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UNITED STATES · MILWAUKEE

Wisconsin Lutheran College

private · Founded 1973 · Languages: en

In short

Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private Christian liberal arts college in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, offering over 45 majors with small class sizes and personalized mentorship. It provides a vibrant campus life, nationally recognized residence halls, and financial aid for all full-time undergraduates.

Key facts

Type: Private
Founded: 1973
Students: 1,053
International students: 30
Acceptance rate: 79%
Tuition (intl): €25–28k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Milwaukee, United States

Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC) is a private Christian liberal arts college in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, affiliated with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. Founded in 1973, WLC offers more than 45 majors and minors with a commitment to Christ-centered education and personal mentorship. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio and average class size of 18 ensure every student receives individual attention from faculty who are both scholars and people of faith. WLC prepares graduates for Christian leadership through a curriculum that integrates faith with academic rigor. Programs in nursing, education, and business have earned national recognition as Colleges of Distinction, and 100% of full-time undergraduates receive financial aid. Campus life is vibrant, with 19 NCAA Division III sports, fine arts ensembles, theatre productions, and more than 35 student organizations. Residence halls are consistently ranked among the best in America, and Milwaukee's urban setting provides rich opportunities for internships and service.

Why study here

Personal instruction in small classes (avg. 18 students) from dedicated Christian faculty.
100% of full-time undergraduates receive financial aid, making WLC accessible.
45+ majors across liberal arts, nursing, business, and education with strong career outcomes.
Nationally top-rated campus residence halls and a supportive faith community.
Milwaukee location provides internship access and hands-on urban learning opportunities.
19 NCAA Division III sports and 35+ student clubs for a balanced college experience.

Student life

Life at WLC is centered on a tight-knit Christian community. Students live in highly-rated residence halls, participate in 19 NCAA Division III sports, and join 35+ student organizations. Fine arts offerings include concert band, jazz band, choirs, instrumental ensembles, and theatre. Milwaukee's urban setting provides internship opportunities and cultural experiences beyond campus.

Fees

InternationalAnnual tuition for international students is approximately $28,000 USD. Room and board adds roughly $10,000–$12,000 per year. All admitted full-time undergraduates receive financial aid packages.

HomeInformation about specific home tuition and fees is not provided. All parking permit charges are posted to student accounts. Students do not send payment when applying for a parking permit.

LivingLiving on campus costs approximately $10,000–$12,000 per year for room and board. WLC's residence halls are ranked among the best in the country. Most new students are encouraged to live on campus.

100% of full-time undergraduate students were awarded financial aid for 2025-2026. A Tuition Payment and Financial Agreement Form must be completed each academic year to indicate the selected payment option.

Admissions

Average HS GPA (Fall 2025)3.58

Average ACT (Fall 2025)25.6

Application feeFree

TOEFL79 iBT minimum

IELTS6.5 minimum

Rankings

U.S. News & World Report 2026#19 Regional Colleges Midwest

U.S. News & World Report 2026#12 Best Value Schools (Regional Colleges Midwest)

Niche 2026#2 Best Small Colleges in Wisconsin

Niche 2026#12 Best College Dorms in America

Colleges of Distinction 2025-2026College of Distinction - Nursing, Business, Education

University scholarships

Merit ScholarshipsVaries based on GPA and test scores

Financial Aid Packages100% of full-time students receive aid

Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission (HLC); nursing programs accredited by ACEN

For international students

United States

Student visa & funds

International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.

Working while you study

F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.

After you graduate

After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+

Main intakes

AugustJanuary

Typical living cost

€1,420/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesStudy in the States — Students and the Form I-20 · Study in the States — Financial ability · USCIS — Students and employment · USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students · USCIS — STEM OPT extension · LeapScholar — Minimum IELTS scores for USA universities · Mastersportal — Student living costs in the USA (2025–2026)

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

Wisconsin Lutheran College · United States

Art Major

The Art major at Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC) allows you to hone your creative skills and express yourself visually across various mediums. You will participate in creative experiences designed to develop your talents, with personalized guidance and professional training provided by faculty in small, supportive classes. The program fosters aesthetic literacy, visual thinking, and critical analysis skills alongside creative expression. The curriculum is flexible, enabling you to tailor your degree to your specific artistic interests. Opportunities for inspiration and professional development include museum trips, gallery tours, guest artist talks, and international travel experiences. The vibrant art scene in Milwaukee offers further avenues for exploration and engagement.

Wisconsin Lutheran College · United States

Wisconsin Lutheran College Programs

Wisconsin Lutheran College (WLC) offers an academic and faith experience designed to prepare students for life's critical moments and help them discover and pursue their unique purpose. The college aims to activate students' potential, fostering confidence and equipping them to make a meaningful difference as Christian leaders. WLC emphasizes experiential learning, providing students with a meaningful advantage as they prepare for their future careers and lives.

Scholarships

for United States

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Duke University

Karsh International Scholarship Program

Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.

University of Miami (with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation)

University of Miami Stamps Scholarship

Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.

QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship

Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.

Argonne National Laboratory

Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory

Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).

Boustany Foundation / Harvard Business School

Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship

Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.

Frequently asked questions

What is the estimated annual cost for international students at Wisconsin Lutheran College?

The annual tuition for international students is approximately $28,000 USD. Room and board costs are an additional $10,000–$12,000 per year.

Does Wisconsin Lutheran College offer financial aid to international students?

Yes, all admitted full-time undergraduate students, including international students, receive financial aid packages. 100% of full-time undergraduates were awarded financial aid for the 2025-2026 academic year.

What are the English language proficiency requirements for international applicants?

International students need to meet minimum scores for English proficiency tests. The requirement is a TOEFL score of 79 iBT or an IELTS score of 6.5.

Where is Wisconsin Lutheran College located and what are the benefits of this location?

Wisconsin Lutheran College is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, offering the advantages of a metropolitan area with a suburban residential campus. The city provides numerous opportunities for internships, hands-on learning, and cultural activities.

What academic programs are recognized at Wisconsin Lutheran College?

Wisconsin Lutheran College offers more than 45 majors and minors. Programs in nursing, education, and business have been recognized as Colleges of Distinction.

Last updated 3 July 2026