About Concordia College at Moorhead
The Cobbers compete in 22 varsity sports and have built a reputation for excellence in both music and science programs. This Lutheran liberal arts college enrolls 1,721 students in suburban Moorhead, just across the river from Fargo. The school maintains its commitment to faith-based education while offering rigorous academics. With a 65.53% acceptance rate, Concordia attracts students who typically score around 25 on the ACT.
Students pay an average net price of $25,651 after financial aid, less than the $42,800 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $59,317 ten years after college, making the typical debt load of $26,847 manageable with monthly payments around $285. The investment pays off with a 98.2% employment rate. About 57% of students take federal loans, while 27% receive institutional grants averaging $17,756.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in this close-knit community. Nearly 71% of students graduate within four years, and 78% return for their sophomore year. With 532 total athletes at the Division III level, sports play a major role in campus culture. Two-thirds of students come from Minnesota, creating a distinctly regional feel that emphasizes Midwestern values and Lutheran heritage.
Students pay an average net price of $25,651 after financial aid, less than the $42,800 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $59,317 ten years after college, making the typical debt load of $26,847 manageable with monthly payments around $285. The investment pays off with a 98.2% employment rate. About 57% of students take federal loans, while 27% receive institutional grants averaging $17,756.
The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in this close-knit community. Nearly 71% of students graduate within four years, and 78% return for their sophomore year. With 532 total athletes at the Division III level, sports play a major role in campus culture. Two-thirds of students come from Minnesota, creating a distinctly regional feel that emphasizes Midwestern values and Lutheran heritage.
Academics & Faculty
Concordia College operates as a Lutheran liberal arts institution where students explore broad disciplines while developing critical thinking skills across the humanities, sciences, and arts. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally and provide individualized mentorship. With a 71% six-year graduation rate, most students successfully complete their degrees with strong faculty support. The college has built a particularly strong reputation for its music programs, with many graduates pursuing careers in performance and music education. Science programs also stand out, preparing students for graduate school and health professions. The liberal arts foundation means students graduate as well-rounded thinkers rather than narrow specialists.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 72.3%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 70.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 71.8%
- Retention Rate
- 78.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,317
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $61,941 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $56,641 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $47,686 |
| Social Work. | Bachelor | $44,170 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $43,426 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $41,317 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $39,909 |
| Sociology. | Bachelor | $38,289 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $36,560 |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research. | Bachelor | $36,141 |
Campus Life
This small Lutheran campus sits just across the Red River from Fargo, giving students easy access to a metro area of 250,000 people. With housing capacity for 1,177 students and total enrollment of 1,721, about two-thirds of students live on campus. The Cobbers create a tight-knit community where the 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name.
Minnesota winters demand serious gear - think heavy coats, boots, and layers for temperatures that can drop well below zero. The music program draws talented students who fill campus with performances, from the well-known Concordia Choir to jazz ensembles. Science students benefit from strong research opportunities despite the college's small size. Weekend activities center around the 22 varsity sports teams, outdoor recreation when weather permits, and trips into Fargo-Moorhead for dining and entertainment. The Lutheran heritage shapes campus culture through chapel services and service learning, though the 65.53% acceptance rate brings together students from diverse backgrounds seeking a supportive liberal arts environment.
Minnesota winters demand serious gear - think heavy coats, boots, and layers for temperatures that can drop well below zero. The music program draws talented students who fill campus with performances, from the well-known Concordia Choir to jazz ensembles. Science students benefit from strong research opportunities despite the college's small size. Weekend activities center around the 22 varsity sports teams, outdoor recreation when weather permits, and trips into Fargo-Moorhead for dining and entertainment. The Lutheran heritage shapes campus culture through chapel services and service learning, though the 65.53% acceptance rate brings together students from diverse backgrounds seeking a supportive liberal arts environment.
- Setting
- Suburb-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 1,177 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
10 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 0°–17°F
- July Avg
- 60°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 26.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 52.7"
Student Demographics
Concordia draws students who value close-knit community and Lutheran traditions. Two-thirds of students come from Minnesota, reflecting the college's deep roots in the upper Midwest. The student body is predominantly white at 78%, typical for rural Lutheran colleges in the region. Women slightly outnumber men, common at liberal arts schools that emphasize teaching and service professions. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, showing Concordia serves middle-class families alongside more affluent students. The 1,721 enrollment creates an intimate campus where students know their professors personally through the 12:1 student-faculty ratio.
- Men
- 47.5%
- Women
- 52.5%
- White
- 77.5%
- Black
- 4.2%
- Hispanic
- 3.7%
- Asian
- 2.9%
- In-State Students
- 66.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 19.8%
Location
Moorhead sits in western Minnesota, directly across the Red River from Fargo, North Dakota. The twin cities form a metropolitan area of about 240,000 people. This college town benefits from the presence of multiple universities, including North Dakota State University just minutes away. The flat Red River Valley stretches in all directions, creating a distinctly Midwestern landscape of prairies and farmland. With 66% of students coming from in-state, Concordia draws heavily from Minnesota's Lutheran communities. Winter temperatures regularly drop below zero, while summers bring festivals and outdoor activities along the river. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare Concordia College at Moorhead with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Moorhead, Minnesota 56562
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,317
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $55,336
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $39,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 84.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $285/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,847
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Concordia College at Moorhead?
Concordia College at Moorhead accepts 65.53% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The average ACT score is 25, reflecting the school's commitment to balancing academic standards with its Lutheran mission of accessible education.
How much does Concordia College at Moorhead cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $25,651, lower than the full tuition of $30,020. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $20,609 on average, demonstrating the college's strong commitment to affordability through its Lutheran values.
What are the academics like at Concordia College at Moorhead?
With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio and 1,721 students, classes remain small and personal. The college is particularly well-known for its music and science programs, building on its liberal arts foundation rooted in Lutheran educational traditions.
What do graduates of Concordia College at Moorhead earn after college?
Alumni earn a median of $59,317 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 98.2% employment rate. The 71.80% six-year graduation rate reflects the close-knit community support that helps Cobbers complete their degrees.
Where do students live at Concordia College at Moorhead?
Campus housing accommodates 1,177 students, serving most of the 1,721 total enrollment in this tight-knit community. The suburban Moorhead setting provides a safe, focused environment while keeping students connected to the Twin Cities metro area.
How strong are athletics at Concordia College at Moorhead?
The Cobbers field 22 varsity sports with 532 total athletes competing in NCAA Division III. As a Division III school, they offer no athletic scholarships, emphasizing the student-athlete experience and academic achievement over pure athletic performance.
