Concordia University-Wisconsin
2024 USNews Best Colleges Ranking: 304(↑13) (Click for schools/majors ranking)
Abbreviation/Alias: CUW
School Characteristics: Private, non-Profit (4-Years)
Calendar systerm: Semester
Religious Affiliation: Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod
School Chief: Erik Ankerberg (President)
Website: https://www.cuw.edu/; Phone: 2622435700
Location: 12800 N Lake Shore Dr, Mequon, WI, 53097-2402
Concordia University-Wisconsin Important Facts
Observations on Tuition, Enrollment, and Graduation Rates at Concordia University Wisconsin
Concordia University Wisconsin, a private institution, has experienced a significant increase in tuition over the years. The tuition for in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students rose from $25,160 in 2014 to $34,250 in 2024, marking a substantial increase of approximately 36% over the ten-year period. This consistent rise in tuition reflects a broader trend in higher education, where institutions are increasingly facing financial pressures that lead to higher costs for students. The increase in tuition is coupled with rising room and board fees, which have also escalated from around $9,410 in 2014 to approximately $12,700 by 2024.
Enrollment numbers, however, tell a different story. The university has seen a decline in both undergraduate and graduate student populations. From a peak of 4,419 undergraduate students in 2013, the numbers dwindled to 2,817 by 2023. Similarly, graduate enrollment dropped from 3,332 to 2,171 in the same timeframe. This decline in student numbers raises concerns about the university’s attractiveness and competitiveness in the current educational landscape, especially given the rising costs of attendance.
In terms of graduation rates, there is a notable improvement in the on-time graduation rate, which increased from about 39.9% in 2013 to 48.9% in 2023. This upward trend suggests that once students enroll, they are more likely to complete their degrees in a timely manner, which is a positive indicator of the university's academic support and student engagement strategies.
Furthermore, retention rates have remained relatively stable, hovering around the 77-81% mark in recent years. This suggests that while enrollment may be declining, the students who do choose to attend Concordia University Wisconsin tend to stay, indicating satisfaction with their educational experience.
In summary, while tuition continues to rise, potentially pricing out some prospective students, the university has made strides in improving graduation rates and maintaining retention. However, the decline in enrollment needs to be addressed for the institution's long-term sustainability and success.
Concordia University-Wisconsin Degrees and Majors
Analysis of Graduation Data at Concordia University Wisconsin
The graduation data from Concordia University Wisconsin for 2023 reveals significant trends, particularly in the fields of healthcare and business. Notably, the Registered Nursing program stands out with 86 graduates, which highlights the ongoing demand for skilled nursing professionals. This aligns with the current healthcare landscape, where there is a critical need for nurses, especially in light of the recent pandemic that has emphasized the importance of healthcare workers.
In the realm of advanced degrees, the Master's programs in Family Practice Nursing and Organizational Leadership also show a considerable number of graduates, with 55 and 28 respectively. This suggests a growing interest among students to pursue higher education in specialized nursing fields and leadership roles, which are essential for improving healthcare outcomes and organizational effectiveness.
Interestingly, the data indicates a lack of undergraduate international students graduating in these programs. This could reflect broader trends in international education, where students may be facing challenges in obtaining visas or may prefer other institutions that offer more favorable conditions for international students.
Moreover, the absence of graduates in other areas such as Environmental Education and Music Therapy highlights potential gaps in interest or program awareness among students. Educational institutions may need to evaluate their marketing strategies and program offerings to attract students to these fields.
Overall, the graduation trends at Concordia University Wisconsin mirror larger societal needs and suggest areas for potential growth and focus, particularly in healthcare and leadership education. This analysis underscores the importance of aligning academic programs with workforce demands to better prepare graduates for their future careers.
Concordia University-Wisconsin Ranking and Admission
The data on Concordia University Wisconsin from 2009 to 2023 highlights some interesting trends in admission rates, enrollment numbers, and deferred admissions. Notably, the university's ranking in the US News Best Colleges has fluctuated over the years, with the most recent rank being 317 in 2023. This is an improvement from its rank of 381 in 2020, suggesting a positive trend in the institution’s academic recognition. From an admissions perspective, the acceptance rate for both male and female applicants shows some variability. Male admission rates started at approximately 62.4% in 2009 and saw a peak of 70.1% in 2015. Female admission rates have generally been higher, peaking at around 79.3% in 2015. The higher acceptance rate for females may point to a more inclusive approach or possibly a larger pool of female applicants. Enrollment numbers have also experienced fluctuations, peaking at 1121 students in 2012. Interestingly, the number of students deferring admission has significantly increased over the years, rising from 1007 in 2009 to over 2000 in recent years. This could be attributed to various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which led many students to delay their college start dates. The number of denied applications has also risen, from 866 in 2009 to a high of 1353 in 2020, indicating increasing competition or higher admission standards. Overall, the data suggests that while Concordia University Wisconsin has seen fluctuations in its rankings and student demographics, it continues to maintain a strong and evolving academic presence.
Concordia University-Wisconsin Admission Score Requires
*Numbers at left represent SAT/ACT submitting percentage, numbers on blue blocks represent 25%-75% admission scores
**Drag green block to check data for different years, click blue block to check scores trends
Analysis of Concordia University Wisconsin's Admission Test Scores
The provided data highlights a prominent and telling trend about the admission test scores at Concordia University Wisconsin over the years. From 2007 to 2011, the ACT was the dominant standardized test, with all admitted students submitting their ACT scores. This 100% submission rate indicates a heavy reliance on ACT scores for admissions during that period.
Starting in 2012, there is a notable shift. The data show that a small proportion of students began submitting SAT scores, with just 4% for both 2012 and 2013, increasing slightly to 9% by 2016. This change suggests a gradual acceptance and perhaps an encouragement for the submission of SAT scores alongside ACT scores. The numbers remain consistent from 2017 to 2023, with 9% of students submitting SAT scores each year.
Looking at the SAT score ranges for the years when data is available, we see some variability. For instance, the SAT Reading scores in 2012 ranged from 420 to 560, while in 2015, they ranged from 470 to 590, showing a noticeable increase. This suggests that the university might have raised its admission standards or that the pool of applicants has become more competitive over time.
The consistency in the SAT score range from 2016 to 2023, with scores spanning from 445 to 568, implies a stabilization in the university's expectations or the academic caliber of incoming students. However, the ACT scores data is missing detailed breakdowns for most years, limiting a comprehensive comparison between the two tests.
This trend reflects broader national changes in college admissions where many institutions have increasingly accepted or even preferred SAT scores. Additionally, the ongoing debate about the relevance and equity of standardized testing in college admissions might have influenced these shifts. Such trends are important for prospective students to consider, as they reflect evolving standards and expectations in higher education admissions.
Concordia University-Wisconsin Students Diversity
The 2023 student composition data for Concordia University Wisconsin presents a multifaceted view of the university's demographic landscape. Among the 421 new undergraduate students, the gender distribution is relatively balanced, with 43.5% male and 56.5% female students. This trend of a higher proportion of female students is consistent across the board, with 63.9% of undergraduate returning students and 66.7% of undergraduate transfer students being female. The graduate student population shows an even more pronounced gender disparity, with 72.5% female students and only 27.5% male students.
Delving into the ethnic breakdown, the data highlights the university's predominantly white student body. For instance, among the new undergraduates, a significant 320 students identify as white, followed by smaller groups of Asian, Latin, Pacific Islander, and African American students. Interestingly, a notable number of international students are also present, contributing to the university's cultural diversity.
This demographic snapshot reflects broader trends in higher education, where women increasingly outnumber men, especially at the graduate level. The diversity in ethnic representation, while still skewed towards white students, showcases the university's efforts to attract a varied student body. As educational institutions nationwide strive for inclusivity, Concordia University Wisconsin's demographic data serves as a benchmark for understanding and addressing the evolving needs of its student population.
Concordia University-Wisconsin Students Age Distribution
Concordia University Wisconsin's student age demographics for 2023 reveal a diverse and intriguing distribution that provides insights into the university's enrollment trends and academic focus. Predominantly, the undergraduate population is concentrated in the younger age groups, particularly between 18 and 21 years old. Males and females in the 18-19 age group total 384 and 510 respectively, making this the largest undergraduate demographic segment. This is consistent with typical undergraduate enrollment trends where students transition directly from high school to university.
As the age increases, there's a noticeable shift toward graduate studies. For instance, in the 22-24 age group, the number of male and female graduate students starts to rise, with 109 males and 304 females. This trend continues in the 25-29 age group, where the graduate student population significantly increases, reflecting the common age range for individuals pursuing advanced degrees after gaining some professional experience or completing undergraduate studies.
Interestingly, the data shows a higher number of female students across most age groups, especially in the graduate categories. For example, in the 25-29 age group, there are 402 female graduate students compared to 150 males. This trend could be indicative of a growing number of women seeking advanced education and career advancement opportunities.
In the older age categories (30-34, 35-39, 40-49), there remains a steady number of students, which could reflect the university's appeal to adult learners and professionals seeking continuous education or career shifts. The presence of students in the 50-64 and even 65+ categories, though smaller, highlights the university’s inclusivity and the lifelong learning ethos.
Overall, Concordia University Wisconsin appears to attract a broad spectrum of students, with a strong emphasis on supporting both undergraduate and graduate studies. The higher female enrollment in graduate programs may suggest effective recruitment and retention strategies aimed at empowering women in higher education. This demographic distribution provides a robust foundation for academic diversity and a rich learning environment.
Concordia University-Wisconsin International Students Trends
Concordia University Wisconsin has experienced significant fluctuations in the number of international students over the past two decades. From 2004 to 2023, the percentage of international undergraduate students has generally increased, reaching a peak of 7.5% in 2019. However, there have been notable declines in certain years, such as 2020 and 2021, likely influenced by the global COVID-19 pandemic which disrupted international travel and education.
The graduate student population shows a more consistent and increasing trend in the percentage of international students. Starting from a modest 5.08% in 2004, the percentage rose to an impressive 15.03% in 2019, demonstrating a growing appeal of the university's graduate programs to international students. Despite a slight dip in 2020-2022, the numbers rebounded to 14.65% in 2023, suggesting a recovery from the pandemic's impact.
These trends reflect broader global patterns in higher education, where universities are increasingly competing for international students to diversify their campuses and enhance their global profiles. The data also highlight the importance of adaptability and resilience in higher education institutions, particularly in response to global crises. Concordia University Wisconsin's ability to attract a higher percentage of international students, especially in its graduate programs, underscores its commitment to providing a welcoming and supportive environment for students from around the globe.
Concordia University-Wisconsin Campus and Safety
Nearby Top Colleges
Here are some notable schools surrounding Concordia University Wisconsin:
Marquette University (Ranked 86): A comprehensive university located in Milwaukee, known for its strong programs in business, law, and health sciences.
University of Wisconsin-Madison (Ranked 35): A prestigious public research university recognized for its academic excellence and vibrant campus life.
Northwestern University (Ranked 9): One of the top private research universities in the nation, located in Evanston, Illinois, offering exceptional programs across various disciplines.
University of Chicago (Ranked 12): Renowned for its rigorous scholarship and diverse academic offerings, it is a leading institution in economics, law, and the humanities.
Loyola University Chicago (Ranked 142): A private Jesuit university in Chicago that emphasizes social justice and community service, offering a range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
University of Notre Dame (Ranked 20): A prestigious Catholic research university located in Notre Dame, Indiana, known for its strong emphasis on the liberal arts and sciences.
These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and contribute to the vibrant academic landscape in the region.
Campus Safety
Concordia University Wisconsin's crime and disciplinary data over the years show fluctuations that highlight certain trends and areas for concern. The average crime rate per 1000 students ranged from a low of 3.15 in 2014 to a high of 8.70 in 2017. The data indicates that 2017 was an outlier with a sharp increase in crime, which might have been influenced by specific incidents or broader societal factors at the time. Notably, the year 2022 also saw a high average rate of 8.38, suggesting recurring challenges in maintaining campus safety.
When examining the detailed subcategories, it is essential to focus on the types of incidents reported. Categories such as holding firearms, drug and alcohol-related arrests and disciplinary actions, and severe crimes like rape, assault, and robbery provide a comprehensive view of the campus safety environment. For example, the presence of firearm-related incidents, whether they led to arrests or disciplinary actions, poses significant safety concerns.
The data from 2020 shows a higher-than-average crime rate of 7.34, which coincides with the COVID-19 pandemic. This period saw increased stress and mental health challenges, which could have contributed to higher crime rates on campus. Conversely, the lower rates in 2014 (3.15) and 2015 (3.68) suggest effective crime prevention and safety measures during those years.
These statistics underscore the importance of continuous monitoring and improvement of campus safety protocols. Universities must address the root causes of these incidents, including substance abuse, mental health issues, and the presence of firearms, to create a safer environment for students and staff. The rising concern for campus safety aligns with national discussions on student welfare and the need for robust support systems.
For reference on crime rate calculation methods, visit: Forward Pathway Crime Rate Calculation.
Reference
- Concordia University-Wisconsin Official Website
- USNews Best Colleges Ranking
- USNews Bset Global Universities Ranking
- THE World University Ranking
- QS World University Ranking
- ARWU World University Ranking
- US Department of Education College Scorecard
- National Center for Education Statistics
- Forward Pathway US College Ranking Database
Concordia University-Wisconsin Important Facts Trends
Concordia University-Wisconsin degrees/majors
Concordia University-Wisconsin major details
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2023 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Communication Sciences and Disorders, General. | - | ||||
Audiology/Audiologist and Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist. | - | ||||
Health/Health Care Administration/Management. | $49,799 | ||||
Diagnostic Medical Sonography/Sonographer and Ultrasound Technician. | $67,407-$109,250 | ||||
Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer. | $67,407-$109,250 | ||||
Athletic Training/Trainer. | $67,407-$109,250 | ||||
Pharmacy. | $101,885 | ||||
Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry. | $101,885 | ||||
Pharmaceutical Sciences. | $101,885 | ||||
Public Health, General. | $76,535 | ||||
Health Services Administration. | $76,535 | ||||
Occupational Therapy/Therapist. | $66,520-$78,911 | ||||
Physical Therapy/Therapist. | $66,520-$78,911 | ||||
Rehabilitation Science. | $66,520-$78,911 | ||||
Nursing Education. | - | ||||
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $72,393-$102,254 | ||||
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing. | $72,393-$102,254 | ||||
Family Practice Nurse/Nursing. | $72,393-$102,254 | ||||
Nursing Practice. | $72,393-$102,254 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Business/Commerce, General. | - | ||||
Business Administration and Management, General. | $56,347-$73,254 | ||||
Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management. | $56,347-$73,254 | ||||
Organizational Leadership. | $56,347-$73,254 | ||||
Business Administration, Management and Operations, Other. | $56,347-$73,254 | ||||
Accounting. | $51,908 | ||||
Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies. | - | ||||
Small Business Administration/Management. | - | ||||
Finance, General. | $51,235 | ||||
Hospitality Administration/Management, General. | - | ||||
Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General. | $58,982-$71,747 | ||||
International Business/Trade/Commerce. | - | ||||
Actuarial Science. | - | ||||
Marketing/Marketing Management, General. | $39,614 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Psychology, General. | - | ||||
Counseling Psychology. | $50,801 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Computer Software Engineering. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Artificial Intelligence. | - | ||||
Information Technology. | - | ||||
Computer Science. | $48,962 | ||||
Computer/Information Technology Services Administration and Management, Other. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | $23,080 | ||||
Biomedical Sciences, General. | $23,080 | ||||
Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ancient Studies/Civilization. | - | ||||
Sustainability Studies. | - | ||||
Business Analytics. | - | ||||
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | $33,484 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Public Administration. | - | ||||
Social Work. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration. | $41,527 | ||||
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | $41,527 | ||||
Cybersecurity Defense Strategy/Policy. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management. | $27,522 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Religious/Sacred Music. | - | ||||
Theology/Theological Studies. | - | ||||
Pre-Theology/Pre-Ministerial Studies. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Interior Architecture. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Communication, General. | - | ||||
Mass Communication/Media Studies. | - | ||||
Organizational Communication, General. | - | ||||
Public Relations/Image Management. | - | ||||
Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Digital Arts. | - | ||||
Design and Visual Communications, General. | - | ||||
Graphic Design. | - | ||||
Music, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Economics, General. | - | ||||
Political Science and Government, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
History, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Spanish Language and Literature. | - | ||||
Ancient Near Eastern and Biblical Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Philosophy and Religious Studies, General. | - | ||||
Christian Studies. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Human Development and Family Studies, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Environmental Studies. | - | ||||
Environmental Science. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Applied Horticulture/Horticulture Operations, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Associate | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
English Language and Literature, General. | - |
Concordia University-Wisconsin Schools/Majors Ranking
Under Ranking (2024)
Grad Ranking (2025)
*Rankings have been updated to 2025USNews schools/majors ranking, rankings are for reference only
*numbers in bracket represent rankings change compare to last version
Concordia University-Wisconsin Varsity Athletes
NCAA Division III with football | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
Football | 127 | - |
Track and Field (Outdoor) | 33 | 39 |
Track and Field (Indoor) | 26 | 37 |
Lacrosse | 42 | 20 |
Soccer | 33 | 28 |
Ice Hockey | 28 | 24 |
Baseball | 50 | - |
Volleyball | 15 | 32 |
Basketball | 28 | 17 |
Softball | - | 28 |
Cross Country | 12 | 14 |
Other Sports | - | 26 |
Golf | 15 | 8 |
Wrestling | 20 | - |
Tennis | 8 | 11 |
Field Hockey | - | 16 |
NCAA Division III with football | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
Football | 130 | - |
Soccer | 39 | 32 |
Track and Field (Outdoor) | 40 | 31 |
Track and Field (Indoor) | 36 | 32 |
Lacrosse | 38 | 18 |
Ice Hockey | 23 | 24 |
Baseball | 45 | - |
Volleyball | 16 | 29 |
Basketball | 24 | 15 |
Softball | - | 26 |
Cross Country | 13 | 11 |
Other Sports | - | 23 |
Golf | 13 | 8 |
Tennis | 8 | 12 |
Field Hockey | - | 19 |
Wrestling | 18 | - |
NCAA Division III with football | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
Football | 100 | - |
Track and Field, Outdoor | 37 | 32 |
Soccer | 36 | 28 |
Track and Field, Indoor | 28 | 30 |
Lacrosse | 38 | 15 |
Baseball | 46 | - |
Ice Hockey | 26 | 20 |
Basketball | 31 | 12 |
Volleyball | 13 | 28 |
Softball | - | 24 |
Other Sports | - | 23 |
Wrestling | 22 | - |
Tennis | 8 | 12 |
Track and Field, X-Country | 10 | 10 |
Field Hockey | - | 18 |
Golf | 12 | 6 |
Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) is a private Christian liberal arts university located in Mequon, Wisconsin. With a picturesque campus bordering Lake Michigan, CUW offers a serene environment conducive to both academic pursuits and personal growth. The university is affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and its mission is to prepare students for lives of service and leadership in the global community. The school embraces a strong commitment to its Christian values, with a motto that emphasizes the importance of faith, learning, and serving others.
The university is recognized for its diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including notable offerings in nursing, education, business, and health sciences. CUW boasts a student-centered approach, with small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention and mentorship. The campus life at CUW is vibrant, with numerous student organizations, athletic programs, and community service opportunities that foster a strong sense of belonging and engagement among students. The school's commitment to holistic development is evident in its emphasis on both academic excellence and character formation, preparing graduates not only for their careers but also as responsible citizens. Overall, Concordia University Wisconsin exemplifies a nurturing educational environment that inspires students to integrate their faith with their learning and future endeavors.