Luther- Norse vs. Willamette University

Comparable Facts

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

Willamette University is larger than Luther- Norse based on total student enrollment (2,180 students vs. 1,384 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Luther College is located in Decorah, IA (Remote Town setting); Willamette University is in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting).
• Luther College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Luther College 9:1; Willamette University 13:1.

Luther- Norse vs. Willamette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Luther- Norse or Willamette 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 Willamette University ($24,511 vs. $29,421).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Luther College are 28.6% lower than at Willamette University ($11,530 vs. $16,150).
• Luther College is 1.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Willamette University (about $964 more per year; $52,120.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.9% higher at Luther- Norse than at Willamette University (about $964 more per year; $52,120.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Luther College as at Willamette University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Luther College students is 7.5% larger than aid received by Willamette University students ($40,917 vs. $38,080).

Luther- Norse vs. Willamette University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Willamette University (1340) is 100 points higher than at Luther- Norse (1240).
• Incoming Willamette University students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 25 at Luther- Norse).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Luther College 1078/1406; Willamette University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Luther College 22/29; Willamette University 28/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Luther- Norse - Test optional; Willamette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Willamette University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Luther- Norse (3.65).
• Willamette University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than Luther- Norse (71.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 19.9% at Luther- Norse vs. 14.3% at Willamette University.

Luther- Norse vs. Willamette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Willamette University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Luther College's (69%).
• Graduates from Willamette University earn a median of about $4,300 more per year than Luther- Norse graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $50,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Willamette University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Luther- Norse graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Willamette University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Luther- Norse graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Luther- Norse graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Willamette University students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 80%)

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.