Concordia University Chicago
River Forest, United States • Founded 1864
Overview
Founded in 1864, the Concordia University Chicago is a non-profit private higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of River Forest (population range of 10,000-49,999 inhabitants), Illinois.
Officially accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Concordia University Chicago (CUC) is a medium-sized coeducational US higher education institution formally affiliated with the Christian-Lutheran religion. Concordia University Chicago (CUC) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and doctorate degrees in several areas of study.
This 160-year-old US higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic records and grades. The acceptance rate range is 90-99% making this US higher education organization a least selective institution.
International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.
CUC also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, housing, sports facilities, financial aids and/or scholarships, study abroad and exchange programs, online courses and distance learning opportunities, as well as administrative services.
Location & Contact
Need to get in touch with Concordia University Chicago or find your way to campus? Address, phone, email, and online links are below. These reflect what the institution publishes on its official channels.
Academic Details
Concordia University Chicago's institutional metrics — useful for sizing it against other shortlisted universities. The proportion of academic staff with doctorates correlates with research output and graduate-school admissions.
Academic Structures
The colleges, schools, and faculties that house Concordia University Chicago's degrees are below. Clinical units and teaching hospitals are often part of medical schools, with separate governance arrangements.
Unit 4 items
- College of Business
- College of Education
- College of Health, Science, and Technology
- College of Theology, Arts and Humanities
Programs Offered
Below: Concordia University Chicago's programme list by level. Programme intakes vary — some offer multiple entry points per year (Sep, Jan, May), others a single annual intake.
Bachelor's Degree
55 programmes
Concordia University Chicago delivers 55 programmes at bachelor's level, the qualifications school-leavers most commonly apply to as their first step into higher education.
Natural Resources Conservation and Research Forestry & Natural Resources
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies Social & Cultural Studies
Communication and Media Studies Communication Studies
Journalism Journalism
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Education, General Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
Middle/Near Eastern and Semitic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Linguistics & Language Studies
English Language and Literature, General English Language Studies
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities Liberal Arts
Biology, General Biological Sciences
Microbiological Sciences and Immunology Biological Sciences
Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences Biological Sciences
Mathematics Mathematics
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General Liberal Arts
Biological and Physical Sciences Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Philosophy Philosophy & Ethics
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology Religious Studies
Religious Education Religious Studies
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
Physical Sciences, General Natural Sciences
Chemistry Chemistry
Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences Earth Sciences & Geology
Psychology, General Psychology
Criminal Justice and Corrections Criminal Law & Justice
Social Work Social Work
Criminology Social & Cultural Studies
Geography and Cartography Geography
Political Science and Government Politics & International Relations
Sociology Social & Cultural Studies
Visual and Performing Arts, General Visual Arts
Design and Applied Arts Applied Design
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft Performing Arts
Fine and Studio Arts Visual Arts
Music Music
Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management Media Management
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions Biomedical & Laboratory Sciences
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs Health Sciences
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions Rehabilitation Sciences
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing Nursing
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Business/Corporate Communications Business Administration
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Entrepreneurship
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Management Information Systems and Services IT Management
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
History History
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Master's Degree
28 programmes
Explore 28 programmes of postgraduate study at Concordia University Chicago. A master's degree sharpens specialist knowledge and often carries a dissertation or major project.
Computer and Information Sciences, General Computer Sciences
Education, General Education & Teaching
Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Education & Teaching
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Education, Other Education & Teaching
Gerontology Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Religion/Religious Studies Philosophy & Ethics
Religious Education Religious Studies
Religious Music and Worship Religious Studies
Psychology, General Psychology
Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Clinical Psychology
Human Services, General Public Administration
Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other Public Administration
Music Music
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Accounting and Related Services Accounting
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Entrepreneurship
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Marketing Advertising & Digital Marketing
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Doctorate
8 programmes
Browse 8 programmes of research-degree study at Concordia University Chicago. Each culminates in a thesis defended before examiners as an original scholarly contribution.
Curriculum and Instruction Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Gerontology Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other Business Administration
No programmes match your filter in this level.
Associate, Certificate & Other Qualifications
19 programmes
Beyond the main degree tiers, Concordia University Chicago runs 19 programmes as certificates, diplomas, and associate or foundation programmes — useful for upskilling or as a pathway to bachelor's entry.
Education, General Education & Teaching
Educational Administration and Supervision Educational Leadership
Educational/Instructional Media Design Education & Teaching
Special Education and Teaching Special Education
Student Counseling and Personnel Services Education & Teaching
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas Education & Teaching
Teaching English or French as a Second or Foreign Language Education & Teaching
Education, Other Education & Teaching
Gerontology Liberal Arts
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness Sport and Exercise Science
Theological and Ministerial Studies Religious Studies
Criminology Social & Cultural Studies
Criminology Social & Cultural Studies
Health and Medical Administrative Services Healthcare Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Business Administration, Management and Operations Business Administration
Finance and Financial Management Services Finance, Banking & Insurance
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
Human Resources Management and Services Human Resource Management
No programmes match your filter in this level.
How to apply to Concordia University Chicago
A short guide to applying to Concordia University Chicago — five steps covering the path from programme selection to confirmation of receipt.
- 1 Browse the programme catalogue
Begin by reviewing the programmes section above. Concordia University Chicago offers 110 programmes grouped by qualification level. Decide on a target tier (bachelor's, master's, or doctoral) before narrowing by subject.
- 2 Check eligibility for your chosen programme
Each programme at Concordia University Chicago has its own entry requirements — academic minimums, language proficiency, supporting documents, and sometimes interviews or portfolios. Check the programme-specific page or contact admissions to confirm eligibility.
- 3 Get your documents ready
Most applications require certified academic records, identification documents, language test certificates (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent for English-medium programmes), CV/résumé, and a statement of purpose. Allow extra time for document authentication.
- 4 Apply through the official channel
Apply directly via Concordia University Chicago's online portal at www.cuchicago.edu. Complete the application form, upload supporting documents, and pay any application fee. Confirmation emails typically arrive within a few business days.
- 5 Reach out and track your application
After submitting, confirm receipt with the admissions office and track your application status through the portal. Reach the institution by phone at +1 (708) 771 8300. Set reminders for any interview requests, additional document submissions, or admission decision deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions about Concordia University Chicago
A short Q&A covering Concordia University Chicago's essentials — founding, location, scale, ranking, and academic structure.
In what year was Concordia University Chicago established?
Concordia University Chicago was founded in 1864 (approximately 162 years ago).
What city is Concordia University Chicago in?
Concordia University Chicago operates from River Forest, United States.
What is Concordia University Chicago's control type?
Concordia University Chicago operates as a private institution.
How big is Concordia University Chicago's student body?
Concordia University Chicago serves approximately 6,000-6,999 students.
Does Concordia University Chicago have a religious affiliation?
Concordia University Chicago operates within the Christian-Lutheran tradition.
What is Concordia University Chicago's academic structure?
Concordia University Chicago has 4 academic units.
Is Concordia University Chicago accredited?
Yes, Concordia University Chicago is recognised by Higher Learning Commission.
How do I find Concordia University Chicago online?
You can find Concordia University Chicago online at www.cuchicago.edu.
Top-Ranked Universities in the United States
Top the United States universities often run international branch campuses. Concordia University Chicago's international footprint compared to this benchmark signals global engagement scale.
Other American Universities Affiliated with Christian-Lutheran
Religious heritage and campus architecture at Christian-Lutheran universities reflect institutional history. The peers below often share comparable physical traditions alongside academic ones.
Faculties at Nearby Universities
Nearby institutions to Concordia University Chicago often share sports, residence, and student-life facilities through regional consortia. The shared infrastructure can shape your day-to-day experience meaningfully.
Where Else to Study Education & Teaching
Programme-led research opportunities for Education & Teaching students differ. Research-active programmes give undergraduates access to active labs; teaching-only programmes do not.
Universities Often Compared with Concordia University Chicago
Comparable institutions to Concordia University Chicago — by academic scale and standing — are gathered below. Same-tier shortlists give you flexibility on admissions outcomes without compromising on institutional level.
