
Saint Paul, MNprivate nonprofitcsp.edu
Concordia University-Saint Paul is a private Lutheran university that balances accessibility with career-focused academics, offering over 80 programs—notably in nursing, business, and kinesiology—with a pragmatic, student-centered approach. Its 18:1 student-faculty ratio and rapid admissions process cater to working adults and traditional undergraduates alike, while its urban Saint Paul location provides both campus community and city access.
Concordia-Saint Paul maintains a 79% acceptance rate, positioning it as accessible but not open-admission. The middle 50% of admitted students typically have ACT scores between 17-25 (or SAT equivalents of 1080-1310) and GPAs around 3.13, though 13% of enrollees boast GPAs above 3.75. The university emphasizes a streamlined process—no early decision, with rolling admissions until August 1—and actively recruits non-traditional students through its CSP Global initiative, which touts rapid application reviews and robust support services.
With an 18:1 student-faculty ratio and nearly half of classes under 20 students, CSP blends small-campus attention with pragmatic degree options. Its 90-credit, three-year bachelor’s programs (versus the traditional 120 credits) cater to career-minded students, while standout departments include:
The university recently launched a career portfolio initiative, requiring all students to compile professional artifacts—résumés, project samples—before graduation. Online and hybrid options are robust, particularly for graduate students.
Only 15% of students live on campus, with most opting for off-campus housing in Saint Paul’s affordable neighborhoods. The Winget Student Life Center anchors social activity, hosting DII athletics (Golden Bears compete in the NSIC) and 30+ clubs—from ministry groups to improv comedy. Key quirks:
CSP’s 61% six-year graduation rate edges slightly above the national average for private colleges. Alumni earnings are mixed but trend upward:
The university’s career services emphasize local employer connections, with 45% of graduates remaining in the Twin Cities metro.
At $44,900 sticker price (tuition + fees + room/board), CSP undercuts many Minnesota privates. However, 99% of first-years receive aid, slashing the average Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. to $17,989. Key details:
The net price calculator flags hidden costs: books and supplies average $1,200/year, and health insurance is mandatory unless waived.
CSP excels at serving non-traditional students without sacrificing undergraduate community. Its three-year degrees and evening/weekend courses attract working adults, while DII sports and campus ministries retain a classic college vibe. The Lutheran affiliation manifests more in service opportunities (e.g., urban outreach programs) than rigid doctrine. For Twin Cities students seeking affordability and career alignment—especially in healthcare—it’s a pragmatic pick.