Luther- Norse vs. Minnesota

Comparable Facts

Compare Luther College in Decorah, IA with University of Minnesota Twin Cities in Minneapolis, MN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Minnesota Twin Cities is larger than Luther- Norse based on total student enrollment (56,666 students vs. 1,384 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Luther College is located in Decorah, IA (Remote Town setting); University of Minnesota Twin Cities is in Minneapolis, MN (Large City setting).
• Luther College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Luther College 9:1; University of Minnesota Twin Cities 17:1.

Luther- Norse vs. Minnesota Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Luther- Norse or Minnesota? 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 University of Minnesota Twin Cities than Luther- Norse ($17,209 vs. $24,511).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Luther College are 16.8% lower than at University of Minnesota Twin Cities ($11,530 vs. $13,856).
• Luther College is 202.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Minnesota (about $34,906 more per year; $52,120.00 vs. $17,214.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.9% higher at Luther- Norse than at University of Minnesota Twin Cities (about $13,758 more per year; $52,120.00 vs. $38,362.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Luther College than at University of Minnesota Twin Cities (100% vs. 65%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Luther College students is 226% larger than aid received by University of Minnesota Twin Cities students ($40,917 vs. $12,552).

Luther- Norse vs. Minnesota Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Minnesota Twin Cities (1400) is 160 points higher than at Luther- Norse (1240).
• Incoming Minnesota students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at Luther- Norse).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Luther College 1078/1406; University of Minnesota Twin Cities 1300/1500.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Luther College 22/29; University of Minnesota Twin Cities 26/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Luther- Norse - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional); Minnesota - Not required for admission, but considered if submitted (Test Optional).
• Typical fall application deadline: Minnesota Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Minnesota students have a 0.1 point higher average high school GPA (3.75) than students at Luther- Norse (3.65).
• Minnesota has a higher acceptance rate (79.7%) than Luther- Norse (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Luther- Norse vs. 22.3% at Minnesota.

Luther- Norse vs. Minnesota Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• University of Minnesota Twin Cities's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Luther College's (69%).
• Graduates from University of Minnesota Twin Cities earn a median of about $8,200 more per year than Luther- Norse graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,200 vs. $50,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Minnesota Twin Cities graduates have a $6,815 lower median loan debt than Luther- Norse graduates ($20,185 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Minnesota graduates have an estimated $71 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Luther- Norse graduates ($208 vs. $279).
• More Luther- Norse graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Minnesota students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 74%)

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.