- 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.
School Highlights
Waldorf University serves 2,225 students (63% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 30:1 is same as the state community college average of 30:1.
Minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 32%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 2,225 students
- Private-state tuition: $20,316
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Student-teacher ratio: 30:1
- Minority enrollment: 44%
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Waldorf University ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Iowa for:
Category
Attribute
School Resources
School Overview
The teacher population of 75 teachers has declined by 72% over five years.
Waldorf University
(IA) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges
Not applicable, not in Carnegie universe (not accredited or nondegree-granting)
Institution Level
Four or more years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Private for-profit
Private not-for-profit
Total Faculty
75 staff
18 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Waldorf University has declined by 26% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 30:1 has increased from 11:1 over five years.
The Waldorf University diversity score of 0.62 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has declined by 20% over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,225 students
176 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
30:1
30:1
# Full-Time Students
1,408 students
165 students
# Part-Time Students
817 students
1,367 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
1,834 students
176 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,255 students
165 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
153 students
107 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
579 students
1,268 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
238 students
238 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
493 students
411 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
n/a
% Asian
2%
3%
% Hispanic
4%
9%
% Black
14%
7%
% White
56%
68%
% Hawaiian
1%
n/a
% Two or more races
3%
3%
% Unknown races
20%
9%
Diversity Score
0.62
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
26%
26%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$37,700
$33,600
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The private state tuition of $20,316 is more than the state average of $17,086. The private state tuition has declined by 14% over four years.
Private State Tuition Fees
$20,316
$17,086
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
95%
88%
Median Debt for Graduates
$18,800
$11,250
Median Debt for Dropouts
$7,125
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
77%
78%
SAT Reading
510
510
SAT Math
505
505
SAT Writing (Year 2011)
445
445
ACT Composite
19
19
ACT English
19
19
ACT Math
18
18
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Michael Wirth, Basketball Coach - North Iowa High School -
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Waldorf University cost?
Waldorf University's private state tuition is approximately $20,316.
What is the acceptance rate of Waldorf University?
The acceptance rate of Waldorf University is 77%, which is lower than the state average of 78%.
Who are famous alumni from Waldorf University?
Waldorf University famous alumni include: Michael Wirth, Basketball Coach - North Iowa High School.
What is Waldorf University's ranking?
Waldorf University ranks among the top 20% of community college in Iowa for: Percent of students receiving financial aid.
Recent Articles
Workforce Pell Is Coming: Should You Wait to Enroll?
Workforce Pell Grants launch in July 2026. Learn who benefits, which programs qualify, and whether delaying enrollment makes financial sense.
The “Total Commute Cost” Test for Choosing a Community College
Tuition is only part of the equation. Learn how to calculate the total commute cost when comparing community colleges and making enrollment decisions.
How to Tell Whether a Short-Term Certificate Is Worth Federal Aid
Not all short-term certificates offer the same value. Learn how to evaluate career outcomes, ROI, and employer demand before using federal aid.
