from Humboldt, IA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Bang for the buck

    Despite the cost it is one of the best liberal arts colleges in the state and definitely worth the price tag.
    Tips for prospective students

    Try a little bit of everything; get involved with local student political groups, play intramural sports, and anything else that might interest you.
    Great for these types of students

    Definitely the place to be for music and science students. It is also a great place for those same students to be active in sports as well as keep up with their educational goals.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Esmeralda from Crystal, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I have taken IB courses in High School and I expected college to be somewhere along those lines of difficulty. Luther does a fantastic job of challenging students as well as offering many tools to succeed. All classes are small in order for professors to get to know students and challenge every single one of them. Great academics!
    Am enjoying being here

    At first, it was hard to go into a school and start from scratch, however within a few days you begin to develop great friendships. Everyone is friendly and willing to give a hand. It's small enough meet up with friends while walking to class, but big enough to meet new people every day. There are always activities happening on campus and overall a very homely feeling, filled with friendly people!
    Bang for the buck

    For a Private school, it's a very great deal! For some students, it may be difficult-- however, my high school GPA wasn't rockin' enough to nail a few scholarships and I pay the same amount to study at Luther than I would if I had gone to the University of Minnesota. Once Luther grants, scholarships and loans even out, it's practically the same as a public school. Not many actually pay the full tuition.
    Tips for prospective students

    Study hard in high school and apply for lots of scholarships! Don't take college courses lightly, even as a freshmen. Study hard, but also leave some time for fun. Even though the setting of a small town may seem scary, especially for city folk, there is always something fun to do. It helps for building relationships with students and professors.
    Great for these types of students

    Students that can adapt to change, especially if coming from a city to a small town, or a small high school to a larger school. Students that can study when it comes to important exams, classes, etc. Luther is pretty demanding, academically, so studying is essential. But also for students that love nature and go green movements! It's a very eco-friendly school!

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Jordan from Burnsville, MN

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Bang for the buck

    It's a private school, but seems to be pretty high up there in value. Could definitely do worse.
    Tips for prospective students

    Do an overnight. I was set on this school until I did. I'm not saying it's not a great school, but seeing the campus from the student's perspective and not an admissions counselor made me realize it wasn't for me.
    Great for these types of students

    Luther would be great for students who are super into the arts. If you're like me, however, who love music and visual art but still want some balance with sports and other things, Luther is probably not for you.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Martin from Decorah, IA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Everyday there's always something to look forward to learning. Just when you think there may be a time when the professors go over something you think that you know they go over and make sure the teach the newest material released in the world. For example, Paideia, Health, Mathematics, one of the various choir rehearsals, piano, private voice lessons, and even in fitness and wellness (PE) class!
    Am enjoying being here

    Yes! I love being here! It is truly lucky for me to have been accepted to this extraordinary college. The community here is so connected and committed. Professors always are willing to help you the best way possible to do well in their classes. The landscape environment is beautiful year round. Most of all, there's always something to do and look forward to here in this college.
    Bang for the buck

    This college is totally worth every penny! Plus, they offer lots of financial aid for the ones who are accepted. I don't think I know of any other college who really satisfies someone like this one. I invite all who are willing to work hard at everything they do here! Welcome!
    Tips for prospective students

    I recommend first of all, getting some reading done the summer before starting school here because of the fact that this college has a required course for first years that involves reading, writing, and discussing over books. Also, get active and involved with anything you can to keep you from getting bored. There are daily chapel services, concerts, recitals, games/meets, restaurant performances, dorm activities, etc. Overall, take advantage of what is being offered to you!
    Great for these types of students

    This college is great for those interested in music, the sciences, and pre-professional courses. (As well as many others.) This college has such a positive influence on you that you just don't want to leave once you start! There is so much history and tradition in this college that I love hearing about it from faculty and staff. You tend to hear and find out the most interesting things!

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Shannon from Milton, WI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I have learned so much in the year that I've been at Luther. It seems like opportunities keep spreading themselves in front of me. I have learned to be a leader in a community, work with others, challenge myself in my schooling, and develop who I am and what I love to do.
    Am enjoying being here

    Luther is an amazing place. It's in such a nature setting with fields, bluffs and a the Upper Iowa, all of which can be seen right while on campus. The school itself is committed to the environment and being as 'green' as possible. The students and staff are all incredibly friendly and courteous; I seldom walk through a door without holding it open for someone else, or having it held for me. In addition to being home to some of the friendliest people around, Luther is also very musically gifted. There are numerous choirs and bands and orchestras and the campus is generally filled with students singing in solfege or conducting, making my walk to classes remarkably more entertaining. Luther is overall, a great school where you are allowed to open your mind to new thoughts and experiences, meet new people from all over the states and beyond and appreciate the natural beauty of your surroundings.
    Bang for the buck

    Yes, Luther is expensive, but it's worth every penny. The experience you receive at Luther is so great. You find life-long friends, learn who you are and what you're capable of, and become a part of this community. It's home-away-from-home, and will always feel like that.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Coty from Milford, IA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    it has been a real challenge at this school. being a music education major makes it very competitive for everything and that helps me to try harder then i was or already am.
    Am enjoying being here

    this campus is fantastic. its not to big but not to small. the community really supports whats going on here. there are so many activities,shows and groups.
    Bang for the buck

    it's a pretty expensive school but really you won't get much better than here. the professors really know what they are talking about and the accommodations are pretty good as well

  • 1 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Nicole from Saint Paul, MN

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    I imagine I will learn a lot here, there are amazing teachers and everyone seems to say that this is a good school.
    Will enjoy being here

    I suppose I will enjoy being here, it's one of the most widely known music ed programs, and it has a famous Orchestra that travels to Vienna every 4 years. It's a good music program, that you don't have to audition into but you do have to make progress to keep going in the program.
    Bang for the buck

    Luther is /Very/ expensive. $41,000+ a year, and they do not give out aid easily. If you have extremely high grades you'll get scholarships, but my father got laid off right as I was accepted, and they did not take that into consideration of my aid.
    Tips for prospective students

    Just apply if you want to go, I don't know anyone who didn't get in!
    Great for these types of students

    If you love small schools in rural Iowa, this will be great for you. Unfortunately some things to keep in mind:
    -Very little cell carriers get this part of Iowa
    -Few banks have ATMs or Branches in this part of Iowa

  • Melissa from MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    I love it here. It's a great fit for me!
    Tips for prospective students

    Get involved and try new things. Don't be scared of trying things that you've never done before. Don't start by taking all general courses; maybe take 3 and take one course just because it sounds fun. I did, and that just-for-fun course ended up leading me to my major!
    Academic Rigor

    Some classes are harder than others and some of it depends on the professor. It's a small enough school that you can easily have personal relationships with the professors. There also seem to be more papers and essay tests than at larger schools.
    Dorm Life

    A smaller school means it's easier to get to know people and recognize people. Everyone is friendly and says hi.
    Food and Dining

    Dining is great; there are a lot of options. It's easy to meet up with friends. Being a residential campus, most of the students go to the cafeteria to dine so you always run into people you know. The food variety isn't the greatest, but there's always at least cereal, sandwiches, and salads.
    What to do for fun

    Go explore some of the trails around, play games, go to restaurants/bars, movies, bowling, typical small-town things.
    Bang for the buck

    It's expensive, but well worth it for all of the great opportunities and personal relationships with the professors!
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Luther cares about the environment and has an amazing Sustainability program. We are constantly finding new ways to save on energy and other resources and have been implementing a local foods and fair trade policies.
    Great for these types of students

    It's big enough that you don't know everyone, yet small enough that you are able to recognize people around campus and in the cafeteria. Professors get to know students well enough that later semesters they will still know you and say hi to you if they see you on campus.
    Clubs and Activities

    The music program is phenomenal. Roughly 1000 out of the 2500 student body participate in either band, choir, or orchestra. There are activities for every kind of person; a ballroom/swing club, Performing Arts Committee, Student Senate, Debate, diversity center, and so many more that I can't name them all.
    Greek Life

    There is an expanding Greek program. I personally am not familiar with what it all entails, but I have some friends that are.
    Campus Safety

    For the most part, very safe. I've felt perfectly safe walking across campus at 2am by myself, although there are occasionally some minor incidents reported.

  • Hannah from Reedsburg, WI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Luther is easily one of the most interesting places to study in the Midwest. It is full of fascinating people and professors. It has a bright, energetic atmosphere that keeps you moving forward.
    Tips for prospective students

    Whatever you may have heard about Paideia, it's not as bad as people make it out to be. For housing, you really want to live in Brandt. Don't be afraid to contact current students if you can find them; everyone is super friendly!
    Academic Rigor

    Luther is a school that is going to push you. This isn't someplace you come to glide along, this is a school where you are going to learn a lot and work a lot. That said, if you take the right classes, you'll have fun doing it.
    Dorm Life

    RAs at Luther are friendly, observant, and involved. They are just as much your friends as they are your advisors. There isn't really a bad dorm to end up in at Luther.
    Food and Dining

    Sodexo, Luther's dining services company tries really hard, but sometimes they try a little too hard. The food's not bad, and there are lots of options. The Oneota Turkey Bacon Stacker in Oneota Cafe on the main floor of the Union is to die for!
    What to do for fun

    Being in a small town, there aren't a lot of going out options, but that is made up for by the beautiful surroundings. Dunning's Spring is a gorgeous place to hike and explore. Going to town is tons of fun, with its beautiful architecture and fun shops.
    Bang for the buck

    I love Luther, personally. It's got a great atmosphere, helpful and interesting faculty and staff, a beautiful campus, and all-around great people.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Luther has a longstanding rivalry with Wartburg College, in Waverly, IA. In the past, this was a bigger deal than it is now, but it's still fun to tease and play with the idea of the rivalry.
    Great for these types of students

    Luther is great for students who aren't afraid to push themselves and aren't looking for a big party school. It's big into sustainability, being environmentally conscious, and serving its students needs in a way that is good both for them and for the world around them.
    Greek Life

    Luther's Greek Life is not a big part of life on campus, but there are a few unchartered but school-approved sororities and fraternities on campus. The students in Greek Life tend to be friendly and energetic, as well as heavily involved with service and philanthropy.

  • Libby from Klemme, IA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Small class sizes make it easy to become personal with professors. Offers a wide variety of liberal arts education opportunities. Has many services that help prepare you for the future with staff who truly care.
    Tips for prospective students

    It is a more expensive school so saving money early is a good idea, but Luther gives many acedemic, music, and need-based scholarships to make it just as cost-effective as a state school. If Luther has the major you are interested in, the cost is well worth it!
    Academic Rigor

    Classes are very competitive and professors generally seem enthused about the subjects they teach. Professors are very flexible with their office hours and are always willing to help.
    Dorm Life

    Freshmen dorms do not have air conditioning. Remodeling is currently taking place on the dorms with new hard wood floors and lofts will now be provided in all dorms.
    Food and Dining

    There are many options for dining on campus whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or you love meat! Some days the food is better than others but most of the time it is no problem choosing something satisfying.
    What to do for fun

    Decorah is a small community so many activities are outdoors such as biking on trails, hiking, canoing, cross country skiing, and others. There is a movie theater, ice cream shops, museums, and a lot of small town restaurants and bars to experience. On campus there seems to be an activity every weekend from plays to concerts to comedians not to mention intramural sports.
    Bang for the buck

    A bit expensive but it is manageable and the experiences you get are worth every penny!
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Very Norwegian community
    Great for these types of students

    Small town or large city people adapt well to Luther. Being a little quirky is a campus wide theme so coming in with a vibrant personality is great.
    Clubs and Activities

    So many options it is no problem to find a club to suit your interests.
    Greek Life

    Not very much activity with these.
    Campus Safety

    I can leave my valuables in my backpack unattended with no fear of them being taken.

  • Michael from Amery, WI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    they have a great music program. there is a tight student body. faculty is very personal.
    Tips for prospective students

    apply for financial aid early.
    What to do for fun

    local theater

  • Danielle from Decorah, IA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    a warm-hearted place to be supported, challenged academically, and to figure out what you want to do with life. luther is a friendly place to become who you will be. it may be on the smaller side, but the community feeling it has makes that all worth it.
    Tips for prospective students

    make sure you visit! the campus is beautiful and was a major selling point for me and was bigger than expected, but others think it is a bit on the small side.
    if you come here, get to know your professors. they are incredible assets and can help you figure yourself out.
    Academic Rigor

    i do about 5 hours of homework a night on average during the semesters. however, the work you do is exciting and mind-opening. there's time for social life, but sometimes sleep suffers. it's not too crazy academically, but you're certainly challenged. but in a great way! the way you should be in college.
    Dorm Life

    luther does a great job of creating community in the dorms for your first year. the dorms are pretty clean and okay. i lived in brandt which is very nice. they're still dorms though. i always feel safe and at home.
    Food and Dining

    luther has a good sized cafeteria. as with most cafs, it's a little less than exciting. there are other options though like a burger place and a café with more exciting options. you can deal with it.
    What to do for fun

    well, it is in a small town in iowa. there is certainly bar-life for those interested, with 19 year olds being allowed to enter bars in iowa. there is a place called club pyramid that draws great bands (dosh, andrew bird's drummer played there) as well as djs(dubstep, etc.) a couple weekends a month. otherwise, you can be total goofs all over campus and have fun. go to the art buildings and make something! cook something in the dorm kitchen. go for hikes in the beautiful surrounding area, go lay in anderson prairie (on campus) and look at the stars. luther also brings in acts to keep us busy. they do a great job.
    Bang for the buck

    i never feel like i'm paying more than what i'm getting. my mind has been so expanded by my classes here, that i can't imagine not having come here. my professors have almost always wanted to get to know me personally and help me along my way. the administration does a great job with financial aid. i pay less for luther than i would have at university of mn - twin cities. check out your options.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    quirky activity is beloved on campus. weird igloos in the winter. picnics on the lawn in spring and fall. you have to check out dunning's spring ( a waterfall just 4 blocks off from campus) and other natural beauties around decorah. everyone goes to the whippy dip at the beginning of the year, the local open air ice cream shop.
    Great for these types of students

    it's a great school for kids who are serious about academics, but don't have a stick up their butts. the people who come here are generally very friendly and kind, but also nerdiness is totally accepted. we have our fair share of quirky kids, but in the best way. woodsy, hipster, sporty, and music kids abound. students interested in music and biology are usually cited (for good reason), but as a social science major, i love it here too.
    Clubs and Activities

    there are clubs a plenty and activities all over the place. our location (lack of cities nearby) inspires administration to provide lots of sports(conference and intramural) along with theatre(faculty and student led) and music(lots and lots of choirs, orchestras, and chamber groups.)
    Greek Life

    greek life is not very vibrant at luther. there are a couple sororities and frats, but there aren't huge houses dedicated to them like at many universities. they hold parties and benefits, but don't make up a huge part of campus life.
    Campus Safety

    i almost always feel totally safe on campus. i'm always on my toes if it's night and i'm alone, but i've never felt unsafe. there are security vehicles about,but there's also just a feeling that the kind of people who go here wouldn't be a problem. if it's a weekend night and you're a girl, you don't go walk around by yourself when the bars are closing. it's just a matter of being smart about yourself, but there is little threat.

  • Katherine from Inver Grove Heights, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    luther college is an amazing school. the people who go here are fantastic and the community we add to is a lasting one. i didn't think it would be possible to love a school this much!
    Tips for prospective students

    make sure you visit the campus when school is in session! my first visit was during the summer and i hated it because there were no students around. i came back that winter and had an incredible experience.
    Academic Rigor

    it all depends on what types of classes you take/what your major is. if you take ap classes in high school you'll be prepared for the work load here.
    Dorm Life

    my dorm experience has been better than i anticipated it would be. my roommates and i get along really well, and most of my friends can say the same about their roommates. the ras make sure that something is always going on so we're never bored!
    Food and Dining

    the food is hit or miss. sometimes it's great and other days it's disgusting. luckily they have a lot of options, so if you don't like what you originally got, you can go and get something else.
    What to do for fun

    you'd think that being out in the middle of nowhere would be boring, but luther is never boring! they're really great about bringing groups/musical artists to campus and there's always something fun going on.
    Bang for the buck

    luther has a big price tag, but basically everyone here is getting some type of assistance. the friendships you create and the lessons you learn here make it worth every single penny.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    we play a game called humans vs. zombies every year that takes over the entire campus! for a week, everyone goes crazy, either fighting to stay alive or turn humans into zombies. it's so much fun!
    Great for these types of students

    luther's a huge music school, so if you like music, come here! if you like getting a lot of attention from your professors, luther's small classes will be perfect to you. if you want an incredible college experience, luther is the place for you!
    Clubs and Activities

    there are so many clubs here! if the club you're looking for doesn't exist, you can easily create it. it's really easy to get involved.
    Greek Life

    it's basically nonexistant. some people participate, but it's pretty pointless here.
    Campus Safety

    luther is a very safe campus.... though you may want to watch out for the squirrels as they prepare for winter. they're crazy!

  • Taylor from De, IA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    luther has an incredible, open, inviting atmosphere that is nothing short of warm and welcoming. the students and staff are ridiculously friendly, and everyone goes out of their way to help others. classes are taught by challenging, engaging professors that truly love to be here as much as the students do.
    Tips for prospective students

    although the first week of orientation is exhausting, the planned activities truly do help you make new friends, and make new friends surprisingly fast. everyone around you is there hoping for the exact same experience you are, so don't be afraid! keep your chin up, smile, and have a great time at luther ccllege.
    Academic Rigor

    classes vary from boring to challenging, as i'm sure most colleges provide, but luther offers such a wide variety of topics that it's hard to stay bored for long. generally, four papers are written per semester per class, and the topics are always engaging.
    Dorm Life

    the sophomore and junior dorm buildings have just been remodeled, and even the oldest dorm buildings are up to par. the ras are always friendly, and there is just an overall wonderful feeling of community in every dorm building and down every dorm hallway.
    Food and Dining

    there are four locations to eat on campus, including the cafeteria, marty's (burgers, fries, etc.), oneota (deli sandwiches, salads, soup, etc.), and sunnyside cafe (coffee, fruit, the best cinnamon rolls in the planet). as long as you are comfortable navigating from place to place, the food is fabulous!
    What to do for fun

    although decorah is a small community, there are an abundance of activities to take part in, and wonderful areas to explore all around the area, including dunning's springs, the ice caves, and trails galore! movie nights, small shopping areas, and adorable cafes are also always available, no matter the season!

  • ANDREW from Cedar Rapids, IA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Awesome college, very good atmosphere for any type of student looking to join the Luther community.
    Tips for prospective students

    Apply early, and get lots of scholarships.
    Academic Rigor

    Challenging classes, but not impossible
    Dorm Life

    Awesome dorms, some have more partying then others.
    Food and Dining

    The foods alright, need to switch it up every once in a while.
    What to do for fun

    Stay on campus, a lot of stuff is brought it. Otherwise, there is a little shopping, or you can go to the local bar.
    Campus Safety

    Very safe campus, have never had a problem.

  • Jessica

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Luther is an outstanding private liberal arts college. The faculty and students are friendly, and the campus is absolutely beautiful. From taking interesting classes to exploring the quaint town of Decorah, Iowa, Luther students certainly enjoy a great college experience; spend four years at Luther, and learn to bleed blue.
    Academic Rigor

    Luther students know how to have fun, but they also are held to high expectations by most professors. For example, every freshman must take a course called Paideia, which is basically a mixture of history and English. Within this class, students are expected to read various books and other readings, participate in class discussion, and write formal and informal essays. By having to take Paideia at the beginning of their Luther experience, students are able to jump into the rhythm of college and its complexity rather early in the game.
    Dorm Life

    In most cases, students must live on campus for through their junior year. Though not the most luxurious dorm rooms in the country, the freshmen dorms are known to create a great sense of community. The upperclassmen dorms provide a multitude of choices for living: students can live with one, two, or three roommates, or they can even choose a group of friends to cluster with. Three of the buildings are built into hills, so from highway 52, they almost look like tree houses...
    Food and Dining

    The Luther caf doesn't have the best food in the world, but most people can be satisfied through one trip to the caf due to the many choices. There is also the Oneota market, open for breakfast and lunch during the week, which offers a fresh salad bar and several sandwich options. Marty's cafe has lots of appetizers, sandwiches, and delicious desserts to choose from. Sunnyside cafe, located in the art building, has delicious, addictive cinnamon rolls.
    What to do for fun

    Decorah, although a small town, really has a lot to offer. During warm months, the infamous Whippy Dip can surely make anyone's day better with its soft-serve ice-cream treats. Located near the Upper Iowa River, students can also take advantage of the canoeing and kayaking rentals in Decorah. Being a hilly place, there are lots of breathtaking biking and hiking trails. In the winter, students can rent cross-country skis for the trails or ice skates for the outdoor makeshift rink. There is also a bowling alley, a movie theater that shows a free movie for students monthly, lots of great restaurants, and great shops downtown.
    Great for these types of students

    If you are into music, come to Luther! Also, Luther has great biology and nursing programs.
    Campus Safety

    The infamous SPO cops will make you feel safe and secure!

  • First year student

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I am already applying what I have learned outside the class room and have only attended school for one semester.
    Am enjoying being here

    I have made great, lifelong friends and the atmosphere is great.
    Bang for the buck

    I feel like tuition is a little on the expensive side.
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't be afraid to try new activities. Come to school confident, you will soon make new friends and find a social niche you fit right into.
    Great for these types of students

    People who love the outdoors, music, science, art, and drama. People who aren't afraid to be themselves.

  • Sydney from IA

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    It seems like they have very rigorous courses at Luther, which is one of the reasons that I am considering them. I like the idea of Paideia, and think that I would really like learning there.
    Will enjoy being here

    I think that I would really enjoy it there. They have a lot of clubs, and everyone seemed very involved when I went there. I would also like it because they are affiliated with the Lutheran church. The one thing I don't like is that it is in a very small town.
    Bang for the buck

    It is very expensive, but I don't doubt that they will knock down the price considerably if they want you bad enough.
    Tips for prospective students

    Go on a visit. Seeing the campus for myself helped me to make up my mind about how I felt.
    Great for these types of students

    Music majors, people who like small towns

  • Ashley from Cedar Falls, IA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Luther has plenty of options for any level of student entering and the tutoring options are tremendous. No one judges you for going to a tutor, there are group tutoring sessions, and you can sign up for individual ones, too.
    Am enjoying being here

    The atmosphere is excellent. Very few students leave campus on the weekends, there is always plenty to do on campus. Concerts, plays, sports, it's all great fun!
    Bang for the buck

    The price tag is large, but they are pretty good about getting scholarships and grants to help you out. It was more expensive for me to go to Luther than a state school, but not by too much.
    Tips for prospective students

    Spend the night and don't be afraid to ask everyone questions. Once, when I was on campus as a prospective student, a chemistry professor spent an hour and a half telling me about his research project and all about the college. Students also love prospies so don't be nervous!
    Great for these types of students

    I'm not a music major, but many people on campus are. They love it. Science and music are huge fields on campus--Luther just built a new building for the science labs, and everyone loves it.

  • William from White Bear Township, MN

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    This liberal-arts education is what you make of it. You must be motivated to learn beyond required assignments and readings. Establishing a good relationship with professors is easy, and really helps students dive in to their academic field.
    Am enjoying being here

    I'm a political science major, but I am just as much a musician as I am a politics student. I sing in the Luther Nordic Choir, one of the best a capella choirs in the NATION. The Student Activities Council and Performing Arts Committee bring amazing cultural and academic programs, lectures, and concerts every semester.
    Bang for the buck

    Luther takes care of you and has fabulous financial aid (moreso than St. Olaf College...).
    Tips for prospective students

    Get to know your professors as soon as possible, join the music program even if you aren't a music major, and take classes outside of your major for a perspective that you never thought you'd have.
    Great for these types of students

    Those interested in music, science (Luther has a fabulous new science and lab building), the humanities, and study abroad.

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