Concordia University-Irvine
Concordia University-Irvine has an acceptance rate of 66.0%, an average net price of $29,761, and an overall rank of #1227 (Grade B-). About 47.4% of students graduate within 150% of normal time, and median earnings are $71,013 five years after graduation. Data from the U.S. Department of Education and EDsmart's 2027 rankings.
Concordia University-Irvine is a private nonprofit university in Irvine, CA. Students most often pursue Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing and Biology.
Day to day, students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, and 74.8% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 55.2%, roughly 5.3 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Concordia University-Irvine Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Concordia University-Irvine graduates 47.4% of students within 150% of normal time (the completion rate used in EDsmart rankings), with an 8-year award rate of 63.0% and keeps 74.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Concordia University-Irvine's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Est. annual aid gap: $30,922 Cash cost of attendance minus average net price after aid.
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $44,500 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,050 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,980 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,540 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $60,683 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 27.2% of Concordia University-Irvine students receive Pell Grants — below the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $20,500 to $34,938 depending on family income. Use Concordia University-Irvine's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $27,209/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $34,938/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (5 Years After Graduation) $71,013
- 10-Year Median Earnings $72,184
- Average Years to Graduate 4.3 years
- Average Student Debt $21,500
- Debt-to-Earnings ~30.3%
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 68.6%
- Employment Rate 91.8%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Concordia University-Irvine graduates about 10 years after enrollment (25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile). Different horizon than median earnings five years after graduation above.
Concordia University-Irvine vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Concordia University-Irvine's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Concordia University-Irvine's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Concordia University-Irvine graduates earn $71,013 median five years after graduation, 15% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading Not reported
- SAT Math Not reported
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite Not reported
- SAT & ACTNot required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 1,536
- Full-Time Students 98.0%
- Part-Time Students 1.9%
- Retention Rate 74.8%
- Grad Rate (150% time) 47.4%
- Grad Rate (8-year) 63.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 13:1
How to Get Into Concordia University-Irvine
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Concordia University-Irvine requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 66.0%, Concordia University-Irvine is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 66.0% acceptance rate, Concordia University-Irvine is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Concordia University-Irvine undergraduates. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes draw the most students.
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 28.2%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 18.8%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 7.3%
- Psychology, General 6.2%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 5.5%
- Behavioral Sciences 4.6%
See more majors
- Communication and Media Studies 4.1%
- Biology, General 4.1%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $107,877
- 2. Biology, General $83,082
- 3. Business Administration, Management and Operations $76,146
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Behavioral Sciences $67,427
- 5. Communication and Media Studies $65,861
- 6. Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness $62,611
- 7. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $58,733
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $114,047
- 2. Educational/Instructional Media Design (Master's Degree) $104,608
- 3. Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degree) $101,962
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $90,088
- 5. Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness (Master's Degree) $76,546
- 6. International/Globalization Studies (Master's Degree) $73,558
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $107,877—84% more than Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities ($58,733). Graduate: Educational Administration and Supervision programs lead with $114,047 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
U.S. Department of Education data reports fully online programs for Concordia University-Irvine. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 88 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 82 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degree, 37 graduates)
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 32 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 27 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
U.S. Department of Education data flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (27 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness
- Psychology, General
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Behavioral Sciences
- Communication and Media Studies
- Biology, General
- History
- Music
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Design and Applied Arts
- English Language and Literature, General
- Physics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Religion/Religious Studies
- International/Globalization Studies
- Economics
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Religious Education
- Political Science and Government
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Chemistry
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Engineering, General
Online Master's Degrees (2 programs)▼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 1,536
- Full-Time Students 98.0%
- Part-Time Students 1.9%
- Male Students 39.3%
- Female Students 60.7%
- Caucasian 43.8%
- Asian 9.5%
- Hispanic 30.2%
- Black 3.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients 27.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Concordia University-Irvine's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Concordia University-Irvine's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Concordia University-Irvine support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Concordia University-Irvine, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Concordia University-Irvine has a diverse student body, with 43.8% identifying as White. Women make up 60.7% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Concordia University-Irvine support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a different rate as higher-income students, indicating varying levels of institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Concordia University-Irvine, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Concordia University-Irvine offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 55.2% ROI. Ranked #1227 overall, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $29,761 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $71,013 median earnings. With 47.4% graduating within 150% of normal time and 74.8% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Concordia University-Irvine's Positioning
With a B- grade and #1227 ranking, Concordia University-Irvine competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $29,761 annually, Concordia University-Irvine charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 74.8% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $20,833 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 55.2% ROI and $71,013 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $19,761+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Concordia University-Irvine ranks #1227 of 1955 institutions, with 1239 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 47.4% graduation rate sits 15.1 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 74.8% first-year retention is 2.0 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 55.2% return on investment is 5.3 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $71,013 run about 15% higher than national outcomes five years after graduation.
- Average net price of $29,761 is roughly $9,880 higher than the national median of $19,881.
Helpfulness for Students
- 13:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 74.8% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 91.8% employment rate within three years sits 23.6 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $29,761 is about $9,880 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 27.2% trails the national share by 11.2 points, so equity work remains important.
- 77.8% of students borrow federal loans, outpacing typical campuses and raising repayment stakes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Concordia University-Irvine—a private nonprofit university in Irvine, CA—at B- overall. It appears at #1227 in EDsmart's rankings Completion earns B-, Support B, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability C.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2027 rankings methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
74.8% of learners come back after year one while 47.4% graduate within 150% of normal time (63.0% within eight years). EDsmart calculates the ROI at 55.2%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $29,761 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $60,683.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $30,922 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $21,500 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 27.2% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Median earnings come in near $71,013 five years after graduation. That sits about 15% above the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 91.8% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near 55.2%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
66.0% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Concordia University-Irvine admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
Cite this profile
Add your access date when you publish.
APA (7th): EDsmart. (2026). Concordia University-Irvine: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings. https://www.edsmart.org/schools/concordia-university-irvine/
MLA (9th): “Concordia University-Irvine: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” EDsmart, 2026, www.edsmart.org/schools/concordia-university-irvine/.
Chicago: EDsmart. “Concordia University-Irvine: Tuition, Outcomes & Rankings.” https://www.edsmart.org/schools/concordia-university-irvine/.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Concordia University-Irvine's acceptance rate?
Concordia University-Irvine's acceptance rate is 66.0%, based on U.S. Department of Education admissions data.
How much does Concordia University-Irvine cost?
At Concordia University-Irvine, the average net price after grants and scholarships is $29,761 per year. That covers tuition, books, and living costs, which total $60,683 a year before aid. Tuition and fees alone are $44,500. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Concordia University-Irvine's ranking?
Concordia University-Irvine ranks #1227 overall in EDsmart's 2027 college rankings with an overall grade of B-, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Concordia University-Irvine's graduation rate?
At Concordia University-Irvine, the graduation rate within 150% of normal time is 47.4% (the rate used in EDsmart rankings), the federal 8-year award rate is 63.0%, and first-year retention is 74.8%.
What are Concordia University-Irvine's job outcomes?
Graduates of Concordia University-Irvine report median earnings of $71,013 five years after graduation, according to U.S. Department of Education outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Concordia University-Irvine's student population?
Concordia University-Irvine enrolls about 1,536 undergraduate students, per U.S. Department of Education enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 1530 Concordia West, Irvine, CA 92612-3203
- Website www.cui.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationWestern Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WASCSR)
- Endowment$56.5M