Luther- Norse vs. WUSTL

Comparable Facts

Compare Luther College in Decorah, IA with Washington University in St Louis in St. Louis, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Washington University in St Louis is larger than Luther- Norse based on total student enrollment (16,357 students vs. 1,384 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Luther College is located in Decorah, IA (Remote Town setting); Washington University in St Louis is in St. Louis, MO (Large Suburban setting).
• Luther College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington University in St Louis is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Luther College 9:1; Washington University in St Louis 7:1.

Luther- Norse vs. WUSTL Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Luther- Norse or WUSTL ? 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 Washington University in St Louis than Luther- Norse ($22,408 vs. $24,511).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Luther College are 47.2% lower than at Washington University in St Louis ($11,530 vs. $21,854).
• Washington University in St Louis is 26.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Luther- Norse (about $13,670 more per year; $65,790.00 vs. $52,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.2% higher at WUSTL than at Luther College (about $13,670 more per year; $65,790.00 vs. $52,120.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Luther College than at Washington University in St Louis (100% vs. 49%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington University in St Louis students is 61.5% larger than aid received by Luther College students ($66,080 vs. $40,917).

Luther- Norse vs. WUSTL Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Washington University in St Louis (1540) is 300 points higher than at Luther- Norse (1240).
• Incoming WUSTL students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 25 at Luther- Norse).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Luther College 1078/1406; Washington University in St Louis 1500/1570.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Luther College 22/29; Washington University in St Louis 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Luther- Norse - Test optional; WUSTL - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WUSTL Jan 4, 2027.
• Accepted freshman WUSTL students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at Luther- Norse (3.65).
• Luther- Norse has a higher acceptance rate (71.5%) than WUSTL (12.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Luther- Norse vs. 46.7% at WUSTL .

Luther- Norse vs. WUSTL Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Luther- Norse and WUSTL ? 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).

• Washington University in St Louis's six-year graduation rate (93%) is higher than Luther College's (69%).
• Graduates from Washington University in St Louis earn a median of about $32,800 more per year than Luther- Norse graduates about ten years after starting college ($82,800 vs. $50,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Washington University in St Louis graduates have a $7,100 lower median loan debt than Luther- Norse graduates ($19,900 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, WUSTL graduates have an estimated $74 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Luther- Norse graduates ($205 vs. $279).
• More WUSTL graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Luther- Norse students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 82%)

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.