About Concordia University Ann Arbor
Concordia University Ann Arbor serves 918 students who come for its strong Lutheran foundation and focus on Christian service. The university emphasizes undergraduate education with a clear religious mission tied to the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. Students find a tight-knit community in midsize Ann Arbor, where the 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention. The school draws heavily from Michigan, with 76% of students coming from in-state.
The financial picture tells a mixed story. Students pay an average net price of $26,409 after aid, which is substantially less than the $34,200 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $56,075 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $25,750 manageable with monthly payments around $273. The employment rate hits 97.7%, suggesting strong job placement despite the modest graduation rate of 50%.
Athletics play a major role on campus, with 728 student-athletes competing across 26 varsity sports in the NJCAA. That means roughly four out of every five students participate in varsity athletics, creating an unusually sports-focused campus culture. The retention rate of 66% suggests some students struggle to adjust, but those who stay find a community built around faith and competition.
The financial picture tells a mixed story. Students pay an average net price of $26,409 after aid, which is substantially less than the $34,200 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $56,075 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $25,750 manageable with monthly payments around $273. The employment rate hits 97.7%, suggesting strong job placement despite the modest graduation rate of 50%.
Athletics play a major role on campus, with 728 student-athletes competing across 26 varsity sports in the NJCAA. That means roughly four out of every five students participate in varsity athletics, creating an unusually sports-focused campus culture. The retention rate of 66% suggests some students struggle to adjust, but those who stay find a community built around faith and competition.
Academics & Faculty
This small Lutheran university prioritizes undergraduate teaching over research, creating an intimate academic environment. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students personally and provide close mentorship. The school emphasizes Christian service and values-based education alongside traditional liberal arts disciplines. However, the 51% four-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to complete programs on time. Concordia is known for strong programs in education, business, and ministry preparation that align with its Lutheran mission. The university's focus on faith integration means academic discussions often explore ethical and spiritual dimensions. Class sizes remain small with just 918 total students, allowing for personalized attention and collaborative learning experiences.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 50.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 50.0%
- Retention Rate
- 66.2%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,075
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Small)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Master | $72,899 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $72,462 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $62,154 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $55,383 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $52,941 |
| Human Resources Management and Services. | Bachelor | $52,107 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $51,106 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $50,995 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $50,856 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $49,631 |
Campus Life
Students at this small Lutheran university experience campus life just 35 miles west of Detroit. With only 918 students enrolled, you'll recognize faces across the 187-acre campus. Housing capacity accommodates 480 students, meaning about half live on campus while others commute from nearby areas. Michigan winters require serious winter gear, with snow covering campus from December through March.
The Cardinals compete in 26 varsity sports with 728 total athletes, creating a sports-heavy culture where nearly 80% of students participate in athletics. Chapel services and Christian fellowship activities anchor weekly routines at this Missouri Synod Lutheran institution. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know your name and track your progress personally. Ann Arbor's college town energy sits nearby, offering restaurants, shopping, and cultural events when campus life feels too quiet. The 66.22% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the small-town atmosphere or rigorous Lutheran expectations. Weekend activities center around athletic events, religious services, and trips to nearby Detroit for entertainment.
The Cardinals compete in 26 varsity sports with 728 total athletes, creating a sports-heavy culture where nearly 80% of students participate in athletics. Chapel services and Christian fellowship activities anchor weekly routines at this Missouri Synod Lutheran institution. With a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know your name and track your progress personally. Ann Arbor's college town energy sits nearby, offering restaurants, shopping, and cultural events when campus life feels too quiet. The 66.22% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the small-town atmosphere or rigorous Lutheran expectations. Weekend activities center around athletic events, religious services, and trips to nearby Detroit for entertainment.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 480 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1963
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 17°–31°F
- July Avg
- 62°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 37.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- -720.4"
Student Demographics
Students at this small Lutheran university come primarily from Michigan, with 76% staying in-state for their education. The school draws families seeking Christian-centered education within the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod tradition. With nearly a quarter of students receiving Pell Grants, Concordia serves many first-generation college students and families where faith matters more than prestige. Men slightly outnumber women at 55%, reflecting strong programs in business and ministry that historically attract more male students. The student body is predominantly white at 68%, typical for Lutheran institutions in the Midwest.
- Men
- 55.3%
- Women
- 44.7%
- White
- 67.8%
- Black
- 8.0%
- Hispanic
- 6.9%
- Asian
- 0.8%
- In-State Students
- 76.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 24.2%
Location
Concordia University Ann Arbor sits in Ann Arbor, Michigan, about 45 minutes west of Detroit. The university shares the city with the University of Michigan, creating a active college town atmosphere with over 46,000 college students combined. Ann Arbor's downtown features independent bookstores, coffee shops, and restaurants that cater to its academic community. The city population reaches around 123,000 residents. Michigan's Lower Peninsula offers four distinct seasons, from snowy winters perfect for outdoor activities to warm summers near the Great Lakes. The region combines Midwestern charm with intellectual energy. Students considering colleges in Michigan may also compare Concordia University Ann Arbor with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $56,075
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $63,710
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $40,400
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 53.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $273/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $25,750
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Concordia University Ann Arbor?
Concordia University Ann Arbor accepts 70.18% of applicants with an average ACT score of 23. The Lutheran university values Christian character alongside academic achievement in its admissions process.
How much does Concordia University Ann Arbor cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $26,409, though students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $17,589. Only 24.19% of students receive financial aid, reflecting the school's focus on serving middle-class Lutheran families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Concordia University Ann Arbor?
The student-faculty ratio is 14:1 with just 918 total students enrolled. This small Lutheran university emphasizes personalized attention and close mentoring relationships between faculty and students.
What are the graduation rates at Concordia University Ann Arbor?
The six-year graduation rate is 50.00% with a retention rate of 66.22%. Graduates earn a median of $56,075 ten years after graduation, reflecting the school's focus on practical career preparation.
Where do students live at Concordia University Ann Arbor?
On-campus housing accommodates 480 students with room and board costing $12,310. The small residential campus fosters tight-knit community bonds central to the Lutheran educational mission.
Does Concordia University Ann Arbor have strong athletics programs?
The Cardinals compete in 26 varsity sports with 728 total athletes and $3,799,049 in athletic scholarships. Nearly 80% of the student body participates in athletics, making sports a defining feature of campus life at this small Lutheran university.
