Colleges and Universities

The 26 colleges and universities of the ELCA are dedicated to the freedom of inquiry and the development of the whole person in body, mind and spirit. At ELCA colleges and universities, students are educated for a sense of calling or vocation, opening the path toward a meaningful life of contribution to the common good through whatever career they choose. Find yourself at an ELCA college or university.

If you are a parent or student exploring higher education, know that there is a place for you at ELCA colleges and universities. The cost of college can be daunting, but admissions counselors and financial-aid advisers at our colleges and universities will help you afford a school that fits you the best. In fact, the true cost of attending an ELCA school is typically no more — and often less — than the cost of attending most public colleges and universities, especially since completing a degree in the normal length of time can be difficult or impossible at public institutions. Once enrolled in an ELCA college or university, you will discover why graduates before you have consistently rated their educational experiences as high or higher than Lutheran alumni of public colleges and universities.

Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities

The ELCA churchwide organization and the 26 colleges and universities collaborate as the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities. The network represents and undergirds the common mission and shared identity of ELCA higher education. Luther College, University of Regina, in Saskatchewan, Canada, is also a member of the Network.

Mark Wilhelm is the executive director of the network. Melinda Valverde is the network’s program coordinator.

Leaders at ELCA colleges and universities can stay connected to the network through information found at MyELCA. Contact Melinda Valverde to request access to MyELCA. Individuals who already have access can link to the network’s group on MyELCA by scrolling down and clicking the button in the lower-right corner of this page.