Luther- Norse vs. Viterbo

Comparable Facts

Compare Luther College in Decorah, IA with Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Viterbo University is larger than Luther- Norse based on total student enrollment (2,094 students vs. 1,384 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Luther College is located in Decorah, IA (Remote Town setting); Viterbo University is in La Crosse, WI (Small City setting).
• Luther College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Viterbo University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Luther College 9:1; Viterbo University 10:1.

Luther- Norse vs. Viterbo Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Luther- Norse or Viterbo? 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 Viterbo University than Luther- Norse ($21,933 vs. $24,511).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Viterbo University are 1.8% lower than at Luther College ($11,320 vs. $11,530).
• Luther College is 52.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Viterbo (about $17,870 more per year; $52,120.00 vs. $34,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 52.2% higher at Luther- Norse than at Viterbo University (about $17,870 more per year; $52,120.00 vs. $34,250.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Luther College as at Viterbo University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Luther College students is 73.6% larger than aid received by Viterbo University students ($40,917 vs. $23,573).

Luther- Norse vs. Viterbo Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Luther- Norse or Viterbo? 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 Viterbo and Luther- Norse.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Luther College (1240) is 30 points higher than at Viterbo (1210).
• Incoming Luther- Norse students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Viterbo).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Luther College 1078/1406; Viterbo University 1040/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Luther College 22/29; Viterbo University 22/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Luther- Norse - Test optional; Viterbo - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Luther- Norse students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Viterbo (3.5).
• Viterbo has a higher acceptance rate (72.4%) than Luther- Norse (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Luther- Norse vs. 15.9% at Viterbo.

Luther- Norse vs. Viterbo Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Luther- Norse and Viterbo? 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 Viterbo University's (49%).
• Graduates from Luther College earn a median of about $5,700 more per year than Viterbo graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,000 vs. $44,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Viterbo University and Luther- Norse graduates have the same median loan debt ($27,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers in the federal data, Viterbo 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 Viterbo students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 68%)

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.