Acceptance Rate
76%
Avg. SAT
1200
75th percentile
“Lutheran liberal arts college in Iowa where choirs and bands tour Europe amid a tight-knit small-town community.”
Waverly, IA
Location
Town
Campus Setting
Wartburg College opened in 1852 when German Lutheran immigrants founded a seminary and college in rural Iowa to preserve their faith and culture. Today it carries a personality shaped by Lutheran values—service, music, and global awareness—in the quiet town of Waverly, population about 10,000, along the Cedar River. Students who thrive here seek close professor relationships, collaborative vibes, and hands-on learning rather than big-city excitement or cutthroat competition; those craving urban energy or large lectures might feel isolated.
Photo Gallery
+8
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Test Policy
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Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Classrooms buzz with discussion in small groups, thanks to the 1,500 undergrads spread across majors like music, business, biology, and education, where professors know your name from day one. The music department stands out, with ensembles earning invitations to perform abroad, while business and sciences emphasize practical projects over pure research. You can expect introductory classes capped at 25-30 students, but popular programs like nursing fill quickly, and research opportunities suit motivated undergrads more than casual ones.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
1,462 undergrad • 21 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
80%
Black / African American
4%
Hispanic / Latino
4%
Asian
<1%
Other / Multi-racial
11%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Waverly, IA
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
A typical week mixes morning chapel services, afternoon classes, club meetings, and weekend music concerts or service trips, with most students living on campus in dorms that foster hall rivalries and lifelong friends. Traditions revolve around Knight pride, from wind ensemble tours to the annual Christmas at Wartburg concert drawing thousands. Waverly offers low-key charm—riverside trails, local diners—but tradeoffs include harsh Iowa winters, limited nightlife beyond house parties, and a drive to Cedar Rapids for bigger events.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
American Rivers Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$15,460
$30K – $48K
$17,521
$48K – $75K
$20,206
$75K – $110K
$23,790
$110K+
$25,952
Apply for Financial Aid
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
76%
4 Years Graduation Rate
70%
6 Years Graduation Rate
73%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$56,201
76% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Wartburg College and return in the fall. 70% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 73% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
70%
4-5 years
3%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
26%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$46,740
Acceptance
76%
Undergrads
1,462
4-Year Grad Rate
70%
Endowment
$91M
Waverly, IA 50677-0903
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