Luther- Norse vs. Caldwell University

Comparable Facts

Compare Luther College in Decorah, IA with Caldwell University in Caldwell, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Caldwell University is larger than Luther- Norse based on total student enrollment (2,005 students vs. 1,384 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Luther College is located in Decorah, IA (Remote Town setting); Caldwell University is in Caldwell, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Luther College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Caldwell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Luther College 9:1; Caldwell University 12:1.

Luther- Norse vs. Caldwell University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Luther- Norse or Caldwell University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Caldwell University than Luther- Norse ($21,875 vs. $24,511).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Luther College are 18.7% lower than at Caldwell University ($11,530 vs. $14,188).
• Luther College is 27.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Caldwell University (about $11,272 more per year; $52,120.00 vs. $40,848.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.6% higher at Luther- Norse than at Caldwell University (about $11,272 more per year; $52,120.00 vs. $40,848.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Luther College as at Caldwell University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Luther College students is 26.5% larger than aid received by Caldwell University students ($40,917 vs. $32,340).

Luther- Norse vs. Caldwell University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Luther- Norse or Caldwell University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Caldwell University and Luther- Norse.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Caldwell University (1250) is 10 points higher than at Luther- Norse (1240).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Luther College 1078/1406; Caldwell University 1130/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Luther College 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Luther- Norse - Test optional; Caldwell University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Luther- Norse students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Caldwell University (3.3).
• Luther- Norse has a higher acceptance rate (71.5%) than Caldwell University (71.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Luther- Norse vs. 8.5% at Caldwell University.

Luther- Norse vs. Caldwell University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Luther- Norse and Caldwell University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Luther College's six-year graduation rate (69%) is higher than Caldwell University's (58%).
• Graduates from Luther College earn a median of about $3,200 more per year than Caldwell University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,000 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Caldwell University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Luther- Norse graduates ($25,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Caldwell University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Luther- Norse graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More Luther- Norse graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Caldwell University students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 50%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.