Concordia University-Irvine logo

Concordia University-Irvine

Irvine, CA Private ยท Urban www.cui.edu
Accept Rate
59.86%
Grad Rate
62.8%
Enrollment
1,456
Avg SAT
1145
Tuition
$41,390
Median Salary
$65,083
Overall Grade
C
C+
Academics
C
Value
C
Admissions
A
Diversity
C+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

Concordia University-Irvine feels like a tight-knit, faith-centered community where students are not just numbers but known individuals. The campus buzzes with a supportive, intimate atmosphere that encourages both personal growth and spiritual development. It's a place where collaboration is the norm and you'll quickly feel a sense of belonging.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

59.86%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

SAT data not available

Average: 1145

ACT Score Range

ACT data not available

Average: 25

Admissions Tips

Highlight your alignment with Concordia's mission in your application essay, showcasing how your values fit their faith-based community. Since the acceptance rate is 59.86%, aim for a GPA above their average and take challenging courses to stand out. Strong letters of recommendation from teachers who can speak to your character and leadership will also strengthen your candidacy.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1145
40080012001600

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

Academic life is anchored in a strong liberal arts core with particular strengths in health professions, business, and psychology, taught by accessible, student-focused faculty. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and mentorship, fostering deep discussion rather than large lectures. Research and hands-on projects are encouraged, often integrated with faith-based inquiry and community service.

Popular Majors

Health Professions
27%
Business & Marketing
25.3%
Psychology
7.2%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
6.8%
Visual & Performing Arts
5.7%
Multidisciplinary Studies
4.5%
Biology & Biomedical
4%
Communications
3.8%
History
2.8%
Computer Science
1.9%
Theology
1.9%
Mathematics & Statistics
1.5%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

62.8%
Graduation Rate
75.6%
Retention Rate
1,456
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$41,390
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$28,046
After financial aid
Total Cost
$56,500
Cost of attendance/year
22.9%
Receive Pell Grants
50.9%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Irvine

Irvine offers a clean, planned urban environment with abundant parks, biking trails, and easy access to Southern California beaches about 15 minutes away. Students enjoy diverse dining, shopping at nearby Spectrum and Irvine Spectrum Center, and outdoor activities in the mild climate. The city's central location also makes weekend trips to Los Angeles or San Diego very feasible.

Local Rent Check

$2,344 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Irvine
Explore Irvine

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$165,560
$0Est. 4 Years: $165,560

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($65,083):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The campus is considered very safe with its own campus safety department and well-lit pathways. The surrounding Irvine area is one of the safest cities in the nation, consistently ranking low for crime rates, providing peace of mind for students and families.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Strong, supportive community with small class sizes and personalized faculty attention.
  • โœ“ Prime location in safe, affluent Irvine with access to major job markets and Southern California lifestyle.
  • โœ“ Solid academic programs in high-growth fields like health professions and business.

Cons

  • โœ— Private tuition is high, and the graduation rate of 62.8% suggests some students may struggle to complete their degree.
  • โœ— Campus is relatively small with limited big-school resources or extensive research facilities.
  • โœ— The faith-based environment may not suit every student's personal beliefs or preferences.

Notable Alumni

John Smith (fictional placeholder)
Renowned healthcare executive who founded a leading medical tech startup focused on innovative patient care solutions.
Jane Doe (fictional placeholder)
Acclaimed artist and educator whose work has been featured in major galleries and who advocates for arts education.
Robert Johnson (fictional placeholder)
Former professional athlete turned sports psychologist, helping elite athletes with mental performance and well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Concordia University-Irvine is known for its faith-based education rooted in the Lutheran tradition, offering a strong liberal arts curriculum with standout programs in health professions, business, and psychology. The university emphasizes holistic student development, combining academic rigor with spiritual growth and community service. Its small class sizes and dedicated faculty create a nurturing environment that prepares students for impactful careers and leadership.

With an acceptance rate of 59.86%, Concordia University-Irvine is moderately selective, admitting just over half of its applicants. While not extremely competitive, strong academic credentials like a solid GPA, rigorous coursework, and meaningful extracurriculars can improve your chances. The university values applicants who demonstrate alignment with its mission and community values, so a thoughtful application is key.

Campus life is intimate and community-focused, with a small enrollment of 1,456 students fostering close relationships. Students engage in a variety of clubs, athletics, and chapel services, blending social, spiritual, and academic activities. The Irvine location adds a vibrant backdrop with easy access to beaches, entertainment, and internship opportunities, making weekends and downtime enjoyable.

The investment can be worthwhile given the ROI: a net price of $28,046 and median earnings of $65,083 after 10 years indicate solid returns, particularly in fields like health and business. The 62.8% graduation rate and supportive environment help students complete degrees and launch careers. However, it's essential to maximize financial aid and scholarships to ensure the cost aligns with your personal financial situation.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Kaiser Permanente Hoag Hospital Google Deloitte Irvine Unified School District
Smart Start Score
67

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Private
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 1,956
  • In-State Tuition $41,390
  • Zip Code 92612

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 41.1% โ™€ 58.9%

The Money Talk

With a net price of $28,046 after aid, the cost is significantly lower than the sticker price, making it more accessible for many families. The 10-year median earnings of $65,083 for graduates suggest a solid return on investment, especially for high-demand fields like health professions and business. However, students should actively pursue scholarships and grants to minimize debt, as the private tuition is substantial.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $41,390
Housing (12 mo) $28,128
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $76,718
With avg financial aid:
$28,046/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.