The Value of a Lutheran Education

The research documented conclusively that Lutheran colleges are more effective than large public institutions in producing three broad career and life outcomes:

• Better career preparation
• A stronger sense of values
• Greater involvement in communities and churches

BETTER CAREER PREPARATION means being ready for the job market. It also means developing skills and values that enable people to advance in a career, to change career direction, and to exert a positive influence in any workplace.

How effective was your college in helping you develop the following? (rating 4 or 5 on a five-point scale)

Writing Skills

Speaking Effectively

Teamwork Skills

Leadership

A STRONGER SET OF VALUES. When asked what is most important in their current lives and careers, Lutheran college graduates differ significantly from their counterparts from public universities.

How important is it to you to... (rating a 5 on a five-point scale, where 1=not at all important and 5=extremely important)

Raise a Family:

Be free to consider the moral and ethical sides of decisions:

Integrate faith with other aspects of life:

Promote racial equality or social justice issues:

How effective was your college in helping you... (rating a 4 or 5 on a five-point scale, where 1=not at all effective)

Develop moral principles that can guide actions:

Have a sense of purpose in life:

GREATER INVOLVEMENT IN COMMUNITIES AND CHURCHES. Involvement and leadership are necessary for communities to exist. Lutheran college graduates are significantly more likely to contribute to the life and health of their communities.

In the past five years, have you been involved with: (percentage who answered "yes")

Foundations or non-profit organizations:

Elementary or secondary schools:

Church or religious organization: