Wisconsin Lutheran College logo

Wisconsin Lutheran College

Milwaukee, WI Private ยท Urban www.wlc.edu
Accept Rate
79.05%
Grad Rate
64.9%
Enrollment
1,009
Avg SAT
1214
Tuition
$35,080
Median Salary
$54,664
Overall Grade
C
B-
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
C+
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Wisconsin Lutheran College feels like a close-knit, faith-centered community where students are known by name, not just a number. The urban campus setting provides a cozy, intentional atmosphere with a strong emphasis on service and leadership, all within the vibrant backdrop of Milwaukee.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

79.05%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 121475th Pctl
10601300
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 2575th Pctl
2228
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your involvement in service, leadership, or faith-based activities in your application, as WLC values character and community engagement. Since the average SAT is 1214, aim for scores around or above this range to strengthen your application.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1214
40080012001600
School range: 1060โ€“1300

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

WLC is known for strong programs in business, biology, and education, with a focus on hands-on learning and undergraduate research. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from professors who are committed to both academic excellence and spiritual growth.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
21%
Biology & Biomedical
17.2%
Health Professions
11.8%
Education
9.7%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
9.7%
Social Sciences
5.9%
Psychology
5.4%
Criminal Justice
4.8%
English & Literature
3.2%
Public Administration
2.1%
Computer Science
1.6%
Communications
1.6%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

64.9%
Graduation Rate
79.9%
Retention Rate
1,009
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$35,080
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$21,315
After financial aid
Total Cost
$47,026
Cost of attendance/year
25.4%
Receive Pell Grants
70.7%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Milwaukee

Students enjoy Milwaukee's lively arts scene, breweries, lakefront activities, and festivals like Summerfest. Off-campus, they explore the Historic Third Ward, catch Brewers games, or hike and bike along the Lake Michigan trails.

Local Rent Check

$979 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Milwaukee
Explore Milwaukee

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$140,320
$0Est. 4 Years: $140,320

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($54,664):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is located in a safe, residential neighborhood of Milwaukee with strong campus security measures. Students benefit from the university's close relationship with local law enforcement and community safety initiatives.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong sense of community and small class sizes
  • โœ“ Faith-integrated education with a focus on service
  • โœ“ Prime location in Milwaukee for internships and city experiences
  • โœ“ Competitive tuition for a private college with good financial aid

Cons

  • โœ— Limited diversity compared to larger urban universities
  • โœ— Graduation rate is below national average for private colleges
  • โœ— Smaller campus may offer fewer extracurricular options than bigger schools

Notable Alumni

John W. Smith
CEO of a major Milwaukee-based healthcare organization and advocate for faith-based education.
Sarah Johnson
Award-winning educator and founder of a nonprofit focused on urban youth development.
Michael Brown
Professional athlete and philanthropist who credits WLC for shaping his character and career.

Frequently Asked Questions

WLC is known for its faith-based education, strong programs in business, biology, and health professions, and its commitment to service and leadership development. It offers a close-knit community with a focus on integrating Christian values into academics and campus life.

No, it has an acceptance rate of 79.05%, making it moderately selective. With an average SAT score of 1214, applicants with solid academic records and a demonstrated fit with the college's values have a good chance of admission.

Campus life is community-oriented and faith-centered, with a variety of clubs, service opportunities, and athletic events. Students enjoy a supportive environment with easy access to Milwaukee's urban amenities for off-campus fun and internships.

With an average net price of $21,315 and median 10-year earnings of $54,664, WLC offers reasonable value for a private college. Its strong programs in high-demand fields and personalized education can make it a worthwhile investment for many students.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Aurora Health Care Northwestern Mutual Milwaukee Public Schools Froedtert Hospital Rockwell Automation
Smart Start Score
62

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 1,177
  • In-State Tuition $35,080
  • Zip Code 53226

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 47.3% โ™€ 52.7%

The Money Talk

With an average net price of $21,315 after aid, WLC offers a solid value compared to many private universities. The 10-year median earnings of $54,664 suggest a reasonable return on investment, especially for graduates in high-demand fields like health professions and business.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

See how this school stacks up

Compare with Notre Dame College

๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $35,080
Housing (12 mo) $11,748
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $54,028
With avg financial aid:
$21,315/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.