On Wednesday, Sept. 17, officials from Luther College and the Decorah Community School District formally launched a Preferred Admission Partnership aimed at expanding access to higher education for some of the region’s most accomplished students.

This type of partnership is a new one for both institutions. Qualifying Decorah High School students will have the opportunity for Preferred Admission to Luther, including a Preferred Admission scholarship. 

“Strengthening connections with local partners is a priority for Luther College, and we are excited by how this new partnership with the Decorah Community School District will deepen the relationship between our two organizations,” said Luther College President Brad Chamberlain. “The partnership reflects a mutual commitment to invest in our local community by improving opportunities for students from Decorah to access and afford a Luther education.”

Eligibility requirements for Decorah High School students include a 3.25 GPA (unweighted) and completing Algebra II by the conclusion of their junior year. Eligible students who opt in to the program will be offered Preferred Admission to Luther College, provided they remain in good academic standing at Decorah High School. This status makes them eligible to receive a $500 Preferred Admission award, plus other institutional scholarships.  

“The Preferred Admission Partnership opens doors for Decorah students to pursue an excellent academic opportunity close to home, recognizing their hard work and supporting their next steps,” said Cindy Goodner, president of the Decorah Community School District Board of Education.  

Decorah High School has a strong record of fostering high academic achievement and providing well-rounded educational opportunities. It is a two-time National Blue Ribbon School, most recently in 2024, along with only four other Iowa schools. “U.S. News & World Report” has consistently ranked Decorah High School among the top five high schools in Iowa since the rankings began, including multiple years at the No. 1 spot. 

“Students from Decorah High School are among the best in the nation and its graduates have consistently thrived at Luther,” said Matthew R. Beatty, vice president for enrollment management at Luther. “We are delighted to create a clear and supportive pathway for them to continue their education and reach their full potential on our campus.”  

Decorah Community School District Superintendent Tim Cronin added that this partnership “represents an important step in supporting the aspirations of our students.”

“Many Decorah High School students already excel in academics, the arts and athletics, and this agreement provides them with the opportunity to continue their education at Luther while remaining connected to the community that has fostered their growth,” Cronin said. 

Luther College is ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the nation. As measured by the “Wall Street Journal,” Luther is ranked first for learning opportunities among private Iowa colleges and the Associated Colleges of the Midwest (ACM) consortium. 

Decorah students who do not meet the Preferred Admission criteria are still encouraged to apply to Luther. They will be considered through Luther’s holistic review process for acceptance and potential merit awards.  

To participate in the Preferred Admission Partnership, students and families are encouraged to contact the Decorah High School counselors, Pat Trewin and Brigit Storhoff, or Luther College Assistant Director of Admissions Mary Hellmark.

About Luther College

At Luther College in beautiful Decorah, Iowa, students explore big questions and take action to benefit people, communities and society. Our academic programs, experiential approach to learning and welcoming community inspire students to learn actively, live purposefully and lead courageously for a lifetime of impact. Learn more at luther.edu. 

About Decorah Community School District

Decorah Community School District is located in northeast Iowa and is dedicated to providing academic and service excellence to approximately 1,600 students from early childhood through twelfth grade. At Decorah Community School District we embrace student learning and well-being as our fundamental purpose; we will, in partnership with our students, families and community, make the world a better place.