Waldorf University

The college on a 1948 postcard Waldorf University, founded in 1903 as Waldorf College , was a result of "The Great Hotel War of Forest City", a competitive battle between Forest City's two upper-class hotels, which were built at the same time. The result was the Waldorf Hotel being left vacant after only four months of operation. The vacant hotel provided an opportunity for Rev. C.S. Salveson to create a Christian college. Waldorf started out as an academy and business college, not just a preparatory program for future pastors. From its earliest days, Waldorf viewed education sponsored by the church as essential for success in society. [ 5 ] Since 1920, Waldorf's curriculum has evolved to reflect a liberal arts emphasis. Today, almost all Waldorf students intend to earn a bachelor's degree. In the spring of 1994, Waldorf College was accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools . [ 5 ] In January 2010, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America sold the college to a subsidiary of Columbia Southern University and it became a for-profit institution. [ 6 ] Waldorf College became Waldorf University in March 2016. [ 7 ] In 2022, the ownership of the college was transferred to the Waldorf Lutheran College Foundation and the university began the process of returning to nonprofit status. [ 8 ] As of July 2025, the university's accreditor classified the university as "non-profit" and news reports indicated that the U.S. Department of Education approved the change the department's official database of institutional information still classified the university as "for-profit". [ 9 ] [ 10 ] [ 11 ] [ 1 ] Presidents Waldorf has had the following presidents: [ 12 ] C. S. Salveson (1903–1904) Lars W. Boe (1904–1915) Martin Hegland (1915–1919) O. O. Bjertness (acting president 1919–1920) C. B. Helgen (1920–1929) C. M. Granskou (1929–1932) J. L. Rendahl (1932–1943) M. O. Nilssen (1943–1950) A. L. Halvorson (acting president 1950–1951) Sidney A.

Rand (1951–1956) Sigvald D. Fauske (1956–1970) Gerrish Severson (acting president 1970–1971) Paul D. Mork (1971–1978) Morris Wee (acting president 1978–1979, 1985–1986) Arndt F. Braaten (1979–1985) William E. Hamm (1986–1999) Thomas L. Jolivette (1999–2004) Robert L. Vogel (acting president 2004–2005) Richard A. Hanson (2005–2010) Joseph Manjone (2010–2011) Robert A. Alsop (2011–present)

Waldorf University offers associate, bachelor, and master's degree programs, as well as several undergraduate certificate options and online career-prep programs. [ 13 ] [ 14 ] It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). [ 15 ] [ 16 ] Undergraduate admissions According to the 2019 U.S. News & World Report , Waldorf University is considered "less selective" and had an admissions acceptance rate of 72%. [ 17 ] Peterson's - The Real Guide to Colleges and Universities ranked Waldorf College admission as being moderately difficult. [ 18 ]

Waldorf University is home to Alpha Chi honor society's Iowa Iota chapter. [ 19 ] Waldorf University Theatre is home to the Alpha Epsilon Omega cast of Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society (APO). Waldorf University is also an active member in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival . [ 20 ] The university is also home to the Alpha Iota Lambda chapter of the Alpha Sigma Lambda , which is the oldest and largest national honor society for non-traditional students. [ 21 ]