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Concordia University Chicago

Concordia University Chicago (CUC) is a private Lutheran university located in River Forest, Illinois. Founded in 1864, it is affiliated with the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. The university offers a variety of undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in a variety of fields, including education, business, and theology. Known for its commitment to faith-based education, CUC emphasizes the liberal arts combined with professional preparation and spiritual growth.

United States, River Forest
Concordia University Chicago is located near the vibrant Oak Park neighborhood, known for its Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio, a wide variety of restaurants, and a vibrant arts scene.
Acceptance rate - 93%
Number of students - 6,490 Number of students - 6,490
International students - 6% International students - 6%
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#101 Regional Universities Midwest Rankings U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings 2024
#601 in the World Times Higher Education 2024
#61 in America U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges Rankings 2024

Quick Facts

Concordia University Chicago is located near the vibrant Oak Park neighborhood, known for its Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio, a wide variety of restaurants, and a vibrant arts scene. Concordia University Chicago is located near the vibrant Oak Park neighborhood, known for its Frank Lloyd Wright home and studio, a wide variety of restaurants, and a vibrant arts scene.
Acceptance rate - 93% Acceptance rate - 93%
Number of students - 6,490 Number of students - 6,490
International students - 6% International students - 6%

About University

Concordia University Chicago has a long tradition of providing a well-rounded education that promotes academic excellence, leadership skills, and ethical values in a Christ-centered environment. As a small university, CUC provides a close-knit community atmosphere where students can benefit from individual attention from faculty and staff. The university boasts a diverse student body as well as numerous opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities, including athletics, music, clubs, and organizations. Concordia University Chicago is particularly distinguished by its strong teacher education program, which prepares students to succeed in educational settings based on Lutheran doctrine. The campus features modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art library and newly renovated residential buildings, which support an active student life. With an emphasis on community service and global awareness, Concordia University Chicago encourages students to participate in volunteer opportunities and study abroad programs, helping them develop a broad outlook and a strong sense of social responsibility.

Academic Programs

Taught in English

College of Health, Science & Technology

0+ programs

Specific directions for this program have not been defined yet.

College of Theology, Arts & Humanities

0+ programs

Specific directions for this program have not been defined yet.

College of Business

0+ programs

Specific directions for this program have not been defined yet.

College of Education

0+ programs

Specific directions for this program have not been defined yet.

Intakes & Deadlines

Available intake periods for application

Closed

Summer 2025

Summer 2025

Deadline: 05 Apr, 2025
Closed

Spring 2025

Spring 2025

Deadline: 06 Dec, 2024
Closed

Fall 2025

Fall 2025

Deadline: 25 Jul, 2025
Open

Summer 2026

Summer 2026

Deadline: 05 Apr, 2026
Closed

Spring 2026

Spring 2026

Deadline: 06 Dec, 2025
Open

Fall 2026

Fall 2026

Deadline: 25 Jul, 2026

Admission Requirements

Bachelor's Degree

Basic Requirements

GPA

2.0

Motivation Letter Required
Recommendation Letter Required

English Language Level

IELTS

6

TOEFL iBT

72

Duolingo

95

How to Enroll

Follow these steps to apply Concordia University Chicago

1

Submit a completed application for admission

Start by filling out an application for admission to the university. This can usually be done online on the university's website .

2

Provide official transcripts

You must provide official transcripts from all institutions you attended. If you attended institutions outside the United States, your foreign transcripts must be evaluated by a Concordia-Chicago-approved international credential evaluation service, such as Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).

3

Confirmation of completion of high school

Provide proof that you have completed high school.

4

Provide financial documentation

To obtain a student visa, international applicants must prove that they have sufficient funds to cover the cost of tuition and living expenses while studying in the United States by submitting financial statements during the visa application process.

5

Be prepared for the interview

In some cases, the admissions committee may request an interview (in person or virtually) to better understand the applicant's goals and readiness for university life.

6

Obtaining a visa

Once accepted, international students will receive a Form I-20 from CUC, which is required to apply for an F-1 student visa at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country.

Cost of Study

Full breakdown of tuition and living costs

Annual tuition fee
$36,430/year
Includes academic materials
Accommodation and food (per year)
$11,510/year
Books and other accessories (per year)
$1,200/year
Transport (per year)
$600/year
Personal expenses (per year)
$800/year
Scholarships
• Freshman Merit Scholarship/Award • Freshman Leadership Scholarship • The Music Scholarship • Trailblazer Award

Campus Life

Facilities and student experience

• Klinck Memorial Library

World-class facility

• Geiseman Gymnasium and outdoor sports grounds

World-class facility

• Christopher Center for Learning and Leadership

World-class facility