At Concordia University Chicago, you’ll experience learning that enriches, faith that uplifts and leadership that takes you places.
Our distinctive academic programs are designed to meet the needs of the world in which we live, serve and work. A CUC education opens doors to your career and prepares you to make a difference in the lives of others.
The University sets itself apart by combining certain characteristics to give your education purpose and value:
Location
Our proximity to Chicago provides students endless opportunities for internships and jobs, social and cultural events, connections with leaders in business, the arts, government and the nonprofit sector—access that lets you apply your knowledge to the real world even before you graduate.
Mission
Steadfast in Jesus Christ as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, Concordia University Chicago promotes academic rigor in its liberal arts and professional programs; grounds students in objective truth, integrity, and excellence; and practices faithfulness to the Confessional teachings of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, as it forms students for vocations in church, family, and the world.
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Community
Our strong Christian and liberal arts foundation provides a well-rounded education focused on faith, values and the individual, and service to others.
Service Learning
Service learning is an integral part of your college experience at Concordia-Chicago. Textbooks and classroom discussions quickly translate into hands-on opportunities to serve within local and national communities where you can change and improve the lives of others.
About Concordia–Chicago
Concordia University Chicago is a comprehensive university composed of the College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Health, Science & Technology and the College of Theology, Arts & Humanities. CUC offers undergraduate and master's programs, as well as doctoral degrees.
History
Founded in 1864 by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod as a college for teachers
Location
40-acre campus 10 miles west of downtown Chicago, in beautiful, upscale, suburban River Forest, IL
Accreditations
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
- National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
For the academic year 2024-2025:
Total Enrollment: 4,771
- Undergraduates: 1,368
- Graduate students: 3,403
Traditional Undergraduate Facts
Home State
- 35 U.S. states; 3 foreign countries
- The majority (72%) of undergraduate students are from Illinois, with other Midwestern states like Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Missouri, Ohio and Minnesota — as well as Florida, California and Texas — heavily represented.
Students Living in Campus Housing
- 49% of traditional undergraduate students (58% of freshmen) live in residence halls on campus.
Gender
- 51% women
- 49% men
Ethnicity
- 40% White
- 38% Hispanic or Latino
- 13% Black or African-American
- 2% Asian
- 4% Multiracial
- 0.0% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
- 0% American Indian or Alaskan Native
- 2% Not reported
Religious Affiliation
- 9% Lutheran (LCMS)
- 17% Roman Catholic
- 70% Other Christian Faiths
- 3% Other Faiths
- 1% Not Reported
Financial Assistance
- 100% of full-time traditional undergraduate students receive some type of financial assistance based on need, merit, background and/or academic program.
- For the 2024-2025 academic year, current students are receiving more than $20 million in scholarships and grants provided by the University.
Tuition and Fees, 2024-2025 academic year
| Tuition * | $36,430 |
| Required Fees ** | $1,058 |
| --------------------- | ---------- |
| Total (commuter) | $37,488 |
| Housing and Food *** | $11,510 |
| --------------------- | ---------- |
| Total | $48,998 |
* Flat rate based on 12-18 credit hours
** Fees include technology, wellness/medical, student activity, registration and records, and green fees
*** Basic Housing and Food Plan rate for residential students; based on standard two-person room occupancy