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Concordia University-Chicago

PrivateHSISuburb: Large

About Concordia University-Chicago

Overview, location, and what makes it stand out

Concordia University-Chicago is a private university in River Forest, IL. It has a 93% acceptance rate and a 48.3% graduation rate, serving approximately 1,285 students.

Founded

1864

Location

River Forest, Illinois

Students

4,725

Institution

Private

Known For

LutheranTeacher Education

Key Stats

A quick snapshot of what matters most

Acceptance Rate

92.8%

Open admission

Graduation Rate

36.5%

Below national average

Tuition

$37,488

Per year

Avg Net Price

$18,436

After financial aid

SAT Average

Not Considered

Test-blind. Grades and essays decide

Median Earnings

$54,089

10 years after enrollment

Admissions

How competitive is getting in?

Selectivity

Highly CompetitiveOpen Admission
92.8%

Open Admission

Most students who apply are accepted

How to Apply

Test Policy

Test Blind

Application Fee

Free

Early

N/A

Deadline

Rolling

Concordia University-Chicago accepts the majority of applicants at 92.8%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.

Academics

How strong is the academic experience?

Student Success

Low GraduationHigh Graduation
36.5%

Below Average

36.5% complete their degree within six years

Retention

60.5%

4-Year Grad

36%

6-Year Grad

42%

Teaching Quality

12:1

Student-Faculty Ratio

Full-Time

69.7%

$/Student

$5.8K

Class Size

Medium

The 36% graduation rate is below average, but 60.5% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.

Tuition & Costs

What will you actually pay?

Tuition & Fees

$37,488

Annual Tuition

Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals

Room & Board

$11,510

Books & Supplies

$1,200

Total Cost of Attendance

$45,383

After Financial Aid

$18,436

Average Net Price

Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships

Net Price (family income <$30K)

$16,795

Receive Grants

45.7%

Take Loans

56.9%

Don't let the $37,488 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $18,436 after financial aid, a 51% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $16,795.

Financial Aid

Who gets aid and what happens after

Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at Concordia University-Chicago fund their education.

While in School

45.7%

Get Grants

Free money

56.9%

Take Loans

Must repay

$46,286

Median Family Income

After Graduation

$23,000

Median Debt at Graduation

Total federal loan balance when students graduate

$244/mo

Monthly Payment

0%

Low

Default Rate

Students typically graduate with $23,000 in debt, below the national median. That's a manageable amount for most career paths.

Student Body

Diversity, gender, and enrollment

From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends Concordia University-Chicago.

Gender

52.5%

Female

/

48%

Male

Female to Male Ratio

Race & Ethnicity

40.1%
37.9%
13.2%
4%
2%
1%
White
Hispanic
Black
Multiracial
Asian
International

Enrollment

1,323

Undergraduate Students

Student Profile

3,402

Graduates

38.5%

First-Gen

22 yrs

Avg Age

20.8%

Age 25+

The campus has a balanced gender split (53% women, 48% men). 38.5% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.

Campus Life

What it's like to be a student here

Campus Setting

RuralCity
Suburb: Large

Suburb: Large

Campus Quick Facts

1,323

Students

private

Institution

Small

Campus Size

Master's

Classification

What This College Offers

Semester calendar

Study Abroad

Yes

AP Credit

Yes

Teacher Cert

Yes

ROTC

No

Evening College

No

Online Programs

Yes

Job Placement

Yes

Career Counseling

Yes

Sports & Athletics

How seriously this college takes sport

Concordia University-Chicago fields 11 varsity teams with 458 student athletes, about 35% of the student body.

Division

NCAA

Division III with football

Conference

Northern Athletics

The league its teams compete in

Varsity Sports

11

Biggest: Football

Student Athletes

458

35% of the student body

Athletes by Gender

64% / 36%

291

Men

/

167

Women

9

Men's Teams

9

Women's Teams

Biggest Teams

MenWomen
84
Football
69
Soccer
57
Track (In)
57
Track (Out)
42
Baseball

Every Varsity Team

Football84Soccer69Track and Field (Indoor)57Track and Field (Outdoor)57Baseball42Basketball39Volleyball34Softball23Other Sports19Tennis18Cross Country16

After Graduation

What can you earn with this degree?

How much do graduates of Concordia University-Chicagoearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.

Earnings Trajectory

$54,089

Median Earnings · 10 Years After

$44K
6yr
$39K
8yr
$54K
10yr

Popular Programs

Top 6

Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness

$29K

100 grads

1yr Earnings

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods

$45K

35 grads

1yr Earnings

Psychology, General

$27K

31 grads

1yr Earnings

Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas

$45K

17 grads

1yr Earnings

Business Administration, Management and Operations

$45K

14 grads

1yr Earnings

Human Resources Management and Services

$52K

14 grads

1yr Earnings

Graduates earn about $44K six years out, growing to $54K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Concordia University-Chicago

What is the acceptance rate at Concordia University-Chicago?
Concordia University-Chicago has an acceptance rate of 92.8%. Concordia University-Chicago accepts the majority of applicants at 92.8%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
How much does Concordia University-Chicago cost?
Tuition at Concordia University-Chicago is $37,488 for in-state students and $37,488 for out-of-state students. Don't let the $37,488 sticker price scare you. Most students pay around $18,436 after financial aid, a 51% discount. Families earning under $30K pay closer to $16,795.
What is the graduation rate at Concordia University-Chicago?
Concordia University-Chicago has a graduation rate of 36.5%. The 36% graduation rate is below average, but 60.5% of freshmen return for year two. Students are staying, even if completion takes longer than four years.
How much do Concordia University-Chicago graduates earn?
The median earnings for Concordia University-Chicago graduates is $54,089 ten years after enrollment. Graduates earn about $44K six years out, growing to $54K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.

Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.