Visit TLU
Finding the right college is about finding a place that feels like home. Schedule a campus visit to get a better feel for TLU.
Parents & Families
Choosing the right college is one of the most important decisions a family will make.
the tlu difference
We're Here To Help
A college education is an investment that returns value throughout your life. We're committed to assisting you and your student through every step of the college admissions process.
From individual attention in class to expanded learning opportunities outside the classroom, TLU is here to help your student find the path that inspires them to learn boldly.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
We offer generous academic scholarships as well as institutional grants. Learn more about the types of financial aid available to your student.
The Right College For Your Student
- Parent Guide
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Application Process & Financial Aid
TLU currently operates on rolling admissions, meaning we accept applications year-round. However, there are application deadlines you and your student should keep in mind to ensure timely admission and receiving financial aid.
Students are encouraged to start preparing for college applications early in high school by taking required courses and building their résumé of extra-curricular activities. In addition to filing the FAFSA, parents and students should review college costs and available scholarships and grants or loans.
For more information about the application and admissions process, view our guide for Applying to TLU.
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What is a Liberal Arts College?
As a liberal arts college, TLU offers a wide range of majors and academic programs to get your student on the path to a productive career.
To ensure your student gets the most out of their educational experience at TLU, we've structured Compass, our general education curriculum (all the core classes required to earn a degree), to focus on skills that employers want and to emphasize drawing connections between lessons inside and outside the classroom.
TLU students graduate with more than a degree—they graduate with skills and a knowledge of how to apply those skills, making them well-rounded, conscientious and confident prospective employees.
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Why a Lutheran College?
Any student can find their place at TLU. TLU welcomes all faiths as we emphasize the Lutheran philosophy of education and learning. For those looking to nuture their faith or spirituality, campus ministries offers several opportunities for gathering and worship.
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On-Campus Support Services
Most importantly, your student is not alone in their college journey when they attend TLU. Beyond academic advising and career development, students benefit from a strong support system to keep them on track. Whether accommodations, health services, counseling or help in the classroom, TLU staff are available to meet your student's needs. We also have a strong dedication to the safety of your student on and off campus.
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Parent Email
Beginning in August, TLU Parent News is emailed to parents monthly to keep you informed on important announcements and upcoming dates on the academic calendar. From registration and residence halls, to tuition payments and academic support, the email provides helpful information so parents stay in touch.
For questions and more information about TLU Parent News, please contact the Office of First-Year Experience and Student Transitions at 830-372-6040 or email parents@tlu.edu.
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Parent Handbook & Calendar
Every year, TLU publishes a Parent Handbook & Calendar full of important dates, activities, tips and university resources and policies.
Parents of first-year students will receive their copy during Bulldog Orientation at the parent session.
This is also a great resource for all of the frequently asked questions from parents, ranging from grades and graduation requirements to tuition payments, scholarships, dorm rooms, and health and safety protocols.
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Parent Portal on My.TLU.EDU
The TLU Parent Portal on My.TLU.EDU is a great resource for parents to stay updated on what's happening around campus, handle business accounts, financial aid issues, and stay connected with their student.
Parents can also use the portal to view information about their student, including bills, grades, contact information, Bulldog Bucks, and the latest parent email. You can also pay your student's bill through MyTLU.
How to Access Student Information & Login to the Parent Portal
Due to laws regarding the privacy and confidentiality of student records (FERPA), students must grant permission for a parent, guardian, or other family member to access academic and/or financial information.
Students often find it helpful to give access for family members to view grades, enrollment information, financial data, and tuition balances to expedite payments and aid when completing important tax and insurance documents.
Many students grant access during Bulldog Basics (advising and registration days prior to the beginning of classes their first year) where parents will typically be able to access this information for about two weeks. If your student did not grant you access during Bulldog Basics, you can ask them to log in to MyTLU, select the Student tab, click on Set FERPA Permissions and follow the instructions. The person receiving permissions will be given a MyTLU account and access to the information specified by the student. Your student reserves the right to restrict permission and revoke access at any time.
Visit Your Student
Here are some of our most attended annual events and traditions:
After helping your student move into their residence hall, they officially begin Bulldog Orientation. Parents and families are invited to get a crash course on Student Affairs at TLU during Parent & Family Orientation.
Parting from your student after a long summer with them is always difficult the first few weeks of the fall semester. That's why we invite you back to campus to spend time with your student during our Homecoming celebrations in September or October.
Check the events calendar often to see when there is an event on campus you would be interested in attending. Each semester, TLU brings speakers, artists and performers to enrich the campus culture. One of our biggest academic events is the Annual Krost Symposium, which tackles different social, economic and cultural topics each year. You also will not want to miss our Christmas Vespers concert featuring the TLU choirs. As your student approaches the end of their time at TLU, they will have the opportunity to present their senior project at the Annual Student Academic Symposium in the spring prior to graduation.
If you can't make it to campus, you'll want to know when your student may be coming home for breaks. All of the important dates pertaining to classes and university holidays are included on the academic calendar.