Founded in 1852, Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, is internationally recognized for leadership development. The college is dedicated to challenging and nurturing students for lives of leadership and service as a spirited expression of their faith and learning. Together, we create an inclusive community combining diverse curricular and co-curricular experiences to prepare students to be resilient leaders of positive change through service in a complex world.
The college offers undergraduate degrees in more than 60 areas of study in the arts and sciences. Our graduates achieve remarkable success after Wartburg, with exceptional placement rates in graduate programs, including an 82 percent placement rate in medical school — more than twice the national average. Those who go on to begin their careers also find success, with new graduates landing meaningful opportunities at prestigious organizations like the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and John Deere. Since 2021, the college has offered a Master of Arts in Leadership and will continue to pursue innovative undergraduate and graduate programs aligned with our mission and strengths.
Wartburg’s extensive co-curricular offerings include more than 15 music ensembles, 25 Division III athletic teams, and more than 50 student-led organizations. Wartburg’s athletic teams are consistently ranked in the top 5 percent nationally, and the college has a 29-year streak of winning at least one individual or team national title. In addition to frequent performances throughout the United States, eight of the college’s music ensembles perform during the college’s Christmas with Wartburg performances, which are viewed by thousands each year. Touring ensembles travel abroad during May Term, frequently visiting Wartburg Castle, the college’s namesake in Eisenach, Germany.
Distinctive Facts & Features
The recently announced Wartburg Commitment lowered the college's published tuition price by 45%, ensured greater access through targeted scholarship programs, and provided up to $1,500 in funding to support experiential education for each student
Included among the first-tier Best National Liberal Arts Colleges as ranked by U.S. News and World Reports
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
Listed as the 2023 best value private college in Iowa by SmartAsset.com, based on starting salary, tuition, living expenses, retention, and scholarships awarded
Nationally classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching for its commitment to community outreach and
service-learning through 2025
Student Profile
Male: 45%
Female: 55%
In-state: 64%
Out-of-state: 36%
Undergraduate majors: 60+
Students from 40+ U.S. states and 45+ countries attend Wartbug College
More than 20 Christian denominations and several world religions represented on campus
Most Popular Majors
Business Administration
Biology
Exercise Science
Elementary Education
Psychology
Cost
Tuition: $25,000
Fees, Housing & Food: $13,000
Total: $38,000
Financial Aid Data
Students with Demonstrated Financial Need: 73%
Average Financial Aid Package: $31,319
Percent Need Met: 82.4%
Class Size
Student/Faculty ratio: 13 to 1
Average Class Size: 20
Faculty
Full-time Faculty: 81
Full-time Faculty with Terminal Degree: 96%
Athletics and Intramural Activities
Athletic Division: NCCA Division III
Students participating in Athletics: 700+
Students participating in Music Ensembles: 400+
Co-curricular Activities
Total number of clubs, organizations, teams, and ensembles: Nearly 100
