Waldorf University

Waldorf University is a friendly, private liberal arts school located centrally in beautiful Forest City, Iowa. For more than 100 years, Waldorf has been the cornerstone in the lives of thousands, setting the solid foundation for success among students, their families and the community.

Since its beginning in 1903, Waldorf has been at the forefront of academic innovation, trailblazing a path for future generations. Offering a litany of certificate, associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, Waldorf has an opportunity for anyone who wants to improve their life academically, personally or professionally.

These four pillars describe the Waldorf University experience: Tradition, Passion, Community and Success. They are foundational to Waldorf’s history, reflective of Waldorf’s present and aspirational to Waldorf’s future.

Waldorf is shaped by the values and beliefs of its Norwegian Lutheran founders: veracity, discipline, the dignity and responsibility of the individual, a commitment to service, and faith in God.

The university was founded in 1903 as a result of “The Great Hotel War of Forest City.” This fierce, competitive battle between the two first-class hotels, built simultaneously, left the beautiful Waldorf Hotel vacant after only four months of operation. This provided the opportunity for the Rev. C. S. Salveson to muster the necessary resources to found a Christian college. Thus, Waldorf University came to be located on a prominent corner in the center of Forest City, and the 50-plus acre campus has grown up around this original, and still beautiful, building now called Salveson Hall.