Concordia University-Irvine
Concordia University-Irvine has an acceptance rate of 66.0%, annual tuition of $43,480, average net price of $28,115, and a national rank of #795 (Grade B), with a 64.5% graduation rate, about 1,536 undergraduates, and median earnings of $83,064 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 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 Business Administration, Management and Operations.
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 68.9%, roughly 19.0 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 64.5% of students within eight years of entry and keeps 74.8% of first-year students. Affordability earns a D 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
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 | $43,480 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,270 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $4,590 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $58,682 |
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 24.2% 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 $25,431 to $31,967 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 $26,339/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $31,967/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $83,064
- 10-Year Median Earnings $65,083
- Average Years to Graduate 4.3 years
- Average Student Debt $24,247
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 68.6%
- Employment Rate 88.9%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Concordia University-Irvine graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
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 $83,064 median four years after graduation, +38% 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%
- Graduation Rate 64.5%
- 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 21.4%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 17.8%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 10.0%
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Hum 8.6%
- Communication and Media Studies 6.3%
- Psychology, General 4.9%
See more majors
- Biology, General 4.5%
- History 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 $109,911
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $69,220
- 3. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $66,496
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Biology, General $62,730
- 5. Behavioral Sciences $61,744
- 6. Communication and Media Studies $61,593
- 7. Psychology, General $47,966
- 8. Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities $47,713
- 9. History $42,288
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degree) $114,673
- 2. Educational Administration and Supervision (Master's Degree) $107,036
- 3. Educational/Instructional Media Design (Master's Degree) $106,357
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Curriculum and Instruction (Master's Degree) $101,506
- 5. Student Counseling and Personnel Services (Master's Degree) $99,962
- 6. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $98,124
- 7. Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Master's Degree) $72,096
- 8. International/Global Studies (Master's Degree) $50,061
- 9. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $42,331
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing grads earn $109,911—160% more than History ($42,288). Graduate: Educational Administration and Supervision programs lead with $114,673 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard 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 – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 105 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 90 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 49 graduates)
- Communication and Media Studies (Bachelor's Degree, 31 graduates)
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 24 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard 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 (23 programs)â–¼
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Communication and Media Studies
- Psychology, General
- Biology, General
- History
- Behavioral Sciences
- English Language and Literature, General
- Music
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Design and Applied Arts
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Mathematics
- Chemistry
- Economics
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- International/Global Studies
- Religious Education
- Physics
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Political Science and Government
- Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Online Master's Degrees (2 programs)â–¼
- 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 24.2%
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. About 24.2% receive Pell Grants, below the national average of 38%, suggesting a wealthier student body or generous institutional aid.
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 68.9% ROI. Ranked #795 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $28,115 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $83,064 median earnings. With 64.5% earning an award within eight years of entry 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 #795 ranking, Concordia University-Irvine competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $28,115 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 $19,680 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 68.9% ROI and $83,064 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $18,115+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Concordia University-Irvine ranks #795 of 1962 institutions, with 800 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
- 64.5% graduation rate sits 2.0 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 74.8% first-year retention is 2.0 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 68.9% return on investment is 19.0 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $83,064 run about 38% higher than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $28,115 is roughly $8,036 higher than the national median of $20,079.
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.
- 88.9% employment rate within three years sits 20.7 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $28,115 is about $8,036 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 24.2% trails the national share by 10.2 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
EDsmart rates Concordia University-Irvine—a private nonprofit university in Irvine, CA—at B overall. It appears at #795 in EDsmart's national list Completion earns C, Support B+, Career Outcomes B, and Affordability D.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 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 64.5% earn an award within eight years of entry. EDsmart calculates the ROI at 68.9%, 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 $28,115 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $58,682.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $30,567 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $24,247 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 24.2% 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 $83,064 four years after graduation. That sits about 38% above the national median.
Employment outcomes report about 88.9% of alumni working within three years.
The ROI comes in near 68.9%, 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
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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 College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Concordia University-Irvine cost?
At Concordia University-Irvine, listed tuition and fees are $43,480 per year, and the average net price after aid is $28,115. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Concordia University-Irvine's ranking?
Concordia University-Irvine ranks #795 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 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 is 64.5%, and first-year retention is 74.8%.
What are Concordia University-Irvine's job outcomes?
Graduates of Concordia University-Irvine report median earnings of $83,064 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Concordia University-Irvine's student population?
Concordia University-Irvine enrolls about 1,536 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address 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