About Concordia University-Chicago
Concordia University-Chicago has built its reputation around teacher preparation programs and Lutheran Christian education. The 1,337-student university sits in the leafy Chicago suburb of River Forest, where future educators make up a significant portion of each graduating class. With a 93% acceptance rate, Concordia welcomes students who are serious about service-oriented careers, particularly in education and ministry.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for families watching their budgets. While tuition runs $36,258, the average student pays just $16,774 after aid. Graduates typically leave with $23,000 in debt and earn a median salary of $54,089 ten years out. That translates to monthly loan payments of $244, which represents a manageable burden given typical teacher and ministry salaries. Nearly 45% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving working-class families.
Students find a diverse community where 34% are Hispanic and 13% are Black, creating rich cultural exchanges within the Lutheran framework. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, though the 47% graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish. Twenty varsity sports teams compete at the Division III level, giving 389 student-athletes chances to continue their athletic careers without the pressure of scholarships.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for families watching their budgets. While tuition runs $36,258, the average student pays just $16,774 after aid. Graduates typically leave with $23,000 in debt and earn a median salary of $54,089 ten years out. That translates to monthly loan payments of $244, which represents a manageable burden given typical teacher and ministry salaries. Nearly 45% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving working-class families.
Students find a diverse community where 34% are Hispanic and 13% are Black, creating rich cultural exchanges within the Lutheran framework. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention, though the 47% graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish. Twenty varsity sports teams compete at the Division III level, giving 389 student-athletes chances to continue their athletic careers without the pressure of scholarships.
Academics & Faculty
Concordia University-Chicago built its reputation on teacher preparation programs that have shaped educators across the Midwest for decades. The university's Lutheran foundation influences its approach to education, emphasizing service and community engagement. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in small classes. However, the 47% graduation rate suggests many students struggle to complete their degrees within six years. The university offers programs in education, business, and liberal arts, but education remains its flagship area. Students benefit from field experiences in Chicago-area schools and strong alumni networks in teaching. The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod affiliation creates a faith-integrated learning environment that appeals to students seeking Christian higher education.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 71.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 47.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 47.4%
- Retention Rate
- 62.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,089
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $114,892 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $99,683 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $64,493 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $64,493 |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $63,855 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $59,576 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $58,057 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $57,937 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $57,657 |
| Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education. | Master | $57,318 |
Campus Life
River Forest sits just 10 miles west of downtown Chicago, giving students easy access to the city via the CTA Green Line. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, so pack that heavy coat for the long Illinois winters that stretch into March. About 49% of the 1,337 students live in campus housing, creating a tight-knit residential community where you'll likely know most faces by name.
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod affiliation shapes campus culture through weekly chapel services and faith-integrated learning, though the diverse student body includes 34.26% Hispanic students and represents various backgrounds. With 20 varsity sports and 389 total athletes competing at the NCAA Division III level, athletic events draw solid crowds despite offering no athletic scholarships. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic struggles personally. Weekends often involve trips to Chicago's museums, neighborhoods, and entertainment districts, while campus activities center around residence hall programming and athletic competitions. The suburban setting provides a quieter study environment than urban campuses while maintaining that essential city connection.
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod affiliation shapes campus culture through weekly chapel services and faith-integrated learning, though the diverse student body includes 34.26% Hispanic students and represents various backgrounds. With 20 varsity sports and 389 total athletes competing at the NCAA Division III level, athletic events draw solid crowds despite offering no athletic scholarships. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic struggles personally. Weekends often involve trips to Chicago's museums, neighborhoods, and entertainment districts, while campus activities center around residence hall programming and athletic competitions. The suburban setting provides a quieter study environment than urban campuses while maintaining that essential city connection.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 651 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
12 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–31°F
- July Avg
- 66°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 37.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 38.4"
Student Demographics
Concordia University-Chicago draws a diverse student body that reflects its mission as a Lutheran institution serving the Chicago area. With 60% of students from Illinois, the university has built a strong regional reputation for teacher preparation and Christian education. The student body is 52% female, which aligns with the school's emphasis on education programs that traditionally attract more women. Nearly half of students receive Pell Grants, showing the university's commitment to making Lutheran higher education accessible to working-class families. The significant Hispanic population at 34% demonstrates the school's connection to Chicago's diverse communities.
- Men
- 47.8%
- Women
- 52.2%
- White
- 42.4%
- Black
- 12.9%
- Hispanic
- 34.3%
- Asian
- 2.2%
- In-State Students
- 60.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 44.6%
Location
Concordia University-Chicago sits in River Forest, Illinois, just 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. The campus occupies a leafy suburban setting in this affluent village of about 11,000 residents. Students can reach Chicago's Loop via the CTA Green Line in roughly 30 minutes. River Forest maintains a quiet, residential character with tree-lined streets and historic homes, offering a peaceful contrast to the bustling metropolis nearby. The area provides easy access to Chicago's cultural attractions, internship opportunities, and job market while maintaining a small-town feel. With 1,337 students on campus, Concordia creates an intimate college environment within the broader Chicagoland region. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Concordia University-Chicago with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- River Forest, Illinois 60305-1499
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $54,089
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $59,330
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $38,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 58.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $244/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $23,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Concordia University-Chicago?
Concordia University-Chicago accepts 93% of applicants, making it highly accessible to students seeking Christian higher education. This Lutheran university in River Forest prioritizes serving students who align with its faith-based mission over selectivity.
How much does Concordia University-Chicago cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $16,774 annually, well below the full tuition of $36,258. The school provides substantial financial aid, with 45% of students receiving Pell Grants and institutional grants averaging $25,141.
What is Concordia University-Chicago known for academically?
The university maintains a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and specializes in teacher preparation programs within its Lutheran educational framework. With only 1,337 students enrolled, classes remain small and focused on developing educators for Christian schools.
What are the graduation outcomes at Concordia University-Chicago?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 47%, while graduates earn a median salary of $54,089 ten years after enrollment. The 97% employment rate reflects the strong demand for graduates, particularly those entering education and ministry fields.
Where is Concordia University-Chicago located and what is campus life like?
The campus sits in River Forest, Illinois, housing 651 students in a suburban setting near Chicago. With 389 student-athletes competing in 20 NCAA Division III sports as the Cougars, athletics play a significant role in campus culture.
Does Concordia University-Chicago serve a diverse student population?
The student body reflects considerable diversity, with 43% white students, 34% Hispanic students, and 13% Black students. Women comprise 52% of enrollment, while 60% of students come from Illinois, creating a blend of local and regional perspectives within the Lutheran community.
