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Concordia University Chicago (CUC) is, unsurprisingly, located very close to the center of Chicago, Illinois, though it is technically in River Forest, Illinois. And the school was established following the merger of a teacher’s seminary and a theological seminary. CU-Chicago has always been committed to offering high-quality education that equips its students with essential knowledge for life in today's rapidly evolving global society.


Overview of Concordia University Chicago (CUC)


A hallmark feature of Concordia's approach to education is it’s flexible learning. The university understands the various needs and styles of learning among its student body and offers various programs and formats to accommodate these. CU Chicago strives to make education both accessible and convenient. From traditional in-person classes to distance learning opportunities, they aim to make education as convenient as possible for students. The school believes in the power of critical thinking and encourages its students to explore complex topics while engaging in meaningful dialogue.

Academic excellence is taken very seriously at this university, and another emphasis is focused on the exploration of societal issues from various angles. Concordia believes in its students being engaged citizens who take an interest in society as whole and seek answers through dialogue rather than simply accepting existing orthodoxies. By doing so, they develop well-rounded individuals capable of making positive contributions in their communities.

General Information


School Type Private not-for-profit
Campus Setting Suburb: Large
Campus Housing Yes
Student Faculty Ratio 12 : 1
Graduation Rate 51%
Year Founded 1864

Student Enrollment


Total Students6,205

Undergraduate
1,588
Graduate
4,617

Undergraduate Student

Male 651
651
Female 937
937

Graduate Student

Male 1,893
1,893
Female 2,724
2,724

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CUC Acceptance Rate and Admissions


APPLICATIONS4,786

Male 2,216
Female 2,570

ACCEPTANCE3,781

Male 1,706
Female 2,056

Acceptance Rate79%

Male 77%
Female 80%

Enrollment 265

Male 140
Female 125
Admissions
Application Fee N/A
High School GPA Required
High School Rank N/A
High School Transcripts Required
College Prep Courses Recommended
Recommendations Considered But Not Required
Formal demonstration of competencies Considered But Not Required
SAT/ACT Considered But Not Required
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Recommended
Application Deadline Rolling
Common Application Accepted No

CUC Tuition Cost & Financial Aid


Varying factors may determine tuition fees at Concordia University - Chicago; undergraduate tuition for the 2022-23 academic year was estimated to cost $34,964. Additionally, this was the cost for undergraduate students; graduate students are likely to pay more per credit hour for their higher-level courses. Additional expenses such as those for fees, books and supplies, and living costs should also be factored into your estimate for total cost of a year of attendance.

CU - Chicago understands the financial strain that higher education can impose and offers various scholarships and financial aid packages to reduce its cost. Academic scholarships offered by these organizations are awarded on merit, talent, and need - providing students with less financial stress when continuing their education. For the latest and most up to date information about tuition costs, scholarships, and financial aid options at CU, interested individuals may want to visit the university's official website. CU - Chicago strives to offer quality education while meeting the financial needs of the students enrolled. Thus, they aim to ensure that education remains accessible for all who seek it.

Average net price 2018-2019
Net Price $17,051
Average Total Aid $25,965
Students Receiving Financial Aid 100%
Room & Board $9,996

Sticker Price


  • Tuition In-State - $32,880
  • Tuition Out-of-State - $32,880
  • Books and Supplies - $1,200
  • Room & Board - $9,996
  • Other - $1,400

Popular Academic Programs at CUC


Concordia University Chicago provides a broad array of academic programs and offerings through its four colleges: College of Theology, Arts, & Humanities; College of Health, Science, & Technology; College of Education; and College of Business. These colleges and departments provide students with various study and research opportunities, enabling them to pursue their individual passions. CU’s Chicago campus provides undergraduate and graduate programs from associate degrees through doctoral degrees, as well as a variety of certificate options across these levels.

CU-Chicago provides a Centre for Continuing Education as an invaluable opportunity for professional growth or lifelong learning. This center provides flexible learning options, such as evening and online courses, to enable students to balance their studies with personal and professional commitments. The school takes great care to offer flexible learning approaches that address students' individual needs and circumstances. The university understands the value of accommodating different learning styles, and they emphasize an interdisciplinary approach in teaching and research. Concordia fosters critical thinking through meaningful dialogue among its students, allowing them to understand complex topics more easily.

Student Population Total


Student Population 6,205

Undergraduate
1,588
Graduate
4,617
Evening Classes : No
Online Learning : Yes

Most Popular Programs & Majors

(# of Diplomas Awarded by Subject)


Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services 83 Total Graduates / 25%
Business Administration and Management, General 36 Graduates
Marketing/Marketing Management, General 17 Graduates
Organizational Behavior Studies 16 Graduates
Accounting 8 Graduates
Education 51 Total Graduates / 15%
Elementary Education and Teaching 15 Graduates
Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching 15 Graduates
Education, General 7 Graduates
Early Childhood Education and Teaching 4 Graduates
Parks, Recreation, Leisure, Fitness, and Kinesiology 47 Total Graduates / 15%
Exercise Science and Kinesiology 28 Graduates
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management 16 Graduates
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness, General 3 Graduates
Health Professions and Related Programs 31 Total Graduates / 9%
Health/Health Care Administration/Management 24 Graduates
Art Therapy/Therapist 2 Graduates
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic) 2 Graduates
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse 2 Graduates
Psychology 20 Total Graduates / 6%
Psychology, General 20 Graduates
All Other Diplomas 30%

Outcome & Salary


Concordia University - Chicago is committed to the success of its graduates both within their chosen fields and beyond. The university aims to support them on their career journeys even after they finish their education. CU - Chicago takes great pride in equipping its students with the necessary knowledge, experiences, and relationships to excel in their chosen careers.

In fact, graduates have enjoyed solid job placement rates, starting salaries, and long-term career success. Recent statistics reveal that approximately 64% of graduates find employment within six months after graduating, many securing positions related to their field of study. Around 80% say that the coursework of their major helped them to achieve professional goals. The university's professional network and career development resources can also play an essential part in these successful outcomes.

CU - Chicago recognizes the value of furthering education alongside job placement. Many graduates pursue graduate degrees or professional certifications to further advance their knowledge and skillset. The school boasts a strong academic foundation and multidisciplinary approach, equipping its students for continued success in graduate programs and beyond. Students benefit greatly from internships, co-op programs, and partnerships with industry leaders to gain invaluable real-world experience and build key skills. University alumni mentoring programs also encourage professional networking by connecting current students with successful graduates who provide guidance and assistance. In an engaging urban campus community, students enjoy access to numerous cultural, social, and professional opportunities for personal and academic growth. All in all, Concordia prepares its graduates for successful and fulfilling careers that provide exceptional returns on their investment.

Graduates Salary
College Grads Early Career Salary $45,400
College Grads Average Salary $53,973
College Grads Mid Career Salary $75,600
Return on Investment (ROI)
10 Year Salary Earnings Potential $539,730
20 Year Salary Earnings Potential $1,295,730
Cost of Education (Net Price) 4 Year $68,204
10 Year Projected ROI $471,526
20 Year Projected ROI $1,227,526
No College Education Salary Comparison
National Average Salary $38,792
10 Year Projected Income $387,920
20 Year Projected Income $775,840

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