WHY CHOOSE WARTBURG

Experience More Logo with W flag
Experience More by doing more.

Studying in another country, performing research with your professors, and completing internships will give you resumé-worthy experiences and new perspectives that better prepare you for what’s next. And we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Biology Bacteriophage Lab

Learn from the best.
You’ll be advised and taught by actual professors, not graduate assistants, with experience in their fields and the credentials to match. With our small class sizes, your professors will know you by name — and they’ll go the extra mile to help you succeed.

wartburg west students at the Capitol

Go hands-on.
Internships not only give you something to put on your next job application, they let you test-drive your future career. We’ll help you find on-the-job experience at an organization in your field.

Hollingsworth NCWA wrestling 2021 smile

Take your shot.
Choose from more than 20 Division III sports at Wartburg. You’ll have a chance to shine doing what you love and be part of extending our 29-year streak of bringing home at least one national title. Did we mention Wartburg has won the American Rivers Conference all-sports trophy every year since it was introduced?

Christmas with Wartburg - Strings

Hit a high note.
You don’t have to be a music major to join one of our internationally renowned ensembles or earn a music scholarship. Our students perform at famous venues, travel overseas, and work with well-known composers on world premieres.

How does Wartburg compare?

College is about more than just a degree. It is an investment in your future. Use the resources below to see how Wartburg ranks with the competition. See how Wartburg’s experiential education is a great value.

One of only 25 schools nationwide and the only Iowa college to earn a Carnegie Elective Classification for Leadership for Public Purpose.

One of five colleges to receive the Washington Center’s inaugural Higher Education Civic Engagement Award for service-learning and community engagement.

Named eight consecutive times to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, three times “with distinction,” in recognition of volunteer efforts by Wartburg students.

Wartburg was ranked 17th in the nation for short-term study abroad in the 2018 Open Doors Report, conducted in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Save Time and Money at Wartburg - Compare our Net Price over four years to five or six at a state university

Why compare five years at state schools to four years at Wartburg?
The reality for many students is it will take five years or more to earn a degree at a state university, according to national statistics. At Wartburg, 93 percent of our graduates complete their degree in four years. The average starting salary for a Wartburg graduate, according to the College Scorecard, is $45,400. 

Ave. State U. Net Price x5 yrs - $125,820
Ave. Wartburg Net Price x4 yrs - $85,400

That’s over $40,000 in REAL VALUE!

The state university cost is calculated based on the average cost of attendance for ISU, UNI, and Iowa for five years (College Navigator) plus $45,400 in missed income, which is the average starting salary for Wartburg graduates.

Wartburg total calculated based on the average net price at Wartburg for four years.

What is a Graduation Rate?
This can be a very confusing concept. Basically, this is the percentage of students who actually complete a degree at the institution. Most reports online will show a 6-year graduation rate, which is the percentage of full-time students who have received their bachelor’s degree within six years from start to finish at the same institution. At many universities a five-year graduation rate has become the norm. This is NOT true at Wartburg College. 

How does Wartburg compare with the Iowa regent universities?

INSTITUTION
4 YR RATE
6 YR RATE
Wartburg College
66%
70%
University of Iowa
51%
72%
University of Northern Iowa
38%
68%
Iowa State University
41%
71%

How does Wartburg compare with other Iowa private colleges?

INSTITUTION
4 YR RATE
6 YR RATE
Luther College
69%
77%
Wartburg College
66%
70%
Simpson College
62%
68%
Coe College
60%
67%
Central College
60%
67%
Loras College
57%
70%
Buena Vista University
43%
51%

Information based on latest information available – 2009 cohort

Experience more examples: research, portfolio management, PR campaign, K-12 student teaching