Private nonprofit Institution

Concordia University-Chicago — River Forest, Illinois

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Annual Tuition $36,258

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 93.4%

Open Admission

Enrollment 1,337

Active Students

Avg. Salary $54,089

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location River Forest, Illinois
Institution type Private nonprofit
Accreditation Higher Learning Commission
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Concordia University-Chicago stands as a pillar of higher education in River Forest, providing a robust academic foundation for 1,337 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Concordia University-Chicago offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Concordia University-Chicago. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Parks & Recreation
25.3%

Enrollment Share

Business & Marketing
15.8%

Enrollment Share

Education
15.5%

Enrollment Share

Psychology
9.2%

Enrollment Share

Health Professions
7.1%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences
6.3%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Parks & Recreation College

The Parks & Recreation program at Concordia University-Chicago provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited
Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Education College

We develop educators who are passionate about transforming classrooms...

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Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

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Institutional Choice

Best Health Professions College

Ranked as a top destination for healthcare education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at Concordia University-Chicago provides a comprehensive education...

Strategic Profile Audited

What is the acceptance rate at Concordia University-Chicago?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 93.4%
Difficulty Low

Concordia University-Chicago maintains an acceptance rate of 93.4%, reflecting its status as a open admission institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are neither required nor recommended.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 47.8%
Women Enrollment 52.2%

Open Pathway Confirmed

Concordia University-Chicago follows an open admission policy. Standardized test scores (SAT/ACT) are typically not part of the mandatory evaluation process, ensuring broader access to academic programs.

Start Your Journey Today

Unlock access to Concordia University-Chicago's high-demand programs without the stress of standardized testing benchmarks.

Official Admission Portal

How much does Concordia University-Chicago cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $36,258
Out-of-State Tuition $36,258

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 44.6%
Median Student Debt $23,000

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $36,258, graduates see a median starting salary of $54,089, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Illinois.

What salary can Concordia University-Chicago graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $54,089

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 47.4%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $16,774
Median Salary (6yr) $44,405
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Concordia University-Chicago in River Forest?

1,337 Students

Gender Comparison

47.8% Men
52.2% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

62.6%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.5%
Pacific Islander
0.3%
Asian
2.2%
Black
12.9%
White
42.4%
Unknown
1.6%
Hispanic
34.3%
Two or More Races
5.1%
International
0.8%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 22
🎓
First-Generation 38.5%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 56.9%
💍
Married Students 5.4%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $68,556
Average Family Income $61,554
Median Family Income $46,286

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

41.6%
58.4%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the River Forest Campus Environment

Located at 7400 Augusta, Concordia University-Chicago offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Illinois. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps
⚖️

How does Concordia University-Chicago compare?

Direct Comparison Concordia University-Chicago vs Dominican University →

Common Questions about Concordia University-Chicago

Is Concordia University-Chicago a good college in River Forest, Illinois?
Concordia University-Chicago is a recognized institution in River Forest with an enrollment of 1,337 students. It is accredited by Higher Learning Commission and offers a robust ROI for students in Illinois based on Department of Education data.
Is Concordia University-Chicago worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Concordia University-Chicago offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $54,089. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Concordia University-Chicago cost for Illinois residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Concordia University-Chicago is approximately $36,258. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $36,258. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Concordia University-Chicago after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Concordia University-Chicago for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 56.9% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Concordia University-Chicago good for Parks & Recreation and Business & Marketing programs?
Concordia University-Chicago is highly regarded for its Parks & Recreation and Business & Marketing programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Concordia University-Chicago?
Graduates of Concordia University-Chicago often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Parks & Recreation. With a median salary of $54,089, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Concordia University-Chicago?
Concordia University-Chicago operates with a Open Admission policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Concordia University-Chicago require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Concordia University-Chicago follows a open admission policy for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Concordia University-Chicago graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Concordia University-Chicago earn a median salary of $54,089 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Concordia University-Chicago a good investment compared to other IL colleges?
Concordia University-Chicago stands out as a high-value investment in Illinois. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Concordia University-Chicago located and what is the campus like?
Concordia University-Chicago is located at 7400 Augusta in River Forest, IL. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 1,337 learners.
Who typically attends Concordia University-Chicago in River Forest, IL?
The student body at Concordia University-Chicago is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 38.5% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: Illinois

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Concordia University-Chicago with other leading institutions in Illinois across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

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