Martin Luther College
Martin Luther College General Information
Overview
Martin Luther College (MLC) is a private Lutheran college located in New Ulm, Minnesota, affiliated with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). The institution’s mission is to train men and women to serve in public ministry—specifically as pastors, teachers, and staff ministers—in the WELS church body. MLC was formed in 1995 through the merger of two prior institutions and offers undergraduate and graduate programs anchored in Christian ministry, education, theology, and leadership.
The campus is situated on a scenic 88‑acre site in a small‑town setting above the Minnesota River, providing a close‑knit community environment. Vikipedi Although the focus is theological and ministerial, MLC also supports co‑curricular experiences including athletics (NCAA Division III) and music, enabling a broader student life. Overall, MLC offers students who are motivated by Christian service and ministry a specialized academic home combining faith, scholarship and community.
Contact Informations
Address: 1995 Luther Court, New Ulm, Minnesota 56073, USA MN Office of Higher Education+1
Phone Number: (507) 354‑8221 MN Office of Higher Education
Email Address: The college directs prospective students to the admissions/office of enrollment for contact; interested applicants should use the official college admissions email found on the institutions contact page.
School Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1995 (merger of previous institutions) Vikipedi+1 |
| Motto | Via Veritas Vita (Latin for “The Way, the Truth, the Life”) Vikipedi+1 |
| Institutional Type | Private non‑profit four‑year college affiliated with WELS |
| Location | New Ulm, Minnesota, USA |
| Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission Martin Luther College |
| Student‑Faculty Ratio | Approximately 9:1 Peterson’s+1 |
Martin Luther College Rankings
| Ranking Category | Rank / Position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Acceptance Rate | ~83% for recent admissions (less selective) Data USA+1 |
| Graduation Rate | ~71% (per one profile) Niche |
| Global Ranking | Not widely reported (specialized institution) |
Martin Luther College Academics
Martin Luther College Faculties / Departments
- School of Education and Theology
- Department of Biblical and Theological Studies
- Department of Elementary and Early Childhood Education
- Department of Secondary and Physical Education
- Graduate Studies and Leadership Development
- Music, Arts & Fine Arts Department
Martin Luther College Courses and Programs / Majors
- Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education & Teaching
- Bachelor of Arts in Biblical and Theological Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education & Teaching
- Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education & Teaching
- Master of Science in Educational Administration
- Master of Science in Special Education
- Associate or Pre‑seminary tracks for future pastors
- Certificate and minor programs in Leadership, Fine Arts, Music Ministry
Online Learning
Martin Luther College provides online learning options, including fully online courses and hybrid modalities, especially in its graduate and leadership development offerings. Recent data indicate that approximately 28% of students were enrolled exclusively online or in online‑centric programs in 2023‑24. CollegeTuitionCompare The college emphasizes learning formats that support working professionals and church leaders, while still maintaining in‑person formative experiences for its undergraduate ministry‑focused cohorts.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Range / Typical Data |
|---|---|
| SAT | Median/Typical ~1078‑1256 for submitted students Niche+1 |
| ACT | Composite score range ~22‑28 for 25th‑75th percentile Niche+1 |
| GRE | Not widely applicable for standard undergraduate admission |
Retention and Graduation Rates
MLC reports a retention rate of approximately 85% for full‑time first‑time undergraduates (2023 data) which is above rates for many similar special‑focus institutions. Data USA Graduation within 100% of expected time stood at 54% and within 150% of time at 75% for the 2023 cohort, reflecting the nature of the programs and student demographics. Data USA
Martin Luther College Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Prospective students to Martin Luther College typically present a high school GPA averaging around 3.55 and an ACT average of about 23.5 according to institutional data. Martin Luther College+1 While MLC no longer emphasizes SAT/ACT as required for admission (many students submit ACT scores), successful applicants generally meet or exceed these benchmarks.
Martin Luther College Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | ~82.6% (2023 data) Data USA |
Martin Luther College Application Requirements
Applicants to Martin Luther College submit a completed undergraduate application, provide official high school transcripts (or GED equivalent), present standardized test scores if available (though optional for many programs), write a personal statement reflecting interest in Christian ministry and service, and meet with admissions for interview or consultation reflecting alignment with the college’s faith‑based mission. Transfer students provide prior college transcripts and may be required to meet prerequisite criteria depending on major. The process emphasizes personal fit with the institution’s mission of training for ministry and service.
Application Process
- Submit the online application form to MLC admissions
- Provide official high school transcript or GED documentation
- Submit standardized test scores if applicable (ACT or SAT)
- Complete personal statement and any program‑specific interview or ministry reflection
- Meet with admissions counselor, choose major and register for orientation
Martin Luther College Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Deadline Type | Detail |
|---|---|
| Early Action / Priority Deadline | Varies by year (check college calendar) |
| Regular Application Deadline | Typically around May 1 for fall admissions Niche |
| Rolling/Transfer Deadlines | For certain programs and graduate tracks |
Essay Prompt (if applicable)
For MLC undergraduate programs, the personal statement or essay commonly asks applicants to reflect on their faith journey, interest in Christian ministry or education, vocational goals in the Lutheran church context, and how they plan to serve in ministry or education following graduation.
Martin Luther College Scholarships
Martin Luther College offers numerous scholarships based on academic achievement, Christian service, leadership potential, and church‑related commitment. First‑year students with high school GPA of 3.75–4.00 and above are eligible for significant scholarships. Martin Luther College Additional financial aid includes grants, loans, work‑study and need‑based awards.
Martin Luther College Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Cost Category | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate Tuition (2023) | ~$17,770 per year for tuition alone Data USA |
| Average Net Price After Aid | ~$21,072 per year after grants for full‑time students Data USA |
Martin Luther College Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
In the 2023–24 academic year, MLC enrolled approximately 860 students (743 undergraduates, 117 graduate). CollegeTuitionCompare+1 Among full‑time undergraduates, the student body is 92.2% White, 3.02% Two or More Races, 1.05% Hispanic or Latino, 1.05% Black or African American, and 0.58% Asian. Data USA Gender distribution is slightly female‑leaning with roughly 1.17 women for every man. CollegeTuitionCompare
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Approximately 81% of undergraduate students received grants or financial aid in 2023, indicating a significant portion of students rely on institutional or federal assistance to attend. Data USA Data specific to students with disabilities is not publicly detailed, but MLC provides accessibility and support services consistent with federal requirements.
Student Body
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment | ~860 students (2023) Data USA |
| Full‑Time Undergraduate Enrollment | ~603 students (2023) Data USA |
| Part‑Time / Graduate Enrollment | ~257 students (2023) Data USA |
University Diversity
Martin Luther College has a strong institutional identity rooted in the Lutheran tradition and service to church‑related vocations. While the student population is heavily White, the college seeks to cultivate a community of faith and service that transcends ethnic and demographic boundaries. The mix of traditional‑age undergraduates and graduate students reflects a variety of backgrounds—some preparing for ministry, others for teaching, and still others for church leadership. The institution’s emphasis on Christian vocation, global mission, and service introduces opportunities for cross‑cultural engagement, including international study tours, immersion trips, and ministry abroad options. The faith‑based context fosters community belonging, mentorship relationships, and shared values of service, leadership and education. For students from historically under‑represented backgrounds in ministry or education, MLC offers a supportive environment where vocation and faith intersect, even as the demographic profile remains less diverse than larger secular institutions.
Average Earnings
Graduates of Martin Luther College typically enter fields such as elementary and secondary education, early childhood teaching, church ministry, staff ministry, and leadership in Christian organizations. According to degree‑major data, the most common bachelor’s degrees awarded were in Elementary Education & Teaching (69), Pre‑Theology & Pre‑Ministerial Studies (33) and Early Childhood Education & Teaching (20) in 2023. Data USA Although specific salary data is not deeply published, elementary teachers and staff ministers in the Lutheran system may expect entry‑level salaries that reflect regional public‑school scales or church‑organization pay scales. Given the college’s focused vocational orientation and mission‑based outcomes, many alumni pursue roles aligned with service and calling rather than high‑earning commercial fields. The value proposition of MLC is often oriented toward vocational fulfillment and service impact rather than maximum earnings, though many graduates progress into leadership, advanced degrees and positions of responsibility over time.
Martin Luther College Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
Martin Luther College employs approximately 106 faculty members (including full‑time and adjunct) and supports small class sizes, with a student‑faculty ratio around 9:1. Martin Luther College+1 The faculty is supported by staff in academic advising, student life, ministry placement, career services, and residential life, reflecting the college’s combination of academics, faith‑formation and campus community.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Faculty at Martin Luther College bring a combination of scholarship, teaching and Christian ministry practice to their roles. Many professors hold advanced degrees in education, theology, leadership and church ministry, and are actively engaged in the WELS church community, mission work, teaching, and service. The college highlights faculty who integrate faith and learning, mentor students in service experiences, and support experiential learning like teaching abroad or immersion trips. The professional and ministerial backgrounds of faculty contribute directly to MLC’s mission of preparing students for service in ministry, education and church leadership.
Martin Luther College Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
The campus of Martin Luther College in New Ulm offers a residential experience oriented around community, faith and service. Housing options include traditional residence halls and apartments, with meal‑plan options. Student life emphasizes Christian community, leadership development, service opportunities, faith formation, student organizations, music and arts ensembles, and athletics (NCAA Division III, the Knights). Athletically and socially, students engage in campus ministry, worship, small groups and community service. The size of the institution supports close relationships among students, faculty and staff, and campus culture integrates spiritual life with academic and co‑curricular pursuits.
Transportation
Located in the small city of New Ulm, Minnesota, the campus is accessible by regional highways and a short drive from the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area. On‑campus transport is walkable, and local bus or shuttle services may assist commuting students. Resident students benefit from the compact campus layout and frequent faith‑ and community‑related events. The rural‑town setting combines tranquillity with access to regional amenities, making it suitable for students seeking a focused residential Christian college atmosphere.