Luther College has launched a new preferred-admission pathway with Rushford-Peterson Schools, giving qualifying students from the Minnesota district a clearer route to college admission and financial aid in Decorah.
Officials from the two schools formally launched the Preferred Admission Partnership on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026. The agreement expands Luther’s regional school connections and makes Rushford-Peterson its first Minnesota partner in the program.
How students qualify
Rushford-Peterson students must have an unweighted grade-point average of at least 3.25 and complete Algebra II by the end of their junior year. Students who meet those requirements and opt into the program will be offered preferred admission to Luther, as long as they remain in good academic standing at Rushford-Peterson High School.
Preferred-admission status makes eligible students qualified to receive a $500 Preferred Admission award, in addition to consideration for other institutional scholarships. Students who do not meet the preferred-admission requirements may still apply to Luther through the college’s holistic review process and could be considered for admission and merit awards.
Partnership builds on Decorah connection
The agreement extends an existing relationship between Luther and schools in the region. Luther signed a similar partnership with the Decorah Community School District in September 2025, creating a direct connection between the college and Decorah-area students.
Luther President Brad Chamberlain said strengthening relationships with regional schools remains a priority for the college. The Rushford-Peterson agreement, he said, builds on longstanding connections between the institutions.
“Strengthening connections with schools in our region is a priority for Luther College, and we are excited to add Rushford-Peterson Schools as our first partner from Minnesota,” said Luther College President Brad Chamberlain. “Luther and Rushford-Peterson have long-standing connections, and we are excited for how this will deepen our relationship.”
Rushford-Peterson Superintendent Ben Bernard said the program recognizes students’ work and supports their next steps while giving them access to an academic opportunity close to home.
“The Preferred Admission Partnership opens doors for Rushford-Peterson students to pursue an excellent academic opportunity close to home, recognizing their hard work and supporting their next steps,” said Rushford-Peterson Schools Superintendent Ben Bernard.
Matthew R. Beatty, Luther’s vice president for enrollment management, said Rushford-Peterson graduates have a strong record of success at Luther. The new partnership is intended to turn that history into a more defined and supportive pathway for future students.
Students and families interested in participating are encouraged to contact Erin Thompson, the college counselor at Rushford-Peterson Schools.
Luther’s reported rankings
Luther said Forbes included the college on its list of “25 Private Schools with Generous Financial Aid” and gave it an A+ in its 2026 “America’s College Financial Grades” ranking. The college also said the Wall Street Journal ranked Luther first for learning opportunities among private Iowa colleges and the Associated Colleges of the Midwest consortium.