Concordia College at Moorhead
Acceptance rate
62.6%
2025
Peer median 69.4%
Tuition per year
$31,170
$43,700 with room and board
Peer median $33,770
Undergraduates
1,864
Student-faculty ratio 12:1
Peer median 11 : 1
Graduation rate
65.4%
4-year; 6-year rate 69.6%
Peer median 45.1%
“Peers” are all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
Concordia College at Moorhead, located in Moorhead, Minnesota, is a private liberal arts college known for its commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and the development of leadership skills among its students. Founded in 1891, the college is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and emphasizes a holistic education that integrates faith and learning. The college's mission is encapsulated in its motto, "Fide et Labor," which translates to "Faith and Work," reflecting the institution's dedication to preparing students for meaningful lives and careers through rigorous academic programs and experiential learning opportunities.
The campus is characterized by a vibrant and inclusive community that fosters personal and academic growth. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, Concordia College provides a supportive learning environment where students can build strong relationships with their professors and engage in collaborative projects. The college offers a wide range of undergraduate programs, including strong offerings in the arts, sciences, and business, and encourages students to participate in various extracurricular activities, including athletics, music, and service organizations. With its beautiful campus situated along the Red River and a commitment to sustainability, Concordia College at Moorhead is a place where students can thrive academically and socially, preparing them for successful futures in their chosen fields.
Trends in Tuition Costs, Enrollment, and Graduation Rates
Over the past decade, Concordia College at Moorhead has witnessed significant fluctuations in tuition costs, enrollment numbers, and graduation rates, which are crucial factors for prospective students and their families. The tuition for in-state and out-of-state undergraduates has steadily increased from $32,814 in 2014 to $41,566 in 2020, marking a rise of approximately 27%. However, an intriguing turn occurred in 2022, where tuition dropped to $28,016, before rising again to $30,020 in 2024. This pattern could reflect the college's efforts to attract more students amid declining enrollment figures.
Enrollment numbers have shown a downward trend, with the number of undergraduate students decreasing from 2,598 in 2013 to just 1,827 in 2023. This decline may correlate with rising tuition costs and changing demographics in higher education. The reduction in student enrollment could pose challenges for the institution, including financial sustainability and maintaining diverse academic programs.
Graduation rates have also fluctuated, with the on-time graduation rate hovering around 63% to 70% over the years. The latest available data from 2023 shows a dip to 63.15%. This decline could indicate that students are facing challenges in completing their degrees within the standard time frame, which may be influenced by factors such as financial burdens or the need for additional coursework.
In conclusion, while Concordia College at Moorhead has made strides in adjusting tuition rates, the overall drop in enrollment and the recent decline in graduation rates highlight the need for strategic initiatives to enhance student retention and success. Balancing affordability with educational quality remains a critical challenge for the college moving forward.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Suburb of a midsize city
- Nearest major city
- Minneapolis, about 210 mi
- Nearest international airport
- Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), about 220 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Evangelical Lutheran Church
- President
- Colin Irvine (President)
- Phone
- 2182994200
- Address
- 901 S 8th St, Moorhead, MN 56562
Rankings & Admission
Peer median 69.4% · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Acceptance rate by gender, 2025
In 2020: men 63.4%, women 72.2%.
Data insights
Analysis of Admissions Data at Concordia College
The admissions data for Concordia College at Moorhead reveals significant trends and fluctuations over the years, highlighting both challenges and opportunities within the institution. The acceptance rates for both male and female applicants have shown a notable decline in recent years. For instance, the male acceptance rate dropped from approximately 76% in 2009 to around 60% in 2023, indicating a more competitive admission process. Similarly, the female acceptance rate decreased from about 80% to roughly 70% over the same period.
This trend may reflect broader shifts in higher education, where institutions increasingly receive a larger number of applicants, leading to heightened selectivity. The data also shows that the total enrollment numbers have fluctuated, peaking at 776 in 2009 before declining to 444 in 2023. This decline in enrollment could be indicative of various factors, including demographic changes, economic conditions, or the institution's response to changing educational demands.
Moreover, the number of students denied admission has risen significantly, peaking at 1,743 in 2018. This suggests that while the college may be attracting more applicants, it is also becoming increasingly selective, which could affect diversity and the overall student body composition.
Overall, the admissions data at Concordia College at Moorhead suggests a complex landscape, where increasing competition and selectivity may pose challenges for prospective students and the institution's future enrollment strategies. The college may need to adapt its outreach and support mechanisms to attract and retain students in this evolving educational environment.
Test Scores
2025 admitted students, 25th–75th percentile · 0% submitted SAT, 11% submitted ACT · SAT/ACT optional: considered if submitted
Data insights
Trends in Standardized Test Scores at Concordia College
The data from Concordia College at Moorhead reveals significant trends in standardized test scores and submission rates over the years. From 2007 to 2023, the percentage of applicants submitting SAT and ACT scores has generally shown a decline, with the highest submission rate being 11% in 2007 and dropping to just 1% in 2023 for SAT scores. This decline reflects a broader trend in higher education where an increasing number of institutions are adopting test-optional policies, allowing students to apply without standardized test scores, which can lead to a more diverse applicant pool.
Examining the scores themselves, there appears to be fluctuation in the range of scores for both SAT and ACT tests. For instance, the SAT reading scores have ranged from a low of 490 to a high of 568 in the 25th percentile, while the 75th percentile scores have shown a broad range as well. The variability suggests that the college is experiencing diverse academic backgrounds among its applicants.
It's important to note that while some years exhibit stronger average scores, the overall trend indicates a gradual shift in emphasis from standardized testing to holistic admissions reviews, considering other factors like GPA, extracurricular activities, and personal statements. This shift could be in response to growing discussions about the fairness and equity of standardized testing, particularly for underrepresented groups.
Overall, Concordia College's data reflects the evolving landscape of college admissions, where the importance of standardized test scores is increasingly being balanced with a broader evaluation of student potential.
How Hard Is It to Get In
about 6 in 10
4,763 applicants in 2025, 62.6% admitted
2,984 admitted 1,779 not admitted Yield 18.6%
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Popular graduate programs
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas, Other · Master's14 (0% international)
- Foreign Language Teacher Education · Master's13 (0% international)
- Music Teacher Education · Master's2 (0% international)
- Clinical Nutrition/Nutritionist · Master's2 (0% international)
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data at Concordia College
The graduation data from Concordia College at Moorhead for 2023 reveals interesting trends in academic disciplines. Business Administration stands out prominently, with a total of 73 graduates at the bachelor's level, indicating a strong interest in business-related fields. This trend aligns with national data suggesting an increasing demand for business professionals, particularly in a post-pandemic economy where adaptability and entrepreneurial skills are paramount.
In the health sciences, Registered Nursing graduates number 31, reflecting the ongoing need for healthcare professionals, especially as the world continues to navigate health crises. Interestingly, there are no master's or doctoral graduates in this field, which may suggest a bottleneck in higher education pathways for advanced nursing roles.
Education is another critical area, with multiple programs producing graduates, including Elementary Education and various Teacher Education tracks, although the numbers are relatively modest (15 graduates each for several programs). This could reflect challenges in the education sector, including recruitment and retention of teachers, a topic that has gained attention in recent discussions about educational reforms and funding.
The data also highlights the international student presence, particularly in Business Administration and Computer Science, where there are 7 and 3 international bachelor graduates respectively. This reflects Concordia's appeal to a global audience, which is vital for fostering diversity and cross-cultural understanding in higher education.
Lastly, while the arts and humanities fields show lower graduation numbers, they remain essential for a well-rounded educational experience. The presence of graduates in Philosophy and Music indicates that these disciplines continue to attract students passionate about the human experience and creativity.
Overall, the graduation figures from Concordia College underscore both the shifting demands of the job market and the importance of maintaining a diverse educational offering to prepare graduates for a wide range of careers.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 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 | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration and Management, General. | $56,634 | ||
| Accounting. | $62,607 | ||
| Finance, General. | $59,440 | ||
| International Business/Trade/Commerce. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Education, General. | - | ||
| Elementary Education and Teaching. | $45,099 | ||
| Foreign Language Teacher Education. | $46,301 | ||
| Health Teacher Education. | $46,301 | ||
| Music Teacher Education. | $46,301 | ||
| Physical Education Teaching and Coaching. | $46,301 | ||
| Social Studies Teacher Education. | $46,301 | ||
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas, Other. | $46,301 | ||
| Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language/ESL Language Instructor. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health/Health Care Administration/Management. | - | ||
| Clinical Nutrition/Nutritionist. | - | ||
| Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse. | $75,283 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | $36,259 | ||
| Biochemistry. | - | ||
| Neuroscience. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology, General. | $41,062 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General. | - | ||
| Art/Art Studies, General. | - | ||
| Music, General. | - | ||
| Music Performance, General. | - | ||
| Music Theory and Composition. | - | ||
| Music, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Museology/Museum Studies. | - | ||
| Natural Sciences. | - | ||
| Nutrition Sciences. | - | ||
| International/Globalization Studies. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Political Science and Government, General. | $41,397 | ||
| Sociology, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry, General. | - | ||
| Physics, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Work. | $49,276 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language and Literature, General. | $39,237 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics, General. | $51,358 | ||
| Financial Mathematics. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese Language and Literature. | - | ||
| German Language and Literature. | - | ||
| Modern Greek Language and Literature. | - | ||
| French Language and Literature. | - | ||
| Spanish Language and Literature. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication, General. | $46,977 | ||
| Journalism, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Resources/Conservation, General. | - | ||
| Environmental Studies. | - | ||
| Environmental/Natural Resources Management and Policy, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philosophy. | - |
Students
1,935 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 47:53 · Freshman retention 83.6%
- Continuing undergraduates 1,233
- First-year undergraduates 556
- Graduate students 71
- Transfers and others 75
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,864)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Graduate students
Data insights
Student Demographics at Concordia College in 2023
In 2023, Concordia College at Moorhead showcases a diverse student body with a notable gender distribution across different categories. The total number of undergraduate freshmen is 444, with a balanced gender ratio of 48.4% male and 51.6% female students, reflecting an inclusive environment for new entrants. The upperclassmen category, comprising 1,317 students, features a slightly lower male representation at 45.9%, while the female student population stands at 54.1%.
Interestingly, the transfer students show a different trend, with 59% of this group being male, suggesting that a higher proportion of male students are seeking to transition into this institution. The graduate program, which includes 76 students, has a significant female majority, with 69.7% identifying as female and only 30.3% as male.
The demographic breakdown reveals that the majority of the student body is composed of White students, with significant representation from other racial and ethnic groups. This diversity not only enriches the college experience but also reflects the changing landscape of higher education, where institutions are increasingly striving for inclusivity.
Overall, the demographics at Concordia College indicate a commitment to fostering a diverse and supportive academic community, aligning with broader societal trends towards equality and representation in education.
Age Composition of Students at Concordia College
The data from Concordia College at Moorhead provides an insightful glimpse into the age distribution of its student body in 2023. The predominant age group is clearly the 18-21 range, where the majority of undergraduates are concentrated. Specifically, there are 339 male undergraduates and 404 female undergraduates aged 18-19, along with a similar trend in the 20-21 age bracket, with 354 males and 446 females. This suggests that the college effectively attracts traditional-age students who typically enroll right after high school.
Interestingly, the data indicates a significant drop in student numbers in the 22-24 age group, particularly among males enrolled in undergraduate programs, which might reflect a trend of students either graduating or delaying further education. The presence of graduate students in this age group, albeit limited, highlights the ongoing educational pursuits of those who choose to continue their studies after completing their bachelor's degrees.
As we look further into the older age brackets, it is evident that the number of students diminishes considerably. For instance, in the 25-29 age group, there are only 12 male students and 17 female students, indicating that the college may not attract many non-traditional students. This trend continues with minimal representation in the 30-34 and 35-39 age groups, where the total enrollment is only 19 and 14, respectively.
This age composition raises questions about the college's outreach and support mechanisms for older students who may seek further education later in life. The increasing importance of lifelong learning in today’s economy suggests that Concordia College might benefit from strategies to attract a more diverse age range of students, thereby enhancing its educational community.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
110 in 2025 · 3.4% in 2016
1 in 2025 · 6.7% in 2016
Data insights
Trends in International Student Enrollment at Concordia College
The data on international student enrollment at Concordia College in Moorhead reveals notable trends over the years, particularly in the undergraduate sector. Starting from 2004, the percentage of international students among undergraduates peaked at around 6.79% in 2023, showing a gradual increase after a significant decline in the early 2010s. This upward trend may indicate a renewed interest in the college from international students, possibly influenced by changes in global education dynamics or institutional efforts to attract a diverse student body.
During the period from 2004 to 2016, international undergraduate enrollment saw fluctuations, with a notable drop in numbers around 2010, when the percentage dipped to 3.12%. This decline could be attributed to various factors, including economic challenges or shifts in visa policies that made it more difficult for students to study abroad.
On the graduate side, however, the data is less comprehensive, as many entries are not available. In the few years with data, the percentage of international graduate students appears to hover at lower levels, peaking at about 6.67% in 2016 but then diminishing thereafter. The scarcity of data for subsequent years emphasizes the need for more robust tracking of graduate enrollment trends.
Overall, the increasing representation of international students in undergraduate programs at Concordia College is a positive sign, reflecting the institution's commitment to fostering a diverse learning environment. As global educational opportunities continue to evolve, it will be crucial for Concordia to maintain strategies that support and attract international students, thereby enriching the campus experience for all students.
Cost
2025 cost per year
$43,700
- Undergraduate tuition
- $31,170
- Room and board
- $12,530
- Graduate tuition
- $11,557
Peer median tuition + room and board $46,780 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose -12% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 65%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$101M
Expenses$84.9M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference
Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference: football, basketball, baseball, cross country
| NCAA Division III with football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 126 | - |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 50 | 47 |
| Track and Field (Indoor) | 48 | 42 |
| Ice Hockey | 33 | 31 |
| Soccer | 32 | 23 |
| Baseball | 51 | - |
| Basketball | 17 | 20 |
| Softball | - | 33 |
| Volleyball | - | 29 |
| Wrestling | 29 | - |
| Cross Country | 13 | 13 |
| Golf | 11 | 9 |
| Tennis | 11 | 9 |
| Swimming and Diving (combined) | - | 12 |
| NCAA Division III with football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 123 | - |
| Track and Field (Indoor) | 51 | 44 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 49 | 44 |
| Ice Hockey | 35 | 28 |
| Soccer | 30 | 25 |
| Baseball | 46 | - |
| Basketball | 17 | 19 |
| Wrestling | 32 | - |
| Cross Country | 15 | 12 |
| Volleyball | - | 27 |
| Golf | 13 | 13 |
| Tennis | 12 | 10 |
| Softball | - | 21 |
| Swimming and Diving (combined) | - | 13 |
| NCAA Division III with football | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 121 | - |
| Track and Field (Indoor) | 43 | 40 |
| Track and Field (Outdoor) | 39 | 40 |
| Ice Hockey | 32 | 28 |
| Soccer | 34 | 26 |
| Baseball | 50 | - |
| Basketball | 17 | 21 |
| Cross Country | 16 | 16 |
| Wrestling | 29 | - |
| Softball | - | 26 |
| Golf | 12 | 11 |
| Volleyball | - | 22 |
| Tennis | 9 | 10 |
| Swimming and Diving (combined) | - | 15 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
North Dakota State University-Main CampusFargo · 2.6 mi
U.S. News #236
-
University of North DakotaGrand Forks · 74.6 mi
U.S. News #227
-
St. John's University (MN)Collegeville · 144.0 mi
Liberal Arts #74
-
College of St. BenedictSaint Joseph · 147.5 mi
Liberal Arts #68
-
South Dakota State UniversityBrookings · 175.8 mi
U.S. News #250
-
Bethel UniversitySaint Paul · 213.4 mi
U.S. News #236
-
University of Minnesota-Twin CitiesMinneapolis · 214.1 mi
U.S. News #59
-
University of St Thomas (MN)Saint Paul · 217.2 mi
U.S. News #156
-
Macalester CollegeSaint Paul · 218.2 mi
Liberal Arts #28
Data insights
Here are some notable universities near Concordia College at Moorhead:
-
North Dakota State University-Main Campus - Ranked 249th in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
-
University of North Dakota - With a rank of 236, this comprehensive university is known for its strong focus on research and various degree offerings.
-
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities - Ranked 53rd, this leading comprehensive university is recognized for its research initiatives and diverse academic programs.
-
Macalester College - This liberal arts college is ranked 27th and is known for its commitment to internationalism and social justice.
-
Carleton College - Ranked 9th, Carleton is a prestigious liberal arts college that emphasizes critical thinking and collaborative learning.
These institutions provide a rich educational landscape for students in the region.
Peer median 8.9 · all 403 private baccalaureate colleges in the U.S.
Incidents, 2023–2025
From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.
Data insights
Crime Trends at Concordia College: A Decrease in Incidents
The crime statistics from Concordia College at Moorhead reveal a significant decline in the rate of offenses over the past decade. In 2013, the crime rate per 1,000 students was 26.58, which has steadily decreased to just 6.41 in 2023. This downward trend indicates a positive shift in campus safety and security, reflecting efforts by the college administration to create a secure environment for students.
Notably, arrests related to drug offenses and alcohol-related incidents have seen fluctuations throughout the years. The highest rates for such arrests were recorded in 2017, with a notable increase in the average crime rate per 1,000 students. However, recent years have shown a sharp decline, particularly in 2021 and 2022, where the rates dropped to single digits. This could be attributed to increased awareness and preventive measures surrounding substance abuse on campus.
Additionally, the absence of serious offenses such as robbery or violent crime on campus is a reassuring sign for prospective students and their families. The significant reduction in crimes can be viewed as a reflection of the college's commitment to student safety, including the implementation of effective campus safety programs and community engagement initiatives.
Overall, as campuses across the nation grapple with safety concerns, Concordia College at Moorhead stands out for its improved crime statistics, emphasizing a community-focused approach to maintaining a secure educational environment. For more information on crime rate calculation methods, please refer to this link.
Notable Alumni
All 24Notable alumni of Concordia College at Moorhead include Kevin Cramer (US senator for North Dakota), Rich Sommer (Actor known for Mad Men) and Clint Hill (Secret Service agent present at Kennedy's assassination).
-
Kevin Cramer 1961–
US senator for North Dakota
-
Rich Sommer 1978–
Actor known for Mad Men
-
Clint Hill 1932–2025
Secret Service agent present at Kennedy's assassination
-
Roxana Saberi 1977–
CBS News correspondent, jailed in Iran in 2009
-
Karan Armstrong 1941–2021
Operatic soprano
-
Marcus Borg 1942–2015
American New Testament scholar and theologian
-
David Joerger 1974–
Basketball coach, Denver Nuggets assistant
-
Ole H. Olson 1872–1954
18th Governor of North Dakota
-
Coya Knutson 1912–1996
Former U.S. representative from Minnesota
See all 24 notable alumni of Concordia College at Moorhead →
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.