At $16,774/yr net price, Concordia University-Chicago graduates earn $54,089/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $20,089/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,774 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $67,096 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $54,089/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$20,089/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 47.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $23,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,573/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $14,000/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $17,318/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $19,478/yr |
| $110,001+ | $23,731/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $114,892 | $49,142 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Certificate | $99,683 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $64,493 | $24,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $64,493 | |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $63,855 | $22,899 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $59,576 | $33,625 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Master | $58,057 | $16,300 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $57,937 | $17,214 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $57,657 | $47,380 |
| Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education. | Master | $57,318 |
The Risk Factor
47.4% of students at Concordia University-Chicago graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Concordia University-Chicago delivers mixed financial results with significant program variation that makes your major choice critical. The $54,089 median earnings after ten years barely justify the investment for most graduates, especially given the concerning 47% graduation rate that means over half of students never finish their degrees.
Educational administration programs stand out as clear financial winners, with top earners reaching $114,892 annually. However, some versions of these programs saddle you with $49,142 in debt, creating a wide range of outcomes even within the same field. Health administration and instructional media design offer moderate returns around $64,000, making them safer middle-ground options.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in its low retention rate of 63%, suggesting academic or financial struggles that prevent many students from completing their programs. This creates a real possibility you could accumulate debt without earning a degree. The $23,000 median debt load remains manageable compared to many private schools, but only if you actually graduate.
Concordia works best financially for students targeting education leadership roles or those certain they can handle the academic challenges successfully. The relatively low net price of $16,774 makes it accessible, but you should avoid this school if you need extensive academic support or are unsure about your major choice.
The 45% of students receiving aid suggests limited merit scholarship opportunities. Your best cost strategy involves choosing one of the higher-earning education programs and ensuring you have the academic foundation to complete your degree within four years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Concordia University-Chicago worth the cost?
Concordia University-Chicago offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $16,774 annually and manageable median debt of $23,000. However, the 47% graduation rate is concerning, and typical earnings of $54,089 after 10 years are modest compared to other private universities.
What programs at Concordia University-Chicago have the best ROI?
Educational Administration programs clearly offer the strongest returns, with graduates earning $99,000-$115,000 annually. Health administration also provides solid earnings around $64,000, while other programs typically result in lower financial outcomes.
How much debt do Concordia University-Chicago graduates typically have?
The median debt load is $23,000, which is reasonable for a private university. Given the low net price and available financial aid, most students can graduate without crushing debt burdens.
Does Concordia University-Chicago have good financial aid?
Yes, financial aid significantly reduces costs from the sticker price to an average net price of $16,774 per year. The school makes education accessible, though students should focus on high-ROI programs to maximize their investment.