At $28,046/yr net price, Concordia University-Irvine graduates earn $65,083/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $31,083/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $28,046 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $112,184 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $65,083/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$31,083/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 62.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $24,247 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $23,532/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $21,767/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,220/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $28,615/yr |
| $110,001+ | $33,909/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational/Instructional Media Design. | Master | $86,550 | $20,500 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $86,222 | $26,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $86,202 | $20,312 |
| Curriculum and Instruction. | Master | $84,854 | $20,500 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $82,440 | $42,448 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $62,012 | $28,038 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Master | $51,857 | $29,290 |
| International/Global Studies. | Master | $47,260 | $24,732 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $41,406 | $26,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $34,704 | $24,848 |
The Risk Factor
62.5% of students at Concordia University-Irvine graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Concordia University-Irvine delivers solid financial returns for specific career paths but falls short for many students. The $65,083 median earnings after 10 years represent decent middle-class outcomes, though the $28,046 annual net price means you'll need strong post-graduation earning power to justify the investment.
Your major choice determines everything here. Nursing graduates earn $86,202 with just $20,312 in debt, creating an excellent debt-to-income ratio. Education programs also pay off well, with instructional media design and educational administration both topping $86,000 annually. These career-focused programs leverage Orange County's strong healthcare system and school districts.
Student counseling presents a warning sign with $42,448 in debt against $82,440 earnings. The 2.6-year debt payoff period still works, but barely. Liberal arts and general studies majors should look closely at career outcomes before enrolling.
The 62.5% graduation rate means more than one-third of students leave without degrees, turning their investment into pure loss. The 75.6% retention rate suggests academic or financial struggles push students out early.
Financial aid reaches only 22.95% of students, well below national averages. This creates affordability challenges for middle-income families who earn too much for need-based aid but struggle with the full cost. Merit scholarships exist but remain competitive.
Concordia-Irvine works best for career-focused students targeting nursing, education, or other professional programs with clear job placement. If you're exploring majors or considering liberal arts, the combination of high costs and modest outcomes suggests looking elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Concordia University-Irvine worth the cost?
With a net price of $28,046 annually and median graduate earnings of $65,083, Concordia University-Irvine offers moderate returns on investment. The school's 62.5% graduation rate and relatively low median debt of $24,247 make it a reasonable choice for students who complete their programs.
What programs at Concordia University-Irvine have the best ROI?
Education and nursing programs at Concordia University-Irvine deliver strong returns, with graduates earning $82,000-$86,000 annually. These specialized fields justify the investment better than the overall graduate average of $65,083.
How much debt do Concordia University-Irvine graduates typically have?
Concordia University-Irvine graduates leave with a median debt of $24,247, which is manageable compared to many private universities. However, with nearly 40% of students not graduating, debt without degree completion remains a significant risk.
Does Concordia University-Irvine provide good financial aid?
The net price of $28,046 at Concordia University-Irvine suggests moderate financial aid for a private institution. Students should carefully compare aid packages, as the full cost of attendance is significantly higher than the net price indicates.