
Lithonia, GAprivate nonprofitwww.lutherrice.edu/
Admit rate has ranged 34%–68% over the last 5 years — notably volatile. Source: IPEDS via Urban Institute.
Acceptance & SAT from Common Data Set / IPEDS; net price, earnings & graduation from the U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~1–2 years — verify with the school.
Luther Rice College & Seminary is a niche, faith-driven institution where nearly all students study online—a rarity among seminaries. With a 92% acceptance rate and a focus on biblical studies, it attracts non-traditional students seeking flexible, ministry-oriented education. Graduation rates hover around 23%, but those who persist often enter church-related careers.
Test-blind — scores not considered
Source: IPEDS Admissions survey (2022) via Urban Institute. Covers formal factors only — it does not reflect essays, extracurriculars, or other holistic criteria.
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Outcomes & value
Earnings = median of students working ~10 years after entry; debt = median of graduates. Value divides 10-yr earnings by one year’s net price — read it as earnings per dollar of annual cost, not a full lifetime ROI; it favors lower-cost schools. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard. Figures lag ~2 years and reflect all students, not your intended major.
U.S. Dept. of Education Financial Responsibility Composite Score (FY2022-23). Scale −1.0 to 3.0; ≥1.5 meets the standard. Reported for private nonprofit & for-profit institutions only — public universities are state-backed and not scored, so this is a stability signal, not a ranking.
Median earnings by field of study (highest credential), ~2 years after completion.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings). Figures cover graduates who received federal aid and lag ~2 years; not all programs report data.
Campus & location
On-campus criminal offenses classed as violent (murder/non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, aggravated assault) for the most recent reported year. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act). Counts reflect what’s reported to the school, and urban campuses often report more partly due to non-student incidents nearby — read alongside campus size and setting, not as a standalone safety verdict.
Pleasant days counts days per year with a mean temperature of 55–75°F, a high at or below 90°F, a low at or above 45°F, and little precipitation — a transparent comfort measure, not a weighting we invented. Computed from Open-Meteo ERA5 daily history (2019–2023). Natural-hazard risk is the county’s composite rating from the FEMA National Risk Index.
Institutional research volume and impact from OpenAlex. The h-index reflects large research universities and will be low for teaching-focused liberal-arts colleges — not a measure of undergraduate quality.
Luther Rice is among the least selective institutions in the U.S., with a 92% acceptance rate (11 of 12 applicants admitted in one cycle). SAT/ACT scores are neither required nor recommended, making it accessible to non-traditional students. The admissions process is streamlined, reflecting its mission to serve working adults and ministry professionals. Notably, it ranks in the bottom 34% of U.S. colleges for selectivity, per Edurank.
Luther Rice offers 30+ fully online degrees—from certificates to master’s programs—with a laser focus on biblical studies, theology, and ministry. Undergraduates complete a "solid foundation in Scripture," while graduate programs emphasize practical ministry skills. All coursework is 100% online, though a physical campus in Lithonia, GA, offers optional in-person classes. Founded in 1962, it’s accredited but operates more like a vocational seminary than a traditional liberal arts college.
With most students online, campus life is minimal. The school describes bringing "Student Life directly to the student" through virtual communities. Reviews highlight personalized attention ('you’re not just a number'), but social opportunities are limited compared to residential colleges. Spiritual life is central, with curricula designed for "believers to excel in ministry." The Lithonia campus lacks traditional dormitories or athletics, reinforcing its commuter/online model.
Graduation rates are low (23.9% for undergrads) but typical for non-traditional programs. Master’s students fare better (53.5% completion). Early-career earnings average $42,000–$47,925, aligning with ministry-focused roles. The school emphasizes "real impact" over prestige, with many graduates entering pastoral work or nonprofit leadership. Retention rates are unpublished, suggesting challenges in keeping part-time students enrolled long-term.
Tuition is $27,883 net price after aid, with scholarships ranging $1,500–$4,000 based on GPA. The College Board estimates an even lower $3,935 average cost post-aid, though methodologies vary. Financial aid leans heavily on grants rather than loans, reflecting its student body’s often modest means. A Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator helps working adults budget for part-time study.
Luther Rice is unapologetically niche: a fully online seminary with no pretensions of Ivy League rigor. Its 92% acceptance rate and lack of testing requirements make it a haven for non-traditional students—particularly older learners balancing ministry work and education. While graduation rates are low, its flexibility and biblical focus attract those seeking vocational training over a traditional college experience. For aspiring pastors or church leaders who need to study remotely, it’s a rare option.