Concordia University-Wisconsin
2025 USNews Best Colleges Ranking: 329(↓25) (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
Trends in Tuition Costs, Enrollment, and Graduation Rates
The data from Concordia University Wisconsin reveals important trends over the years, particularly in tuition costs, student enrollment, and graduation rates. Between 2014 and 2024, tuition for undergraduate students has shown a consistent upward trajectory, rising from approximately $25,160 to $34,250. This represents a rise of over 36%, which may be a concerning trend for prospective students and their families faced with rising educational costs.
Conversely, the overall enrollment figures seem to reflect a declining trend. In 2014, the undergraduate student population was 4,363, but by 2024, this number is projected to drop to around 2,525. This significant decline of nearly 42% could indicate a shift in student interest, perhaps influenced by the rising tuition prices or competition from other institutions.
Graduation rates also present an intriguing picture. The on-time graduation rate rose from about 34.7% in 2014 to 48.9% in 2023 before tapering to 41.5% in 2024. This fluctuation may signal the university’s efforts to improve graduation rates alongside potential issues with student retention during economic fluctuations and changing educational demands.
Lastly, the retention rate has somewhat stabilized around 80% in recent years, suggesting that while fewer students are enrolled, the university has successfully retained a significant portion of those who enroll. This retention suggests a commitment to supporting students through their educational journey, even amid challenges posed by rising costs and fluctuating enrollment numbers. As higher education institutions navigate these trends, they face critical decisions about tuition structure, resource allocation, and enhancing the overall student experience.
Concordia University-Wisconsin Degrees and Majors
Analysis of Graduate Data from Concordia University Wisconsin
The 2023 graduation data from Concordia University Wisconsin reveals significant trends in various academic programs. Notably, the field of Registered Nursing has seen a commendable graduation rate, with 86 domestic bachelor's degrees awarded, indicating a strong demand for nursing professionals amidst ongoing healthcare challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. This aligns with national data showing a critical shortage of nurses in many regions.
In contrast, there are no reported bachelor's or associate degrees awarded in several programs, such as Pharmacy and Organizational Leadership, suggesting either a lack of student interest or potential barriers to enrollment and completion. The absence of graduates in these areas could reflect shifting job market needs or the competitive nature of such programs.
Another remarkable observation is the prevalence of international students in master's programs, specifically in Family Practice Nursing, which graduated a total of 55 students. The university's appeal to international students hints at a diverse academic environment, which is increasingly valued in today’s globalized educational landscape.
Doctorate degrees have been predominantly conferred in the Pharmacy program, with 50 degrees awarded. This highlights the university's commitment to advanced professional training, preparing graduates for leadership roles in critical sectors.
Overall, as the job market continues to evolve, the data indicates the necessity for universities like Concordia to adapt curriculum offerings to better align with industry demands, thereby enhancing student employability and addressing workforce shortages in essential fields such as healthcare management and nursing.
Concordia University-Wisconsin Ranking and Admission
Trends in Admission Rates and Rankings at Concordia University Wisconsin
The data from Concordia University Wisconsin reveals notable trends in both admission rates and rankings over recent years. The university's ranking shows a concerning decline, dropping from 258th in 2021 to 329th in 2025. This downward trajectory could impact perceptions of the institution and influence prospective students' decisions. In terms of admission rates, both male and female acceptance rates exhibit fluctuations, with a notable decrease in the male acceptance rate from 64.1% in 2020 to 61.9% in 2024. Female acceptance rates also reflect a similar trend, declining from 69.6% in 2012 to 74.5% in 2024. These statistics indicate a more selective admission process, suggesting potential efforts by the university to improve its academic profile. The enrollment numbers have fluctuated alongside these changes, peaking at 1,121 in 2012 but decreasing significantly to 421 in 2023. The steep rise in deny figures, from over 1,000 to 1,473 in 2024, suggests rising competition and possibly a shift in the university’s strategy towards a more targeted student body. Overall, while a selectivity increase can enhance the academic stature of a university, the simultaneous decline in rankings raises questions about the effectiveness of these strategies at Concordia University Wisconsin. As the university navigates this challenging landscape, it will be essential to balance selectivity with maintaining appealing enrollment numbers.
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 Admission Scores and Submission Rates
Concordia University Wisconsin has shown a significant trend in its admissions data over the years. Notably, from 2007 to 2011, the percentage of students submitting ACT scores remained consistently high at 100%, indicating strong reliance on the ACT as a primary assessment tool during this period. However, starting in 2012, there was a shift as the university began to incorporate SAT submissions, albeit from a small group—only 4% of applicants submitted SAT scores that year.
The introduction of SAT scores coincided with published ranges for various standardized test scores. For instance, between 2012 and 2014, the university's SAT reading and math scores for admitted students reflected a range between 420 and 590. This indicates a potentially rising admission standard, as evidenced by the lower bounds of the scores increasing gradually over the years. By 2015, the scores also started to show a wider range, further emphasizing the competitiveness of the admissions process.
Moreover, the stability of SAT submissions remained low; by 2024, only 9% of students provided SAT scores, illustrating a trend of diminishing reliance on this test as an assessment metric. The data demonstrates not only the fluctuating emphasis on different standardized tests but also highlights the potential shift in applicant preferences over time, possibly influenced by broader educational trends and policies regarding standardized testing.
In conclusion, Concordia University Wisconsin's admissions trend reveals a dynamic assessment landscape, focusing heavily on ACT scores initially while incorporating a broader mix of SAT submissions later on, albeit from a limited proportion of applicants. This reflects a larger trend in higher education towards exploring various factors contributing to a student's capacity beyond standardized testing.
Concordia University-Wisconsin Students Diversity
Analysis of Student Demographics at Concordia University Wisconsin for 2024
The student composition at Concordia University Wisconsin for 2024 presents an intriguing snapshot of diversity and gender ratios among undergraduate and graduate populations. In total, the university welcomes a significant number of students, with undergraduate freshmen numbering 452, undergraduate seniors at 1,672, and transfer students at 186, while graduate students comprise a considerable 2,538.
A noteworthy observation is the gender distribution across these student categories. Among the undergraduate freshmen, 48.2% are male while 51.8% are female, indicating a slight female majority. This trend continues among other categories, with a pronounced female presence in the undergraduate seniors (36.7% male, 63.3% female), which may reflect broader societal trends toward female representation in higher education.
The high proportion of female students could be influenced by various factors, including shifting perceptions about gender roles in education and career ambitions. Additionally, with 60.2% of graduate students being female, it is evident that women are increasingly pursuing advanced degrees, possibly in response to evolving job market demands and the importance of higher qualifications in many fields.
In terms of diversity, the breakdown of students by race or ethnicity highlights a majority of white students, followed by significant representations of other racial groups. This is reflective of the ongoing conversations about inclusivity in educational settings, where institutions are encouraged to enhance diversity and support minority students.
Overall, Concordia University's demographics for 2024 illustrate a dynamic student body with increasing female enrollment and a need for sustained efforts toward diversity and inclusion in higher education. This evolving landscape is essential for fostering a more equitable academic environment.
Concordia University-Wisconsin Students Age Distribution
Age Demographics of Students at Concordia University Wisconsin in 2024
The age demographic data for Concordia University Wisconsin in 2024 reveals a diverse student body, with a noticeable presence of both traditional-age and non-traditional-age students. Among the under 18 category, there are 172 individuals, constituting 15.7% of the total student population. The largest group, ages 18-21, represents 39.8% of the total, with 799 participants, indicating a strong influx of recent high school graduates.
Transitioning into the 22-24 age range, we see a significant uptick, with a total of 1,083 students, accounting for 42.4% of the overall student body. This may reflect a trend of extended undergraduate education where students are either delaying graduation or opting for additional studies in this age range.
The presence of graduate students in the 25-29 age group is also substantial, with 421 enrolled, thus indicating that many individuals are pursuing advanced education later in life. This trend continues into the 30-39 age range, where 362 students are actively engaged in their studies, a strong indicator of lifelong learning values.
Notably, the data reveals a decline in enrollment in the older age groups, particularly those above 50, which might suggest that traditional higher education pathways are becoming less common among the older demographic.
Overall, these statistics illustrate a vibrant campus atmosphere, with a strong focus on accommodating students of various ages. As higher education institutions adapt to changing societal norms and the demand for flexibility, Concordia University Wisconsin seems to be positioning itself well to support a diverse student population.
Concordia University-Wisconsin International Students Trends
Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Concordia University Wisconsin
Over the years, Concordia University Wisconsin has seen fluctuating numbers in international student enrollment at both undergraduate and graduate levels. In the early years from 2005 to 2010, the number of international undergraduates remained relatively low, with percentages consistently below 2%. However, a significant increase occurred in 2019, where international undergraduates made up 7.5% of the total enrollment. This trend suggests that the university has been successful in attracting a more diverse student body, likely influenced by global educational trends and increasing international mobility.
In contrast, the graduate population has exhibited more stable growth rates, especially noted from 2020 onwards. The percentage of international graduate students rose sharply, culminating in 34.4% by 2024. This substantial increase indicates that Concordia University Wisconsin is becoming an attractive option for international graduate students, possibly due to strengthened academic programs and partnerships.
The fluctuations in enrollment figures can also be associated with broader socio-economic factors, including visa regulations, international relations, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic which affected global travel and education. Nonetheless, the significant increase in international representation, particularly in graduate programs, highlights the university's growing reputation as an inclusive institution fostering global education.
The overall trend suggests a sustained effort by Concordia University Wisconsin to enhance its global reach and diversity, which is a positive step toward enriching the educational experience for all students. As these efforts continue, it will be interesting to monitor how these figures evolve in the coming years amid changing global dynamics.
Concordia University-Wisconsin Campus and Safety
Nearby Top Colleges
Here are some notable surrounding schools of Concordia University Wisconsin:
Marquette University - Ranked 86th in the 2025 US News rankings, Marquette is a comprehensive university located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its strong emphasis on academic excellence and community service.
University of Wisconsin-Madison - This well-respected institution ranks 39th in the country and is renowned for its research and academic programs. It has a diverse student body and a vibrant campus life.
Loyola University Chicago - Ranked 132nd, this Jesuit university focuses on social justice and service-oriented education. It offers a strong liberal arts curriculum along with various professional degrees.
Northwestern University - With an impressive rank of 6th, Northwestern is located in Evanston, Illinois. It's highly regarded for its research, rigorous academic programs, and vibrant student community.
University of Chicago - A prestigious institution ranked 11th, it is known for its rigorous academics and distinguished faculty, offering a wide range of graduate and professional programs.
Lawrence University - This liberal arts college ranks 69th and is recognized for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education and its unique blend of a conservatory of music with a liberal arts curriculum.
Kalamazoo College - Also ranked 69th, this liberal arts college is known for its commitment to experiential learning and a personalized education.
These institutions provide a rich array of educational opportunities and contribute to the vibrant academic community surrounding Concordia University Wisconsin.
Campus Safety
Analysis of Crime Rates at Concordia University Wisconsin
The crime statistics from Concordia University Wisconsin reveal intriguing patterns from 2013 to 2023. Over the years, the average rate of infractions per 1,000 students has shown significant fluctuations. Notably, 2017 marked the peak of recorded violations with an average of 8.7 incidents per 1,000 students, indicating a concerning escalation in campus safety challenges.
In recent years, there has been some stabilization in numbers, with the rate hovering around the mid to high 7s in 2020 and 2023. Notably, the figures dropped to 4.73 in 2021, suggesting improved safety measures or enforcement. However, the re-emergence to 8.38 in 2022 indicates that challenges persist.
Examining the specific types of violations, the data highlights issues related to the possession of firearms and substance abuse, which are significant in terms of campus security. The increased focus on drug and alcohol-related incidents reflects ongoing concerns prevalent in many educational institutions, where student wellbeing is at stake.
The overall trend underscores the necessity of continuous efforts by the university administration to enhance safety protocols and foster a secure educational environment. Reflecting on recent campus safety initiatives and their impacts can provide valuable insights into future improvements. It's crucial for educational institutions to engage in proactive crime prevention strategies, promoting a culture of safety and vigilance among students and staff alike.
For more information about calculating crime rates, please visit: Forward Pathway.
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 (2025)
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, located in Mequon, Wisconsin, is a vibrant educational institution affiliated with the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. Established in 1881, it has a rich history dedicated to providing a holistic education grounded in Christian values. The university’s mission emphasizes the development of the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—encouraging students to cultivate not only their academic strengths but also their ethical and moral compass. This overarching philosophy is captured in its motto, "Grace Alone," fostering a culture of inclusivity, mutual respect, and service within the community.
The campus features state-of-the-art facilities designed to support a diverse range of academic programs and student activities. With more than 70 undergraduate and graduate degree programs offered, Concordia University Wisconsin caters to various fields of study, including business, nursing, education, and the arts. The university is committed to experiential learning, with many programs incorporating internships, service-learning projects, and community engagement. Additionally, the vibrant campus life promotes a sense of belonging among students through various clubs, athletic opportunities, and cultural events, enhancing both personal and professional development. Graduates of Concordia University Wisconsin are well-prepared for successful careers, thanks in part to a robust network of alumni and strong connections with local industries, ensuring that students have ample opportunities to pursue their professional goals after graduation.