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Martin Luther College

New Ulm, MN

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

Via Veritas Vita ()(The Way, the Truth, the Life)

1995
Founded
Private college
Type
718
Total Students
731
Undergrad
129
Graduate
$18K
Tuition (In-State)
$18K
Tuition (Out-State)
$20K
Avg Net Price
83%
Acceptance Rate
71%
Graduation Rate
6-year
85%
Retention Rate
Special Focus Four-Year
Classification
President: Rev. Richard Gurgel

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Martin Luther College

Martin Luther College: Preparing Christian Leaders for WELS Service

Discover Martin Luther College (MLC), a private Lutheran institution nestled in scenic New Ulm, Minnesota, uniquely dedicated to preparing future leaders for the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). Founded in 1995, MLC stands as a cornerstone for those called to serve as pastors, teachers, and staff ministers within the WELS community, embodying a profound commitment to faith-based education and the motto "Via Veritas Vita" (The Way, the Truth, the Life).

Academic life at MLC is rigorously designed to fulfill its mission. The college offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs, all meticulously crafted to equip students with the spiritual depth and professional skills necessary for service. Men graduating from the robust pre-seminary program are prepared for advanced studies at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, while both men and women from the education programs are assigned by the WELS to serve churches, schools, and missions across the synod, making MLC a direct pathway to impactful ministry.

Beyond its specialized academics, MLC offers a vibrant student experience on its picturesque 88-acre campus, situated on a bluff above the Minnesota River. Students thrive in a close-knit community, engaging in NCAA Division III athletics as the Martin Luther Knights and cherishing campus landmarks like the magnificent 38,000-square-foot Chapel of the Christ. The historic Gothic Revival-inspired Old Main building, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, further grounds the college in a rich legacy of education and faith, making MLC a truly distinctive institution.

Key Highlights

  • Dedicated to training pastors, teachers, and staff ministers for the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS).
  • Established in 1995 through the merger of Northwestern College (founded 1865) and Dr. Martin Luther College.
  • Current enrollment of 860 students (fall 2019), including 731 undergraduates and 129 graduate students.
  • Picturesque 88-acre campus in New Ulm, Minnesota, featuring the Chapel of the Christ.
  • Historic Old Main building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979.
  • "Via Veritas Vita" (The Way, the Truth, the Life) serves as the college's inspiring Latin motto.
  • Home to the NCAA Division III Knights, competing in 16 varsity sports within the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference.

Timeline

1850
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS) founded
1863
Wisconsin Synod resolves to establish a college and seminary in Watertown, Wisconsin
1865
Northwestern College established; first building (the 'Kaffeemuehle') dedicated
1892
Northwestern College's teaching department moves to New Ulm, forming a predecessor to Dr. Martin Luther College
1894
Original 'Kaffeemuehle' building at Northwestern College destroyed by lightning
1895
Recitation Building constructed at Northwestern College
1979
Old Main building (at the New Ulm campus) added to the National Register of Historic Places
1995
Martin Luther College established through the merger of Northwestern College and Dr. Martin Luther College
🏛️
31 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

Rev. Richard Gurgel
President
Jeffery Wiechman
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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