Advancing Lutheran Higher Education

The Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities (NECU) cultivates collaboration, champions vocation-driven learning, and amplifies the collective impact of our member institutions.

The endeavors and existence of NECU is deeply personal to me because I know what happens when a student encounters a community that believes in their calling. Our network makes that encounter possible on every campus.

Rev. Lamont A. Wells
he/him/his
Executive Director, NECU

Why go Lutheran?

Transforming Lives & Communities:
Impact by the Numbers

NECU institutions offer an education rooted in faith, vocation, and service, welcoming students from all backgrounds and traditions. Although each campus is distinct — some with just over 700 students and others exceeding 3,000 — they form a powerful collective with measurable impact.

Current Students
58K+
Alumni
650K+
Annual Financial Aid
$1.9B
Annual Economic Impact
$7.8B

Signature Events