Waldorf University
A good fit for students who want accessible admissions and students who want small classes and close faculty access. graduation rate is below 25% — most students don't finish here; fewer than half of freshmen return for sophomore year. a private for-profit school with 1,827 students.
About This School
Waldorf University is a private for-profit institution located in Forest City, Iowa with approximately 1,827 undergraduate students enrolled. Waldorf University has an open or accessible admissions process, with an acceptance rate of 77%. The average net price after financial aid is $19,693 per year. The graduation rate is 21%, and the typical graduate earns $42,400 within 10 years of enrollment.
Waldorf University is a private non-profit university in Forest City, Iowa. It was founded in 1903 and associated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and its predecessors. In 2010, it was sold to Columbia Southern University and became a for-profit institution; twelve years later, on January 1, 2022, ownership was transferred to the Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation.
The numbers tell a mixed story here: a 29% graduation rate and 52% freshman retention rate suggest many students don't finish, which is a serious red flag worth understanding before enrolling. On the positive side, median debt at graduation is a relatively low $12,025, and the school's small size and open access (73% acceptance rate) make it a realistic option for students who need a second chance or a more supportive entry point into college. Worth considering only if you have a clear plan to stay engaged and finish — the data shows too many students don't.
Popular Programs
Percentage of degrees awarded. Source: College Scorecard.
Notable Alumni
Source: Wikidata. Used for context only.
Admissions
SAT Scores
ACT Scores
Cost & Financial Aid
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual cost after grants/scholarships, by household income. Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Financial Aid
Full Cost
After Graduation
Earnings 6 Years After Enrollment, by Gender
Gap: 25% less for female graduates. National avg ~16%.
Will This School Pay Off?
Solid return. Earnings outpace debt, though major choice matters.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. These are means across all graduates, not specific to any major.
Student Body
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (1,827 undergraduates).
Contact & Location
Official Links
Other Schools in Iowa
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University of Iowa
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Des Moines Area Community College
Ankeny, IA · Public
Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, IA · Public
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA · Public
Eastern Iowa Community College District
Davenport, IA · Public
Sources & Methodology
Primary data source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Accessed via automated sync. Latest values may come from different reporting years depending on the metric.
School overview from Wikipedia. Used for context only, not as a primary data source for admissions, cost, or outcomes claims.
- Earnings figures are institution-level averages, not major-specific.
- Some metrics are based on Title IV financial aid recipients only.
- Some values may be privacy-suppressed or rolled up by the Department of Education.
- Contact the school directly for current admissions requirements and costs.
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