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90.8%Acceptance
$39,330Tuition
1,270Students
64%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$52,415Earnings
Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNJCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod

About Concordia University-Nebraska

Faith shapes everything at this Lutheran liberal arts university in small-town Nebraska. Concordia's 1,270 students attend a Missouri Synod institution that blends Christian teaching with traditional academics. The town-distant setting means Seward feels removed from urban distractions. With a 91% acceptance rate, the school welcomes students broadly while maintaining academic standards through its 22 ACT average.

Students pay an average net price of $24,016 after financial aid knocks down the $50,750 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $52,415 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $25,750 manageable with monthly payments of $273. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio suggests personal attention that helps justify the investment. Nearly 95% of graduates find employment, though the 64% six-year graduation rate means not everyone finishes their degree.

Athletics dominate campus life with 735 student-athletes competing across 17 varsity sports. That means nearly 60% of students play college sports, creating an unusually active campus culture. The school awards over $5.3 million in athletic scholarships annually. Housing accommodates 959 students on a campus where faith, sports, and academics intersect daily.

Academics & Faculty

This Lutheran liberal arts university emphasizes faith-integrated education across traditional disciplines. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention from professors who know students by name. Concordia is particularly known for its teacher education program, which has prepared educators for over a century, and strong pre-professional tracks in nursing and business. The 64% six-year graduation rate reflects the close-knit community support, though some students take longer to complete degrees while balancing work and family commitments common in Nebraska. Faculty integrate Christian worldview into coursework, creating an environment where academic rigor meets spiritual development. Small class sizes mean students can't hide in the back row.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
14:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
61.7%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
64.1%
Retention Rate
77.6%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$52,415
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Business/Commerce, General. Master $60,094
Educational Administration and Supervision. Master $57,137
Public Health. Master $48,935
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. Certificate $48,265
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language. Master $47,930
Curriculum and Instruction. Master $46,999
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. Master $45,696
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. Master $45,696
Religious Education. Bachelor $41,937
Business/Commerce, General. Bachelor $40,458

View all 73 programs →

Campus Life

Seward sits 25 miles southwest of Lincoln, putting you in genuine small-town Nebraska where winters demand heavy coats and summers hit the 80s. The campus houses 959 students in residence halls, meaning about 75% of the student body lives on campus. With just 1,270 total students, you'll recognize faces walking between the brick buildings that anchor this compact Lutheran campus.

The 14:1 student-faculty ratio creates a high school-like atmosphere where professors know your name. Students gather for chapel services and Lutheran traditions that define campus rhythm. The Bulldogs field 17 varsity teams with 735 total athletes, making nearly 60% of students involved in athletics at some level. Weekends revolve around NJCAA games, campus ministry events, and trips to Lincoln for bigger city amenities. The 77.61% retention rate reflects students who find community in this faith-centered environment. Greek life doesn't exist here, but residence hall programming and faith-based activities fill the social calendar in this town of 7,000 residents.
Setting
Town-Distant
Housing Capacity
959 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available

Campus Safety (2023)

1 total reported incident. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
12°–34°F
July Avg
65°–87°F
Annual Precipitation
57.1"
Annual Snowfall
-734.9"

Student Demographics

Concordia draws students seeking a Lutheran liberal arts education, with nearly half coming from outside Nebraska despite the school's small-town setting. The student body splits almost evenly between men and women, reflecting the university's broad liberal arts offerings rather than a specialized program focus. Most students come from middle-class families, with relatively few qualifying for Pell Grants. The predominantly white enrollment mirrors both Nebraska's demographics and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod's traditional membership base. This creates a tight-knit campus community centered around shared faith values and conservative Christian principles.
Men
48.7%
Women
51.3%
White
72.8%
Black
2.0%
Hispanic
5.4%
Asian
0.5%
In-State Students
48.0%
Pell Grant Recipients
11.4%

Location

Seward sits 25 miles southwest of Lincoln in south-central Nebraska's agricultural heartland. The town of 7,500 residents revolves around Concordia's campus and farming community. With 48% of students coming from in-state, many are familiar with Nebraska's small-town culture before arriving. The nearest major city, Omaha, lies about 70 miles northeast. Seward maintains that classic Midwest college town atmosphere where the university anchors local life. The flat prairie landscape stretches in all directions, punctuated by farm fields and grain elevators. Housing capacity reaches 959 students, creating a tight-knit residential experience in this rural setting. Students considering colleges in Nebraska may also compare Concordia University-Nebraska with similar schools in the region.
Address
Seward, Nebraska 68434-1556
Students outside Becker Hall in
Students outside Becker Hall in
1908 Band
1908 Band
Becker Hall
Becker Hall

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years)
$52,415
Median Earnings (5 years)
$50,584
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$36,700
Loan Repayment Rate
77.4%
Monthly Loan Payment
$273/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Concordia University-Nebraska?

Concordia University-Nebraska accepts 90.84% of applicants, making it quite accessible for most students. The Lutheran liberal arts university draws students with an average SAT score of 1125 and ACT score of 22. This Missouri Synod Lutheran institution focuses more on fit and character than test scores alone.

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

Students pay an average net price of $24,016 annually after financial aid, less than the $39,330 sticker price. The university provides institutional grants averaging $26,141 to nearly 25% of students. Graduates typically leave with $25,750 in debt and monthly loan payments of $273.

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

The university maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio with 1,270 total students. This small Lutheran institution emphasizes close mentoring relationships between professors and students. The retention rate of 77.61% reflects the personal attention students receive in this tight-knit academic community.

What are the career outcomes for Concordia University-Nebraska graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $52,415 ten years after graduation, with a strong 95.2% employment rate. The 64.10% six-year graduation rate reflects the university's focus on helping students complete their degrees. Alumni benefit from the strong Lutheran network and the university's emphasis on service-oriented careers.

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

The university sits in Seward, Nebraska, a small town setting that creates a close-knit campus community. Housing capacity for 959 students means most of the 1,270 enrolled can live on campus if desired. The Bulldogs compete in 17 varsity sports with 735 total athletes, creating a active athletic culture for this Lutheran institution.

How strong is the athletic program at Concordia University-Nebraska?

The university awards $5,368,818 in athletic scholarships across 17 varsity sports, supporting 735 total athletes. Nearly 58% of the student body participates in athletics, making the Bulldogs a dominant force in campus life. This Lutheran institution uses athletics as both recruitment tool and character development program.