Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 50.90
Liaison Chris Frantsvog
Submission Date July 29, 2011
Executive Letter Download

STARS v1.0

Luther College
PAE-10: Affordability and Access Programs

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 3.00 / 3.00 Scot Schaeffer
Vice President for Enrollment
Admissions Office
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have policies and programs in place to make it accessible and affordable to low-income students?:
Yes

A brief description of the institution’s participation in federal TRIO programs:

TRIO programs at Luther are designed to motivate and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those from low-income households, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities, and include Student Support Services (SSS) and Upward Bound.
Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally-funded TRIO program designed to help ensure academic success for Luther College students who meet federal eligibility guidelines. The program serves 160 students annually, and all services and activities are free to students who qualify.
Upward Bound engages high school students who are either low income, have parents who have not completed a four-year college degree, or have parents who are in underemployed situations, as well as low-income, first-generation military veterans who are preparing to enter post-secondary education.


A brief description of the institution’s policies and programs to minimize the cost of attendance for low-income students?:

Student Support Services give students access to SSS grants and scholarships, and equipment loan programs. If a student's parents income exceeds the maximum taxable income allowed in order to be eligible for participation in TRIO programs, including Student Support Services, his/her application to the SSS Program will still be considered if neither parent has completed a bachelor's degree or if the student has a documented disability. Other policies apply to all students(see fields below).


A brief description of the institution’s programs to equip the institution's faculty and staff to better serve students from low-income backgrounds:

The Diversity Center serves as an example for all faculty and staff, providing training activities and support to help them improve their cultural competency and ability to serve all students. Contact the Diversity Center at 563-387-1014
or 800-4 LUTHER(800-458-8437). There are also many training sessions offered for employees through Library and Information Services. See Training and Instruction programs at http://lis.luther.edu/learn


A brief description of the institution’s programs to prepare students from low-income backgrounds for higher education:

Student Support Services helps students make the transition to Luther and be successful in school. Services provided include:academic, career, and financial advising, tutoring services, leadership development and cultural enrichment opportunities and assistance with graduate/professional school admission.


A brief description of the institution's scholarships for low-income students:

Luther Financial Aid Office puts together an offer of scholarships, grants, work-study and loans that will make a Luther education affordable for every family. There is also a Diversity Enrichment Scholarship that is granted to selected students from distinctive and broadly diverse backgrounds based on their potential to enrich the educational environment on campus and make positive contributions to the larger world.


A brief description of the institution’s programs to guide parents of low-income students through the higher education experience:

Luther's financial aid staff is made up of caring people who recognize that each family is about more than numbers on a page. Our staff looks at each student and family individually; if a family has a unique circumstance--the impending loss of a job, medical expenses, a parent in college, etc.--, or simply would like some extra guidance they can contact the Financial Aid Office for instructions and help. In addition there is a parent page on the Luther website, and a section of admissions for parents titled Paying the Bill--Financing a Luther Education.


A brief description of the institution’s targeted outreach to recruit students from low-income backgrounds:

Luther College Upward Bound engages high school students who are either low income, have parents who have not completed a four-year college degree, or have parents who are in underemployed situations, as well as low-income, first-generation military veterans who are preparing to enter post-secondary education. The Program provides support in the creation of a positive learning attitude ensuring academic success in high school, college, and life. It provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance, helping students succeed in their pre-college performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits.


A brief description of the institution’s other admissions policies and programs:

See Luther College Admissions website.


A brief description of the institution’s other financial aid polices or programs:

Financial Aid takes the total cost for attending Luther for a year (including an estimate for the cost of books, transportation and personal expenses) and subtracts your Expected Family Contribution(which is based on your FAFSA. The result is your demonstrated need. Once your demonstrated need has been determined, the Luther Financial Aid Office puts together an offer of scholarships, grants, work-study and loans that will make a Luther education affordable for you and your family.


A brief description of the institution’s other policies and programs not covered above:

See Luther College Admissions website


The website URL where information about programs in each of the areas listed above is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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