Concordia University-Irvine: 69.0% Acceptance Rate

69.0%Acceptance

$41,390Tuition

1,456Students

63%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$65,083Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test BlindResearch UniversityNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod

About Concordia University-Irvine

Concordia University-Irvine prepares students through a Lutheran liberal arts education emphasizing faith-based learning. The university serves 1,456 students in Orange County's largest city. Strong teacher preparation programs anchor the academic offerings alongside a broader liberal arts curriculum. The 68.99% acceptance rate makes admission competitive but accessible for motivated students.

Students pay an average net price of $28,046 after financial aid, below the $41,390 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $65,083 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $24,247 manageable with monthly payments around $257. The 96% employment rate suggests strong career outcomes for graduates. Low-income families pay even less, with net prices dropping to $23,532 for families earning under $30,000.

The Golden Eagles compete in NCAA Division II athletics with 19 varsity sports and 509 student-athletes receiving $4.3 million in athletic scholarships. Women make up 58.86% of the student body. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio enables close mentoring relationships. The 75.58% retention rate indicates most students find their academic and social fit, though the 62.5% six-year graduation rate suggests some students take longer to finish or transfer elsewhere.

Academics & Faculty

Concordia University-Irvine operates as a Lutheran liberal arts university with particularly strong teacher preparation programs. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates small classes where professors know students personally. About 63% of students graduate within four years, reflecting the close mentoring relationships typical at smaller Christian colleges. The university emphasizes faith-integrated learning across disciplines, meaning students explore how their Lutheran values connect to their academic studies. Teacher education remains the flagship program, preparing educators who understand both pedagogical theory and Christian worldview. Liberal arts students benefit from interdisciplinary approaches that combine traditional academic rigor with service learning opportunities throughout Orange County's diverse communities.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 62.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 62.5%
Retention Rate: 75.6%
Median Earnings (10 years): $65,083
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral/Professional University

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Educational/Instructional Media Design.	Master	$86,550
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Master	$86,222
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$86,202
Curriculum and Instruction.	Master	$84,854
Student Counseling and Personnel Services.	Master	$82,440
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$62,012
Health and Physical Education/Fitness.	Master	$51,857
International/Global Studies.	Master	$47,260
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$41,406
Communication and Media Studies.	Bachelor	$34,704

View all 45 programs →

Campus Life

This intimate campus of 1,456 students sits in Orange County's master-planned city of Irvine, about 40 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. Two-thirds of the campus capacity of 960 beds stays filled, creating a tight-knit residential community where students know each other by name. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors notice when you're absent from class.

Year-round sunshine dominates the Southern California climate, so pack shorts and flip-flops rather than heavy coats. Students spend weekends at nearby beaches, Disneyland, or exploring LA's music and arts scene. The Lutheran identity shapes campus life through chapel services and service learning opportunities, though the diverse student body includes 29% Hispanic and 10% Asian students. Golden Eagles athletics compete in NCAA Division II with 509 student-athletes participating across 19 varsity sports. The small size means students often wear multiple hats, balancing academics with athletics, campus ministry, and student government. Many education majors practice teaching in Irvine's highly-rated public schools nearby.

Setting: City-Large
Housing Capacity: 960 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Dating Violence	1	1	0	0
Stalking	1	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 48°–67°F
July Avg: 66°–78°F
Annual Precipitation: 11.2"
Annual Snowfall: 0.0"

Student Demographics

This small Lutheran university draws students who value faith-based education within Orange County's competitive academic landscape. Two-thirds of the 1,456 students come from California, reflecting the school's strong regional reputation for teacher preparation programs. Women make up nearly 60% of the student body, typical for education-focused institutions. The diverse enrollment includes 29% Hispanic students and 45% white students, mirroring Southern California's demographics. With 23% receiving Pell Grants, Concordia attracts middle-class families seeking Christian higher education who can manage the $28,046 average net price through institutional aid.

Men: 41.1%
Women: 58.9%
White: 45.2%
Black: 3.0%
Hispanic: 28.8%
Asian: 10.3%
In-State Students: 66.6%
Pell Grant Recipients: 23.0%

Location

Concordia University-Irvine sits in Irvine, California, about 40 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. The campus occupies 70 acres in Orange County's planned community known for its master-planned neighborhoods and family-friendly atmosphere. Irvine ranks consistently among America's safest cities and maintains a strong job market in technology and business. The university sits just 10 miles from Newport Beach and the Pacific Ocean. With 66.56% of students coming from California, many appreciate the year-round Mediterranean climate and proximity to both beaches and mountains. The area offers extensive internship opportunities in Orange County's diverse economy. Students considering colleges in California may also compare Concordia University-Irvine with similar schools in the region.

Address: Irvine, California 92612-3203

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $65,083
Median Earnings (5 years): $68,691
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $40,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 68.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $257/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $24,247

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Concordia University-Irvine?

Concordia University-Irvine accepts 69% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The Lutheran university attracts students seeking faith-based education in Orange County. With 1,456 students enrolled, it maintains an intimate campus environment.

How much does Concordia University-Irvine cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $28,046, lower than the full tuition of $41,390. Students graduate with a median debt of $24,247 and monthly loan payments of $257. The Lutheran institution provides institutional grants averaging $24,623 to nearly a quarter of students.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Concordia University-Irvine?

The student-faculty ratio is 13:1, allowing for personalized attention in classes. This small liberal arts environment supports the university's strong teacher preparation programs. The retention rate of 76% reflects students' satisfaction with the academic experience.

What are the graduation and career outcomes at Concordia University-Irvine?

The four-year graduation rate is 63%, with graduates earning a median salary of $65,083 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 96%, reflecting the university's focus on career preparation. Christian education majors particularly benefit from strong connections to local school districts.

Where is Concordia University-Irvine located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Irvine, one of Orange County's safest and most planned cities. Housing capacity of 960 serves about two-thirds of the 1,456-student body. The Golden Eagles compete in 19 NCAA Division II sports with 509 total athletes participating.

Does Concordia University-Irvine have a religious affiliation?

Yes, it is affiliated with the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod and integrates Christian faith throughout academics. The university particularly excels in teacher preparation and Christian education programs. This faith-based approach attracts students seeking to combine academic excellence with spiritual growth.