Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026  ·  Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard Nov 2025
St Luke's College — Acceptance Rate and Admission Requirements
Non-Profit Private Accredited · Higher Learning Commission Sioux City, Iowa 44.4% Acceptance Rate

St Luke's College Acceptance Rate, GPA, and Admission Requirements

📍 Sioux City, Iowa 51104-0263 🏛️ Main Campus 🌐 www.stlukescollege.edu/

St Luke's College — Admission Snapshot 2026

A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application

44.4%Acceptance Rate
3.39Avg GPA
980Avg SAT
18Avg ACT
$27,391Annual Cost
$61,033Grad Salary
46.4%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
44.4%
Avg GPA
3.39
Avg SAT
980
Avg ACT
18
Selectivity
Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
940–1010
ACT Middle 50%
16–19
Need-Based Aid
46.4% receive Pell

St Luke's College Acceptance Rate

St Luke's College is a well-known institution. It has a selective admission process. The acceptance rate of St Luke's College is 44.4%. This means that 44 out of every 100 applicants get admitted.

Admissions Guidelines

  • Selective Enrollment: Applicants need a solid GPA and proof of academic growth.
  • Holistic Balance: Strong recommendations and community involvement are highly valued.

Selectivity at a Glance

Selective
St Luke's College Selectivity Meter
Selectivity scale: Selective — 44.4% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)

If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.

Recommended Academic Profile

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.39 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.19 – 3.38
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 2.94
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support

Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.

St Luke's College GPA Requirement

The average GPA of admitted students at St Luke's College is 3.39. Admission is competitive, but not extremely selective.

A mix of A's and B's is acceptable, and taking AP/IB courses helps.

Note: This is an unweighted GPA on a 4.0 scale. Students with AP or IB courses will typically have a weighted GPA of 3.59-3.79 for this same academic profile.

If your GPA is between 3.09 and 3.39, you should aim for a high SAT or ACT score.

St Luke's College GPA & Admission Outlook

Assessment: Holistic review is critical for admission.

Recommended Strategy: Requires Contextual Factors (Leadership, hardship, or talent).

Admissions at St Luke's College utilize a Holistic Review process. With an average admitted GPA of 3.39, the following table illustrates how your specific academic profile aligns with institutional expectations.

Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.39 – 4.00
Strategic Reach
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.19 – 3.38
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
2.99 – 3.18
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 2.98
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors

Expert Insight: 2026 Evaluation Metrics

  • The Rigor Metric: At St Luke's College, a slightly lower GPA (e.g., 3.8) in a transcript featuring multiple AP or IB courses is often prioritized over a 4.0 in a standard curriculum.
  • The Upward Trend: If your early high school grades were lower, an upward trajectory in 11th and 12th grade demonstrates Academic Resilience.

Data Source: Verified via IPEDS and latest Common Data Set (CDS). Reviewed by our academic board led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.

Check Your Admission Chances at St Luke's College

Admission Chance Predictor

Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on St Luke's College's verified institutional data

--%
Calculating Profile...

Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.

Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00

✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.

Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.

St Luke's College Test Requirements

In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.

Can I Get Into St Luke's College Without SAT or ACT?

St Luke's College considers admission test scores (SAT/ACT) during the application process but does not require them. Although it is not strictly a requirement, the test scores are considered for admission decisions. Hence, it is advisable to prepare well for the test and submit the best scores. Normally, students may appear in the test 2 to 3 times to improve their scores.

St Luke's College Average SAT Score: 980

The average SAT score of the admitted students at St Luke's College is 980 on the 1600 SAT scale.

SAT Competitiveness

St Luke's College SAT Competitiveness
SAT 980 — Accessible

This score makes it an easy target for SAT test scores. You need to put average efforts to score 980 on the SAT.

Composite
980
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1010 SAT or 19 ACT) to stand out. If your scores are below average, consider retaking the test. St Luke's College allows Score Choice for the SAT and Superscoring for the ACT, giving you flexibility to submit your best scores.

If your score is below 940, retaking the SAT is strongly recommended to improve your chances at St Luke's College. Retaking the test multiple times is completely normal — most competitive applicants take the SAT two or three times to achieve their best score. There is no official limit on attempts.

SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections

SAT score percentiles for St Luke's College
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
SAT Math---
SAT Reading---
SAT Composite9809401010

It means that if you have scored less than 940 then you are below most of the admitted students at St Luke's College and your chances of admission are very few. But if you have scored 1010 or more, your chances of admission are higher. 25th percentile means that only 25% of the admitted students have fewer scores than this score. 75th percentile marks the score of the upper 25% of the students.

View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1000

Can I get into St Luke's College with a 1000 SAT?

With a 1000 SAT Score, your chances of admission at St Luke's College are good but the admission staff at St Luke's College tests your all-around personality and your academics. Your GPA, Class performance, SAT/ACT/Test scores, and AP or IB Courses can help your application stand out. Co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and interpersonal communication skills are very important. Additionally, if you cannot perform well in one area, you have a chance to showcase your strengths and abilities in other areas, improving other areas will help you secure admission. You need to show better performance in all areas. An equally high GPA, taking IB or AP Courses and your role in leadership activities will increase your chances of admission. However, if you equally compete well in all other areas, your chances of admission are high.

St Luke's College ACT Requirements

The average ACT Score at St Luke's College is 18.

ACT Competitiveness

St Luke's College ACT Competitiveness
ACT 18 — Accessible

This score makes St Luke's College an easy target for ACT scores. You need to put average efforts to score 18 on the ACT.

ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections

ACT score percentiles for St Luke's College
SectionAverage25th Percentile75th Percentile
ACT Math171618
ACT English151317
ACT Composite181619

Can I get into St Luke's College with a 19 ACT?

A 19 ACT places you at the 75th percentile of admitted students at St Luke's College — meaning you score higher than 75% of students who were accepted. This is a strong position, but the ACT is just one dimension of your application. Admissions officers at St Luke's College use the ACT as a benchmark to validate your academic readiness, not as a standalone admission ticket.

Unlike the SAT, the ACT measures four distinct subject areas — English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science — each scored on a 1–36 scale. If one of your section scores is significantly lower than the others, admissions staff will notice the imbalance. For example, a weak ACT Science score at a STEM-focused institution carries more weight than the same weakness at a liberal arts college. It is worth reviewing your section-level scores and addressing any outliers before applying.

One important advantage the ACT has over the SAT is that St Luke's College — like most US universities — accepts Superscoring for the ACT, meaning they take your highest section scores across multiple test attempts and combine them into a new composite. If you have taken the ACT more than once, confirm whether St Luke's College uses Superscoring, as this could meaningfully improve your effective composite beyond what any single sitting shows.

Beyond your score, what ultimately determines admission at this level is the strength of your overall profile. Your unweighted GPA, course rigor (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), extracurricular depth, letters of recommendation, and personal essays all carry significant weight. A 19 ACT gets your application through the first filter — but your essays and activities are what move it forward from there.

View a list of all colleges with an average ACT score of 18

Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for St Luke's College

Selective Strategy: Competitive Positioning

At St Luke's College, admissions officers seek reliable, high-achieving students. The goal is to be a top-tier applicant to trigger both admission and high-value merit aid.

Target the 75th Percentile

Being 'average' is fine for admission, but being in the top 25% of the applicant pool is the primary key to securing automatic merit-based scholarships.

Demonstrated Interest

Unlike the Ivies, mid-tier schools track engagement. Open their emails, attend virtual tours, and mention specific campus programs to improve your 'Yield' profile.

The 'Breadth' Factor

Mid-tier institutions value students who contribute to campus life through a balance of sports, music, volunteering, and core academic strength.

Humanize the Transcript

Use your personal statement to prove you will be a 'good roommate' and active community member. Focus on resilience, empathy, and career goals.

Scholarship Tip: Applying Early Action (EA) at this level often increases your priority for institutional grants and honors college consideration.

St Luke's College Profile

Full Name
St Luke's College
City
Sioux City
State
Iowa
ZIP Code
51104-0263
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)

Is a St Luke's College Degree Worth It?

Getting into St Luke's College can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. St Luke's College offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.

Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at St Luke's College is $54,800 and the graduate unemployment rate is 2.19%.

How much does a degree from St Luke's College Cost?

The average annual cost of the degree at St Luke's College is $27,391. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at St Luke's College is much less than this.

46.4% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and 64.8 percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to St Luke's College and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.

At St Luke's College, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist St Luke's College as your choice in the form.

How much does a St Luke's College Graduate earn?

The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $61,033. An average St Luke's College graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).

The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.

$27,391Annual Cost
46.4%Pell Grant
64.8%Federal Loan
$61,033Grad Salary (10yr)

Compare Similar Colleges

Less Competitive

Less Competitive Schools

These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than St Luke's College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Alabama A & M University Normal, AL 947 17
Johnson University Florida Kissimmee, FL 940 NA
Warner University Lake Wales, FL 937 17
Gordon State College Barnesville, GA 950 18
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Saint Mary of the Woods, IN 966 17
Baker University Baldwin City, KS 950 17
Union Commonwealth University Barbourville, KY 965 18
Grambling State University Grambling, LA 955 17
Southern University and A & M College Baton Rouge, LA 938 17
Bowie State University Bowie, MD 935 NA
Same Competitive

Equally Competitive Schools

These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as St Luke's College. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Alabama State University Montgomery, AL 977 18
Baptist Health College Little Rock Little Rock, AR 980 20
University of Bridgeport Bridgeport, CT 985 NA
Delaware State University Dover, DE 984 24
Clayton State University Morrow, GA 973 18
More Competitive

More Competitive Schools

These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than St Luke's College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

SchoolLocationSATACT
Faulkner University Montgomery, AL 1016 20
Jacksonville State University Jacksonville, AL 1055 21
University of West Alabama Livingston, AL 1015 20
Marion Military Institute Marion, AL 1043 20
University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock, AR 1049 21

Degree Programs at St Luke's College

Bachelor Degree Programs

Associate Degree Programs

UG Certificate or Diploma Programs

Full list of all degree programs offered by St Luke's College →

Frequently Asked Questions About St Luke's College Admissions

Graduates of this university typically earn a moderate salary, $61,033 annually, with some fluctuation based on the field.

The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $27,391 per year, making it more affordable for many students.

46.4% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.

The acceptance rate of St Luke's College is 44.4% which is relatively high, above 20%, making it somewhat easier to gain admission compared to other top-tier universities.

The average GPA of admitted students is 3.39. This reflects the competitive academic profile expected from applicants.

While there is no single cutoff that guarantees a rejection, admission staff uses your GPA to determine if you are a best fit. If you have at least a 3.09, you are in the standard pool. If you are below a 3.09, we need to focus on your personal essay and letters of recommendation to explain the context behind your grades.

If your GPA is 2.99 or less, it may make admission difficult. However, your chances may improve if you have strong test scores, extracurricular activities, and essays. But this does not mean that you must not apply, or you do not have any chances. With additional AP courses, you can increase your chances even with this GPA.

While the average GPA of admitted students is 3.39, applicants with lower GPAs can still be considered if they have strong test scores, extracurriculars, and compelling personal essays that demonstrate resilience and potential.

Admission to St Luke's College is based on SAT, and a strong SAT score is essential. Aim for scores above 980 for the best chances, although the overall application strength also matters. Your SAT must be in the range of 940–1010.

Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.

To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.

Last Updated: Sunday May 17, 2026

SK

Sohaib Ahmad Khan

Sohaib Ahmad Khan is a leading career counselor and admission guidance expert who has guided over 50,000 students worldwide. He is the author of four books and developer of widely used career counseling and aptitude assessment systems. .

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