Luther- Norse vs. Transylvania University

Comparable Facts

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

Luther College is larger than Transylvania University based on total student enrollment (1,384 students vs. 1,006 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Luther College is located in Decorah, IA (Remote Town setting); Transylvania University is in Lexington, KY (Large City setting).
• Luther College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Transylvania University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Luther College 9:1; Transylvania University 10:1.

Luther- Norse vs. Transylvania University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Luther- Norse or Transylvania 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 Luther College than Transylvania University ($24,511 vs. $25,442).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Luther College are 21.5% lower than at Transylvania University ($11,530 vs. $14,697).
• Luther College is 11.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Transylvania University (about $5,250 more per year; $52,120.00 vs. $46,870.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 11.2% higher at Luther- Norse than at Transylvania University (about $5,250 more per year; $52,120.00 vs. $46,870.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Luther College as at Transylvania University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Luther College students is 14% larger than aid received by Transylvania University students ($40,917 vs. $35,903).

Luther- Norse vs. Transylvania University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Luther- Norse or Transylvania 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 Transylvania University and Luther- Norse.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Transylvania University (1250) is 10 points higher than at Luther- Norse (1240).
• Incoming Transylvania University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at Luther- Norse).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Luther College 1078/1406; Transylvania University 1120/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Luther College 22/29; Transylvania University 24/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Luther- Norse - Test optional; Transylvania University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Transylvania University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Transylvania University students have a 0.12 point higher average high school GPA (3.77) than students at Luther- Norse (3.65).
• Transylvania University has a higher acceptance rate (86.5%) than Luther- Norse (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Luther- Norse vs. 16.3% at Transylvania University.

Luther- Norse vs. Transylvania University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Luther- Norse and Transylvania 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).

• Transylvania University's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Luther College's (69%).
• Graduates from Luther College earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than Transylvania University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,000 vs. $48,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Transylvania University and Luther- Norse graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Transylvania University and Luther- Norse graduates have the same median monthly federal student loan payment ($279 vs. $279).
• More Luther- Norse graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Transylvania University students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 75%)

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.