Concordia University Chicago: Everything You Need to Know Before Applying
By Akshay Patel · Senior International Admissions Consultant · Published 2025-06-25T14:12:40.743Z
Discover Concordia University Chicago (CUC): your complete guide to affordable US education. Explore programs, fees, scholarships, vibrant campus life, and career opportunities near Chicago. Perfect for international students seeking a top-tier global university experience.
If you're thinking about studying in the United States , Concordia University Chicago is one of the top choices, especially for international students looking for strong academic programs and a great campus experience.
In this article, we will walk you through everything you need to know about Concordia University Chicago (CUC) — courses, fees, scholarships, application process, campus life, and more — in a simple and fully detailed way.
You won’t need to search for any extra information after reading this. Let’s begin!
What is Concordia University Chicago?
Concordia University Chicago, also called CUC , is a private university located in River Forest, Illinois , just outside Chicago city. It was founded in 1864 and has over 160 years of history in quality education. The university is part of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod , but students from all faiths and backgrounds are welcome.
Quick Facts About Concordia University Chicago
Feature
Details
Location
River Forest, Illinois, USA
Year Founded
1864
Type
Private, Non-Profit
Total Students
Around 6,000
International Students
Over 100 countries represented
Programs Offered
Undergraduate, Graduate, Doctoral
Campus Type
Suburban
Distance from Chicago
10 miles (16 km)
Accreditation
HLC (Higher Learning Commission)
Why Choose Concordia University Chicago?
There are thousands of colleges in the USA. So why pick CUC? Here are some reasons.
1. Affordable Education
Compared to many private universities in the US, the tuition fees at Concordia Chicago are reasonable. Plus, they offer great scholarships to international students.
2. Great Location Near Chicago
The university is just a short train ride away from downtown Chicago , one of the largest and most exciting cities in the USA. This gives students access to internships, jobs, and fun experiences.
3. Small Class Sizes
CUC maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio (around 15:1), which means more personalized attention and support from professors.
4. Diversity and Global Students
Over 6,000 students are enrolled in the university, and many are international students. You’ll meet people from all over the world.
5. Career-Focused Programs
Whether you're aiming to study business , computer science , education , or health , CUC offers career-ready programs that focus on practical skills and real-world preparation.
Programs Offered at Concordia University Chicago
CUC offers a wide variety of programs at all levels.
A. Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) Degrees
Here are some popular Bachelor's degrees at CUC:
BBA – Bachelor of Business Administration
BA in Computer Science
BA in Psychology
BA in Sports & Recreation Management
BS in Biology
BA in Music
BA in Art
BA in Healthcare Administration
BA in Education
Most undergraduate programs take 4 years to complete.
B. Graduate (Master’s) Degrees
Popular Master’s programs :
MBA – Master of Business Administration (with many specializations)
MS in Computer Science
MA in Education
MA in Psychology
MS in Applied Exercise Science
MA in Leadership
Most Master's programs take 12 to 24 months .
C. Doctoral Programs (PhD/EdD)
Doctor of Education (EdD) in Leadership
PhD in Leadership – Education or Business
EdD in Curriculum & Instruction
These are research -focused degrees for students who want to become experts or professors.
CUC Popular MBA Program
One of the most popular programs among international students is the MBA at CUC .
MBA with Specializations
Digital Marketing
Healthcare
Finance
Leadership
Human Resources
Sports Management
Accounting
The MBA at Concordia University Chicago is STEM-designated , which is great for international students as it allows for up to 3 years of OPT (work in the US after graduation) .
Tuition Fees at Concordia University Chicago
Let’s talk about how much it costs to study here.
Tuition Fees (Approximate)
Program Level
Total Tuition per Year (USD)
Undergraduate
$35,000
Graduate (Master’s)
19,000–19,000– 25,000
Doctorate (PhD/EdD)
30,000–30,000– 36,000
Note : These are estimated fees for international students and can change yearly. Always check the official website or ask admissions for latest updates.
Cost of Living
Living near Chicago is more affordable than big cities like New York or San Francisco .
Expense
Estimated Monthly Cost (USD)
Housing (shared)
400–400– 700
Food
150–150– 300
Transportation
100–100– 150
Health Insurance
80–80– 120
Miscellaneous
100–100– 150
Total per month
800–800– 1,200
For one year, living cost is about 10,000to10,000 to 14,000 .
Scholarships for International Students
CUC offers many scholarships to international students based on academic performance, background, and other talents.
Undergraduate Scholarships
Academic Merit Scholarship
Lutheran Heritage Scholarship (if applicable)
Transfer Student Scholarships
Scholarships can be 8,000to8,000 to 18,000 per year .
Graduate Scholarships
MBA and Master's students may get partial scholarships
No full scholarships, but tuition is already affordable
To apply for scholarships, students usually need to provide:
Academic transcripts
Letters of recommendation
Statement of purpose
Resume or CV (for graduate students)
Requirements to Apply
Now let’s understand who can apply to Concordia University Chicago and what you need.
For Undergraduate Programs
High school certificate
Minimum GPA of 2.5
English test (TOEFL – 72, IELTS – 6.0, or Duolingo 95+)
Passport
Bank statement (proof of funds)
For Master’s Programs
Bachelor’s degree with GPA of 2.75+
English test (TOEFL – 80, IELTS – 6.5, Duolingo 105+)
Academic transcripts
Purpose Statement
Resume (some programs)
Passport and proof of funds
For Doctoral Programs
Master’s degree required
GPA 3.0+
Writing sample and essays
Resume and recommendations
English proficiency
Interview (for some programs)
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Here is the simple process to apply at CUC:
Step 1: Choose Your Program
Visit the CUC official website , explore the programs section, and choose what you want to study.
Step 2: Create an Online Account
Create an account on their online application portal and fill in the details.
Step 3: Upload Documents
Scan and submit all required documents like passport, transcripts, English score, SOP, etc.
Step 4: Pay Application Fee
Usually around $50 . Some fee waivers may apply.
Step 5: Wait for Admission Decision
This takes about 2–3 weeks after all documents are submitted.
Step 6: Receive I-20
Once admitted, you get the I-20 form , which is required for student visa.
Step 7: Apply for US Student Visa (F-1)
With your I-20, prepare and attend a US visa interview at your country’s US embassy.
Campus Life at Concordia University Chicago
CUC has a beautiful, green campus in River Forest with lots of trees, open space, and peaceful areas to study and relax.
Facilities
Modern classrooms
Computer labs
Campus library
Sports center & gym
Residence halls
Cafeteria and coffee shops
Free Wi-Fi everywhere on campus
Student Organizations & Events
Cultural clubs
Business clubs
Fitness clubs
Music groups
Campus ministry groups
There are regular events like concerts, career fairs, international nights, sports competitions, and outings to places in Chicago.
Job Opportunities: CPT and OPT
Many students ask — can I work while studying?
On-Campus Jobs
Yes, students can work up to 20 hours per week on campus.
CPT – Curricular Practical Training
CUC allows eligible graduate students to do internships off-campus during their program. This is called CPT .
OPT – Optional Practical Training
After graduation, international students can work in the USA for:
12 months (general OPT)
24 more months (if your program is STEM, e.g., computer science or MBA STEM)
This makes the total 3 years of work in the USA after you finish your program.
Chicago: The Perfect Student City
Living just outside Chicago is a big advantage. You’re close to one of the largest cities in the USA, but still in a quiet and safe suburb.
Why Chicago is Great for Students
Many global companies (good for jobs and internships)
Affordable public transport (CTA trains and buses)
Beautiful skyline and Lake Michigan views
Museums , concerts, food, and festivals
International airport nearby ( O’Hare Airport )
Being near Chicago means you get big city benefits without big city costs .
Contact Information and Resources
Official Website
https://www.cuchicago.edu
Application Portal
Available on their main website under “Apply Now”
Address
Concordia University Chicago
7400 Augusta St, River Forest, Illinois 60305, USA
Final Thoughts
Concordia University Chicago offers all the things a student dreams of — affordable education, beautiful campus, strong academics, friendly support, and a perfect location near a world-class city.
If you're looking to study in the USA at a top private university without spending a fortune, Concordia University Chicago is a perfect choice. From business and education to computer science and leadership, you will find a program that fits your goals.
Don't wait — start your journey now and take the next step toward your future.
Start your application today and be prepared for an exciting life in Chicago!
Frequently asked questions
What specific local transport options are most convenient for CUC students wanting to explore Chicago, and what is the typical cost?
Concordia University Chicago is conveniently located near the Metra commuter rail station in River Forest. Students can take a short walk to the station and quickly reach Ogilvie Transportation Center in downtown Chicago, usually within 20-25 minutes. A monthly Metra pass is generally affordable for students, often ranging from 70 70−100, providing unlimited rides.
Are there specific orientation programs or ongoing support services tailored exclusively for international students at CUC beyond the general new student orientation?
Yes, CUC offers a dedicated International Student Orientation that covers visa regulations, cultural adjustment, and campus resources specific to international students' needs. Additionally, the International Services Office provides ongoing advising, workshops on CPT/OPT, and cultural events throughout the year to support international students' academic and personal success.
How does CUC's campus and local area handle severe weather conditions common to Illinois, especially for students new to such climates?
The campus has well-maintained pathways and facilities for winter conditions, including snow removal. For students new to cold weather, the university provides information and resources on preparing for the climate. Local public transport and campus shuttles usually operate reliably, but students are advised to check local weather advisories for extreme conditions.
What is the typical career path or common job roles for international MBA graduates from CUC, especially concerning companies in the Chicago area?
Many international MBA graduates from CUC secure roles in data analytics, project management, financial analysis, marketing, and human resources within companies in the Chicago metropolitan area. The STEM designation of the MBA program is a significant advantage, often leading to opportunities in IT consulting firms, financial institutions, and global corporations. CUC's career services actively connect students with local employers.
Does Concordia University Chicago offer any specific support or resources for international students who wish to bring their dependents (spouse, children) with them to the US on F-2 visas?
While CUC focuses primarily on the F-1 student, their International Services Office can provide general guidance and necessary documentation for F-2 dependent visa applications (I-20 for dependents). However, the university typically does not provide direct housing or financial support for dependents, and students are responsible for their dependents' living expenses, health insurance, and any schooling needs.