Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 47.51
Liaison Chris Frantsvog
Submission Date May 1, 2014
Executive Letter Download

STARS v2.0

Luther College
PA-8: Affordability and Access

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 1.89 / 4.00 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 any 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.


A brief description of any 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 any 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 any 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 any 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 other admissions policies or programs to make the institution accessible and affordable to low-income students:

See Luther College Admissions website.


A brief description of other financial aid policies or programs to make the institution accessible and affordable to low-income students:

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 other policies and programs to make the institution accessible and affordable to low-income students not covered above:

See Luther College Admissions website and the scholarship page here: http://www.luther.edu/giving/choices/scholarship/directory/general-1/
There are many scholarships that specifically target low-income, diverse students.

Institutions are implementing strategies to improve their accessibility and affordability

Summer Seminars Program

https://www.luther.edu/diversity/sumseminar/

Howard Hughes Medical Institute Award

http://www.luther.edu/headlines/?story_id=395374

Diversity Enrichment Scholarships

http://www.luther.edu/financialaid/prospective/scholarships/diversity/


Does the institution have policies and programs in place to support non-traditional students?:
Yes

A brief description of any scholarships provided specifically for part-time students:

The Charlotte B. Schilling Grue Scholarship, established by Vernon C. and Mary Ellen Grue Iverson in recognition of Charlotte Grue’s 25 years of dedicated service in the Luther College Health Service. Awards shall be given to students who can show evidence of financial need, with preference given to older non-traditional students.
In addition, all non-traditional students are treated the same as any other incoming first-year and are considered for all applicable scholarships based on their application, previous academic work, and financial needs.


A brief description of any onsite child care facilities, partnerships with local facilities, and/or subsidies or financial support to help meet the child care needs of students:

None


A brief description of other policies and programs to support non-traditional students:

None


Does the institution wish to pursue Part 2 of this credit (accessibility and affordability indicators)?:
No

Indicators that the institution is accessible and affordable to low-income students::
Percentage (0-100)
The percentage of entering students that are low-income 21
The graduation/success rate for low-income students 68
The percentage of student financial need met, on average ---
The percentage of students graduating with no interest-bearing student loan debt ---

The percentage of students that participate in or directly benefit from the institution’s policies and programs to support low-income and non-traditional students:
6.50

The website URL where information about the institution's affordability and access programs is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
---

The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.