Concordia University-Saint Paul
Concordia University-Saint Paul is a private nonprofit university in Saint Paul, MN ranked #1176 nationally by EDsmart, earning an overall grade of B-, enrolling about 3,018 undergraduates, and with an acceptance rate near 78.9%. Students most often pursue Theological and Ministerial Studies and Business Administration, Management and Operations.
Academically, students benefit from a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, 67.4% first-year retention, and 45.9% six-year graduation. Peer cohorts and advising networks provide scaffolding that keeps newcomers anchored during demanding semesters.
Families typically invest $18,462, about $1,464 more than the national median. EDsmart calculates return on investment at -31.4%, roughly 116.7 points below typical outcomes. Six years after enrolling, alumni report median earnings of $50,646. That's about $6,958 higher than national results. It's a compelling fit for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Concordia University-Saint Paul has an acceptance rate of 78.9%, annual tuition of $25,600, average net price of $18,462, and a national rank of #1176 (Grade B-), with a 45.9% six-year graduation rate, about 3,018 undergraduates, and median earnings of $50,646 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Who is Concordia University-Saint Paul 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-Saint Paul graduates 45.9% of students within six years and keeps 67.4% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Concordia University-Saint Paul'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 | $25,600 |
| Books and Supplies | $3,000 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $13,932 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $3,000 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $37,239 |
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 35.2% of Concordia University-Saint Paul students receive Pell Grants — in line with 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 $16,406 to $23,295 depending on family income. Use Concordia University-Saint Paul's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $19,135/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $23,295/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $50,646
- 10-Year Median Earnings $50,646
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $12,166
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 61.1%
- Employment Rate 91.7%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Concordia University-Saint Paul 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-Saint Paul vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Concordia University-Saint Paul's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Concordia University-Saint Paul's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Concordia University-Saint Paul graduates earn $50,646 median, the -31.4% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
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 3,018
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 67.4%
- Graduation Rate 45.9%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 16:1
How to Get Into Concordia University-Saint Paul
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Concordia University-Saint Paul 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 78.9%, Concordia University-Saint Paul 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 78.9% acceptance rate, Concordia University-Saint Paul 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-Saint Paul undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes, and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 16.6%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 12.5%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 8.6%
- Psychology, General 7.4%
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Ser 6.9%
- Health and Medical Administrative Services 4.4%
See more majors
- Human Resources Management and Services 4.0%
- Marketing 4.0%
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. Theological and Ministerial Studies $81,096
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations $74,551
- 3. Health and Medical Administrative Services $73,697
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $73,235
- 5. Computer Science $72,875
- 6. Criminal Justice and Corrections $69,579
- 7. Biology, General $67,827
- 8. Human Resources Management and Services $66,062
- 9. Accounting and Related Services $61,964
- 10. Marketing $61,078
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Educational Administration and Supervision (First Professional Degree) $106,628
- 2. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $104,089
- 3. Criminal Justice and Corrections (Master's Degree) $90,584
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Human Resources Management and Services (Master's Degree) $81,217
- 5. Special Education and Teaching (Graduate/Professional Certificate) $75,327
- 6. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Doctoral Degree) $71,914
- 7. Education, Other (Master's Degree) $71,810
- 8. Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Master's Degree) $61,314
- 9. Special Education and Teaching (Master's Degree) $59,263
- 10. Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Master's Degree) $58,682
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Theological and Ministerial Studies grads earn $81,096—33% more than Marketing ($61,078). Graduate: Educational Administration and Supervision programs lead with $106,628 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-Saint Paul. 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
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degree, 29 graduates)
- Biology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 27 graduates)
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degree, 24 graduates)
- Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degree, 24 graduates)
- Public Health (Bachelor's Degree, 17 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 (24 programs)â–¼
- Biology, General
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Public Health
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Communication and Media Studies
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Mathematics
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- English Language and Literature, General
- Design and Applied Arts
- Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions
- Chemistry
- Music
- Sociology
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- History
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language
- Religious/Sacred Music
- International Business
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Public Policy Analysis
Online Master's Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
Online First Professional Degrees (1 program)â–¼
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 3,018
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 32.5%
- Female Students 67.5%
- Caucasian 45.8%
- Asian 12.1%
- Hispanic 11.7%
- Black 21.8%
- Pell Grant Recipients 35.2%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Concordia University-Saint Paul's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Concordia University-Saint Paul's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Concordia University-Saint Paul 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-Saint Paul, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Concordia University-Saint Paul has a diverse student body, with 45.8% identifying as White. Women make up 67.5% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Concordia University-Saint Paul 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-Saint Paul, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Concordia University-Saint Paul offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -31.4% ROI. Ranked #1176 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $18,462 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $50,646 median earnings. With 45.9% graduating within six years and 67.4% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Concordia University-Saint Paul's Positioning
With a B- grade and #1176 ranking, Concordia University-Saint Paul competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $18,462 annually, Concordia University-Saint Paul charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 67.4% 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 $12,923 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -31.4% ROI and $50,646 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $8,462+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Concordia University-Saint Paul ranks #1176 of 6101 institutions, with 546 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
- 45.9% six-year graduation rate sits 16.6 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 67.4% first-year retention is 9.4 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- -31.4% return on investment is 116.7 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $50,646 run about 16% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $18,462 is roughly $1,065 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 16:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 67.4% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 91.7% employment rate within three years sits 23.5 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $18,462 is about $1,065 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 35.2% trails the national share by 3.9 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University-Saint Paul operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a B- from EDsmart. It appears at #1176 in EDsmart's national list Category results include Completion (C+), Support (C+), Career Outcomes (B+), and Affordability (B).
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.
Student momentum is strong: 67.4% retention and 45.9% six-year graduation. Return on investment currently measures -31.4% for this program.
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 $18,462 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $37,239.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $18,777 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $12,166 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 35.2% 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
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $50,646 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 16% higher.
Employment outcomes report about 91.7% of alumni working within three years.
Plan around an ROI of about -31.4% according to the Scorecard data.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
78.9% 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-Saint Paul 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-Saint Paul's acceptance rate?
Concordia University-Saint Paul's acceptance rate is 78.9%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Concordia University-Saint Paul cost?
At Concordia University-Saint Paul, listed tuition and fees are $25,600 per year, and the average net price after aid is $18,462. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Concordia University-Saint Paul's ranking?
Concordia University-Saint Paul ranks #1176 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-Saint Paul's graduation rate?
At Concordia University-Saint Paul, the six-year graduation rate is 45.9%, and first-year retention is 67.4%.
What are Concordia University-Saint Paul's job outcomes?
Graduates of Concordia University-Saint Paul report median earnings of $50,646 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Concordia University-Saint Paul's student population?
Concordia University-Saint Paul enrolls about 3,018 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Saint Paul, MN 55104-5494
- Website www.csp.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$45.7M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate34.4%