Concordia University is a globally recognized higher-education network with campuses in the United States and Canada, offering innovative, career-focused education built on academic excellence and faith-based values.
With options for on-campus, hybrid, and fully online learning, Concordia serves a diverse community of learners—from undergraduates pursuing nursing or business degrees to working professionals earning MBAs or doctoral credentials in education and leadership.
Overview of Concordia University System
There are several independent Concordia Universities across North America, each affiliated historically with the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) or operating as independent Christian universities.
Major Campuses Include:
- Concordia University, St. Paul (Minnesota, USA)
- Concordia University, Chicago (Illinois, USA)
- Concordia University Texas (Austin & Dallas, USA)
- Concordia University Wisconsin & Ann Arbor
- Concordia University Irvine (California, USA)
- Concordia University, Montreal (Quebec, Canada)
Each campus has its own admissions process, tuition rates, and academic focus—but all share a mission: to educate students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership.
Accreditation and Global Recognition
All Concordia Universities are regionally accredited within their respective countries.
| Campus | Accreditation |
|---|---|
| Concordia University St. Paul | Higher Learning Commission (HLC) |
| Concordia University Chicago | HLC and NCATE (Education) |
| Concordia University Texas | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC) |
| Concordia University Wisconsin | HLC |
| Concordia University Irvine | WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| Concordia University Montreal (Canada) | Chartered by the Government of Quebec, recognized by Universities Canada |
Legitimacy: Every Concordia campus is a fully accredited, degree-granting university recognized by employers, graduate schools, and federal financial aid programs.
Admissions Process
Undergraduate Admissions
- Application Platforms: Campus-specific online portal or Common App
- GPA Requirement: 2.8–3.2 (average)
- Transcripts: Official high-school or college transcripts required
- Standardized Tests: SAT/ACT optional for most campuses
- Additional Materials: Personal statement, letters of recommendation, or faith essay (varies)
Graduate Admissions
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- GPA: Minimum 3.0 preferred
- Resume and Statement of Purpose
- Letters of Recommendation: 2–3 required
- GRE/GMAT: Only for select MBA or PhD programs
Application Deadlines:
Rolling admissions for most online and accelerated programs; international and graduate applicants should apply at least three months before the semester start date.
Tuition and Cost of Attendance
Tuition differs by campus and program type.
| Program Type | Average Tuition (USD) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $23,000–$29,000 per year |
| Graduate/Master’s | $18,000–$25,000 total |
| Doctoral (EdD/PhD) | $25,000–$38,000 total |
| Online Programs | $420–$550 per credit |
| MBA (U.S. Campuses) | $25,000–$35,000 |
| MBA (Concordia Canada) | CAD $54,000 |
| RN-to-BSN | $15,000–$20,000 total |
Other Costs:
- Room & Board (on campus): $10,000–$13,000
- Books & Materials: ~$1,200
- Health Insurance & Fees: ~$1,000 annually
Cost-Saving Tip: Many online Concordia campuses (like St. Paul and Wisconsin) offer flat-rate online tuition, making programs highly affordable for working adults.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Federal Aid (U.S. Campuses):
- FAFSA available (School Code varies by campus)
- Federal Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, and PLUS Loans
Scholarships:
- Concordia Merit Scholarship
- Christian Leadership Award
- Transfer Student Grant
- Faith-Based Service Scholarship
Graduate & International Funding:
- Research and Teaching Assistantships (for PhD students)
- On-campus part-time work opportunities
- Tuition discounts for alumni and military students
Popular Campuses and Academic Focus
a. Concordia University St. Paul (Minnesota)
Known for flexible online learning and strong professional programs.
- Top Programs: RN-to-BSN, MBA, MA in Educational Leadership, MA in Family Science
- Online Degrees: 40 + undergraduate and graduate offerings
- Acceptance Rate: ~70 %
- Campus Strengths: Affordability, small class sizes, personalized advising
b. Concordia University Chicago (Illinois)
- Graduate Focus: MBA, EdD, PhD in Leadership, and Master’s in Finance
- MBA Specializations: Digital Marketing, Finance, Innovation Management
- Accreditation: ACBSP (for business programs)
c. Concordia University Texas (Austin & Dallas)
- Notable Programs: Nursing, Accelerated BSN, MBA, and Education Leadership
- ABSN Sites: Dallas & Austin
- RN-to-BSN Online: 12–18 months; hybrid clinical model
- Faith Integration: Christian-based leadership perspective
d. Concordia University Wisconsin
- Health-related programs: Nursing, Pharmacy, and Physical Therapy
- Doctoral Degrees: EdD and PhD in Leadership, Occupational Therapy (OTD)
- Online Options: MBA, MS in Nursing, and Educational Leadership
e. Concordia University Irvine (California)
- Academic Areas: Business, Theology, Education, and Fine Arts
- MBA and MEd Programs: Offered online and hybrid
f. Concordia University Montreal (Quebec, Canada)
One of Canada’s largest universities with over 50,000 students.
- Degrees Offered: BA, BSc, MSc, MBA, PhD
- Top Fields: Engineering, Computer Science, Arts, Business, and Communication
- Tuition (International Students): CAD $32,000 – $45,000 per year
- Language: Primarily English; some bilingual options
Online and Distance Learning Programs
Concordia Online University provides 100 % accredited degrees across the U.S. and Canada.
Advantages:
- Flexible 5- to 8-week terms
- Asynchronous classes for working adults
- Access to 24/7 virtual library and tutoring
- Same faculty as on-campus programs
Top Online Degrees:
- B.A. in Business Administration
- M.A. in Educational Leadership
- MBA in Finance and Marketing
- M.S. in Nursing (RN-to-MSN path)
- EdD in Leadership
- Doctorate in Education Technology
Nursing and Healthcare Programs
Concordia is well known for practical, faith-based nursing education.
RN-to-BSN (Online)
- Designed for licensed nurses seeking advancement
- Duration: 12–18 months
- Clinical Hours: Can be completed locally
- Admission: Active RN license + minimum 2.8 GPA
Accelerated BSN (ABSN) – Texas & Wisconsin
- For non-nursing graduates pursuing nursing as a second degree
- 16-month hybrid format with clinical rotations
- Offered at Dallas & Austin sites
MSN and Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Leadership and Family Nurse Practitioner tracks
- Accredited by CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education)
Business and MBA Programs
MBA (U.S. Campuses):
- Duration: 18–24 months
- Format: Online, hybrid, or on-campus
- Focus: Finance, Management, Marketing, Innovation, and Data Analytics
- Average Tuition: $25,000–$35,000
MBA (Concordia University Canada – John Molson School of Business):
- Ranked among the Top 10 in Canada
- Duration: 16–24 months
- GMAT: Required (minimum 550)
- Tuition: ~ CAD $54,000 (international students)
Executive MBA (EMBA):
- For mid-career professionals
- Offered in Chicago, Irvine, and Montreal
- Blended learning with global residencies
Education and Leadership Programs
Master’s in Educational Leadership
- Focus: School leadership, curriculum design, and faith-based administration
- Duration: 18–24 months (online)
- Career Outcomes: Principal, Instructional Coordinator, Education Director
Doctor of Education (EdD) / PhD in Leadership
- Research-based degrees emphasizing transformational leadership, policy, and organizational change
- Dissertation or applied project required
- Tuition: $27,000–$35,000 total
Concordia University PhD and Doctoral Options
| Field | Degree | Campus |
|---|---|---|
| Education Leadership | EdD / PhD | Chicago, Wisconsin, Irvine |
| Business Administration | DBA | Chicago |
| Nursing Practice | DNP | Wisconsin |
| Theology & Ministry | PhD | Concordia Seminary, St. Louis |
| Philosophy & Arts | PhD | Concordia Montreal |
All doctoral programs emphasize research, ethics, and service leadership.
International Admissions (Canada Campuses)
For Concordia University Montreal:
- Application Portal: www.concordia.ca/admissions
- English Requirements: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90 +
- Transcripts: Official secondary or post-secondary results
- Application Fee: CAD $103
- Visa Support: Study-permit guidance and work-permit advising
Career Services and Alumni Network
- Career counseling, résumé assistance, and employer networking
- Internship pipelines in business, healthcare, and education
- Alumni network of over 200,000 graduates worldwide
Reasons to Choose Concordia University
Accredited and globally recognized degrees
Flexible online and hybrid programs
Faith-based, ethical education model
Scholarships and military benefits
Career-ready programs in Nursing, Business, and Leadership
Contact Information
Concordia University St. Paul
1282 Concordia Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104, USA
+1 651-641-8230
www.csp.edu
Concordia University Montreal
1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd W, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
+1 514-848-2424
www.concordia.ca
FAQs About Concordia University
Q1. Is Concordia University accredited?
Yes. All Concordia campuses in the U.S. and Canada hold regional or national accreditation.
Q2. How do I apply to Concordia University?
Apply online via each campus’s website. Submit transcripts, essays, and English-language test scores if applicable.
Q3. What is the acceptance rate?
Varies by campus: Concordia St. Paul ~ 70 %; Concordia Montreal ~ 60 %.
Q4. Does Concordia offer online degree programs?
Yes. There are 100 + online and hybrid degrees, including MBA, RN-to-BSN, MEd, and PhD.
Q5. How much does tuition cost?
Undergraduate ≈ $25,000 per year; Graduate ≈ $20,000 total; MBA ≈ $30,000.
Q6. Does Concordia provide financial aid?
Yes—FAFSA, merit scholarships, and need-based grants are available.
Q7. What are the nursing program prerequisites?
An active RN license (for RN-to-BSN), GPA ≥ 2.8, and completion of basic sciences.
Q8. Is Concordia University Canada different from U.S. Concordia campuses?
Yes. Concordia University Montreal is a public institution, while U.S. Concordias are private, faith-based universities.
