River Forest, ILprivate nonprofitcuchicago.edu
Concordia University-Chicago is a small, Lutheran-affiliated institution in River Forest that combines faith-based values with surprisingly strong programs in education and kinesiology. With a 93% acceptance rate and a suburban campus just 10 miles from downtown Chicago, it attracts students who want easy access to the city without the urban intensity—though its 47% graduation rate suggests many struggle to persist.
Getting into Concordia-Chicago isn't particularly competitive—the school admits 93% of applicants, with recent data showing 3,897 acceptances from 4,200 applications. The middle 50% of admitted students have SAT scores between 990-1160 or ACT scores of 19-25. About 36% of enrolled freshmen had GPAs of 3.5 or higher, though the university doesn't enforce strict cutoffs. Notably, applications are rolling with no hard deadline, and the admissions office emphasizes accessibility with toll-free phone support (877-282-4422) and a straightforward process that doesn't require early commitment.
Concordia-Chicago punches above its weight in education (ranked in the top 5% nationally by College Factual) and kinesiology (#90 in Niche's rankings). The most popular majors reflect this:
The university leans heavily into its Lutheran identity, describing academics as 'faith-forward,' but also offers pragmatic programs like a Master's in Applied Exercise Science with strength/conditioning tracks. Small class sizes are the norm—the student-faculty ratio is 12:1—though the curriculum skews traditional rather than innovative.
This is a commuter-heavy campus—only 35% of students live in university housing, with most opting for off-campus apartments in River Forest or nearby Oak Park. The vibe is low-key: Niche reviewers mention 'decent food' (#355 for college dining nationally) but note that social life often requires trips to Chicago. The university leans into its proximity to the city, promoting 'cultural opportunities' downtown while maintaining a quiet suburban setting. Athletics (NCAA Division III) and faith-based groups dominate campus activities, though the strategic plan hints at efforts to boost engagement through 'pre-professional experiences.'
Graduation rates are Concordia-Chicago's weak spot: just 47% of students finish within six years, placing it in the bottom 30% nationally. Those who do graduate earn a median salary of $36,427 one year out—slightly below the national average for bachelor's holders. The low completion rate suggests many students transfer out or struggle academically, though the data doesn't distinguish between these scenarios. Notably, male students graduate at even lower rates than female peers.
After aid, the average net price is $17,767, with 92% of first-year students receiving need-based scholarships averaging $29,098. The university heavily promotes its financial aid tools (including a Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. calculator) and offers music scholarships alongside traditional grants. While costs are lower than many private colleges, the modest post-graduation earnings mean students should weigh debt carefully—especially given the graduation rate challenges.
Concordia-Chicago is a niche player: its Lutheran identity and suburban setting won't appeal to everyone, but it delivers unexpected strengths in education and kinesiology at a relatively affordable price. The open admissions policy and rolling deadlines make it accessible, though the low graduation rate suggests students need strong self-direction to thrive. For those who want easy Chicago access without urban chaos—and don't mind a quiet campus—it's a pragmatic choice.