Who thrives at Muhlenberg

Interdisciplinary brains thrive here. If you want to be part of a close-knit community, to know and be known by professors, and to be both supported and challenged, take a look at Muhlenberg.

Muhlenberg College is looking for “multi-hyphenated students,” said Eric Danielson, dean of admissions. At this small liberal arts and sciences school, you won’t be pigeonholed into being one thing. You can indulge multiple interests and combine them in creative ways.

Personalized support and community

Each student gets a personalized coaching team with three advisers: a career adviser, an academic faculty adviser, and a college life coach. Even the president of the college coaches students. They will challenge you but also support you as you seek to make an impact on campus, in Allentown, and in the world.

Because building community is integral to Muhlenberg, you must live on campus all four years, and housing is guaranteed. They want you to be invested and engaged. In addition to 120 clubs and organizations, there are four sororities and four fraternities.

Academic approach and outcomes

The Pathways for Discovery curriculum aims to cultivate curiosity across disciplines and to incorporate real-world, hands-on learning through internships, undergraduate research, and study abroad. Addressing broad, big questions as we enter the 21st century anchors the curriculum. The academic requirements guide students to “pursue a pathway from exploration and discovery to depth, integration, and application” (https://www.muhlenberg.edu/academics/curriculum/). Muhlenberg offers a broad array of degrees in the arts as well as the sciences.

Muhlenberg prepares students going on to graduate and professional school; in fact, 95% are accepted to medical school and nearly 100% to physical therapy school. Dance science is a good path to physical therapy school.

Notable programs

Interesting majors 

• Biochemistry 
• Computer Science 
• Dance 
• Finance
• International Studies 
• Media & Communication 
• Neuroscience 
• Political Economy & Public Policy 
• Public Health 
• Sustainability Studies 
• Theater

Campus development

Building on campus indicates a healthy financial outlook. The Fahy Commons for Public Engagement and Innovation opened in 2023 as a LEEP Platinum space for community engagement. Muhlenberg broke ground on the Seegers Union expansion for career counseling, student clubs and organizations, and a welcome center. In addition, they’re working on new fields for softball (on campus) and baseball (with Allentown). Refurbishing Martin Luther Hall will give upperclassmen deluxe single rooms.

Admissions and financial aid

When you apply to Muhlenberg, admissions will read your application holistically, looking for a strong, well-rounded transcript that shows you’ve pursued a rigorous path, taking AP, IB, or dual-enrollment courses. You should have taken two years of the same foreign language in high school. Muhlenberg has been test optional since 1996. Only the highly selective 3 + 4 Penn Dental program requires the SAT or ACT.

One-quarter of the freshman class comes in through Early Decision, and athletes are usually part of that number. Demonstrated interest matters here, and applying ED can improve your odds of being admitted. Most of the rest of the class comes in Early Action. You can also demonstrate interest by opting for the optional admissions interview. When you get your acceptance letter, the financial aid package and offer to join honors will be in the envelope as well. (Fill out the FAFSA. Muhlenberg awards you $2,000 to do so. You can also earn $2,000 for applying ED.) They award talent scholarships in art, dance, film studies, music, and theater, and you don’t have to major in that field. Merit aid goes to 98% of applicants.

Interesting facts

• The red doors on every building signify welcome, but they also echo the Lutheran heritage. Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses on the red door of a Wittenberg church, sparking the Protestant Reformation.
• They’re rated #1 in Pennsylvania for their dining hall food.
• Muhlenberg was in the news for hosting Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential campaign. 
• Though a Lutheran institution, Muhlenberg doesn’t have a religion requirement, but you can satisfy the multicultural requirement by taking a religion class. 
•  Muhlenberg students are the Mules.
• Classes average 15 students.