About Concordia University-Saint Paul
Concordia University-Saint Paul builds strong community partnerships while preparing students for careers in education, business, and health sciences. This Lutheran institution enrolls 2,786 students in Minnesota's capital city, where 69% of applicants gain admission. The university emphasizes practical learning through local connections that often lead to internships and job placements after graduation.
Students pay an average net price of $17,566 after financial aid, well below the $25,000 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $59,871 ten years after leaving school, creating a reasonable return on investment. Monthly loan payments average $189, and typical debt loads reach $17,832. The financial picture improves for lower-income families, with students from households earning under $30,000 paying just $15,356 net.
The student body tilts heavily female at 67%, reflecting the university's strength in education and health programs. About 84% of students come from Minnesota, creating a tight-knit community feel. NCAA Division II Golden Bears compete in 17 sports with 376 total athletes. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personal attention, though the 67% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the transition to college life.
Students pay an average net price of $17,566 after financial aid, well below the $25,000 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $59,871 ten years after leaving school, creating a reasonable return on investment. Monthly loan payments average $189, and typical debt loads reach $17,832. The financial picture improves for lower-income families, with students from households earning under $30,000 paying just $15,356 net.
The student body tilts heavily female at 67%, reflecting the university's strength in education and health programs. About 84% of students come from Minnesota, creating a tight-knit community feel. NCAA Division II Golden Bears compete in 17 sports with 376 total athletes. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personal attention, though the 67% retention rate suggests some students struggle with the transition to college life.
Academics & Faculty
Concordia University-Saint Paul operates as a Lutheran university with strong programs in education, business, and health sciences that connect directly to Minnesota's job market. The 15:1 student-faculty ratio allows professors to know students personally, though the 58.8% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish. Education majors benefit from partnerships with local school districts for student teaching placements. The business program emphasizes ethical leadership rooted in Lutheran values. Nursing and other health science programs prepare graduates for Minnesota's growing healthcare sector. With 67.19% of students being women, many programs reflect career paths that attract female students, particularly in education and healthcare fields.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 23.9%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 55.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 58.8%
- Retention Rate
- 67.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,871
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $79,688 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $75,795 |
| Education, Other. | Certificate | $69,338 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Master | $64,990 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $62,012 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Master | $59,417 |
| Special Education and Teaching. | Certificate | $58,673 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Bachelor | $56,415 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $56,054 |
| Education, Other. | Master | $54,578 |
Campus Life
Students at Concordia-Saint Paul experience true Minnesota winters, where snow boots and heavy coats are essential from November through March. The campus sits in Minnesota's capital city, offering easy access to downtown Saint Paul's restaurants and internship opportunities. With housing capacity for only 520 students out of 2,786 total enrollment, just 19% of students live on campus, creating a largely commuter feel.
The 67% female student body reflects the university's strength in education and health science programs. Students often gather at campus events that blend Lutheran values with academic life. Weekends bring a mix of NCAA Division II Golden Bears games, where 376 student athletes compete across 17 sports, and trips into the Twin Cities metro area. The 84% in-state student population means many students head home on weekends or explore Minneapolis, just minutes away. Campus traditions center around chapel services and community service projects that connect students to Saint Paul's diverse neighborhoods. Winter study sessions in the library become social events when temperatures drop below zero.
The 67% female student body reflects the university's strength in education and health science programs. Students often gather at campus events that blend Lutheran values with academic life. Weekends bring a mix of NCAA Division II Golden Bears games, where 376 student athletes compete across 17 sports, and trips into the Twin Cities metro area. The 84% in-state student population means many students head home on weekends or explore Minneapolis, just minutes away. Campus traditions center around chapel services and community service projects that connect students to Saint Paul's diverse neighborhoods. Winter study sessions in the library become social events when temperatures drop below zero.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 520 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
11 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 6°–23°F
- July Avg
- 64°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 32.7"
- Annual Snowfall
- 40.4"
Student Demographics
This Twin Cities Lutheran university draws heavily from Minnesota, with 84% of students calling the state home. The student body tilts strongly female at 67%, reflecting the school's emphasis on education and health sciences programs that traditionally attract more women. With about one-third of students receiving Pell Grants, Concordia serves many first-generation college students and working families. The diverse mix includes significant Black, Hispanic, and Asian populations alongside white students. Most students come seeking practical career preparation in teaching, nursing, and business while staying connected to their Lutheran faith community.
- Men
- 32.8%
- Women
- 67.2%
- White
- 51.6%
- Black
- 17.3%
- Hispanic
- 11.6%
- Asian
- 10.7%
- In-State Students
- 84.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 34.0%
Location
Concordia University-Saint Paul sits in Minnesota's capital city, part of the Twin Cities metropolitan area with over 3.6 million residents. The campus is located directly in Saint Paul, giving students immediate access to urban internships, cultural attractions, and job opportunities. The Twin Cities region offers four distinct seasons and a strong job market, particularly in healthcare, finance, and technology sectors. Saint Paul's historic charm contrasts with Minneapolis's modern downtown, just 10 miles away. The area's extensive park system includes the Mississippi River corridor running through both cities. Students considering colleges in Minnesota may also compare Concordia University-Saint Paul with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Saint Paul, Minnesota 55104-5494
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $59,871
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $63,646
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $46,000
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 61.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $189/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $17,832
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Concordia University-Saint Paul?
Concordia University-Saint Paul accepts 69.09% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The average ACT score is 25, reflecting the university's focus on welcoming students from diverse academic backgrounds while maintaining reasonable standards.
How much does Concordia University-Saint Paul cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $17,566, lower than the sticker price of $25,000 for tuition. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of $15,356, demonstrating the university's commitment to affordability through its Lutheran mission.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Concordia University-Saint Paul?
The student-faculty ratio is 15:1 with 2,786 total students enrolled. This smaller Lutheran university emphasizes personalized attention, particularly in its signature programs of education, business, and health sciences.
What are the graduation outcomes at Concordia University-Saint Paul?
The six-year graduation rate is 58.80% and graduates earn a median salary of $59,871 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 96.5%, reflecting strong connections with Twin Cities employers and the university's practical, career-focused approach.
Where is the campus of Concordia University-Saint Paul located?
The campus sits in Saint Paul, Minnesota, with housing capacity for 520 students out of 2,786 total enrollment. The urban location provides access to internships and career opportunities throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
Does Concordia University-Saint Paul have strong athletics programs?
The Golden Bears compete in NCAA Division II with 17 varsity sports and 376 total athletes. The university awards $2,361,804 in athletic scholarships, demonstrating significant investment in competitive sports alongside its academic mission.
