Concordia University-Saint Paul generates $15,669 in earnings beyond expectations, ranking in the 91.6th percentile nationally for this measure of institutional effectiveness. As an Opportunity Builder, the university combines moderate access with strong return on investment performance, maintaining debt levels $6,349 below peer institutions while delivering above-average career outcomes.
With well above average performance, reflecting strong earnings outcomes relative to educational investment and debt levels
With above average performance, supported by controlled costs and debt levels below peer institutions
With above average performance, driven by enrollment of 34.0% Pell-eligible and 33.6% first-generation students
With modestly below average performance, reflecting the institution's position as an Opportunity Builder that serves moderate-access populations rather than the highest-need students
Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Top-tier earnings beyond expectations performance
Concordia University-Saint Paul ranks #487 nationally in Azimuth's composite analysis, placing it at the 70th percentile with above average overall performance. Located in Saint Paul, Minnesota, this medium-sized private nonprofit university maintains moderately selective admission standards with a 74.9% acceptance rate.
The university enrolls 34.0% Pell-eligible students and 33.6% first-generation students, demonstrating above average access to underrepresented populations. With 68.4% of students transferring in, Concordia serves a substantial adult learner population seeking degree completion.
The university achieves well above average return on investment performance at the 83rd percentile, driven by graduates earning $15,669 beyond expectations relative to similar student populations. This places the institution in the 91.6th percentile for earnings uplift, representing top-tier performance in this critical measure.
As an Opportunity Builder institution, Concordia University-Saint Paul combines moderate access with outcomes that exceed expectations for its student demographics.
Concordia University-Saint Paul delivers strong value through earnings that significantly exceed expectations for its student population. Graduates earn $15,669 beyond predicted levels based on demographics and institutional characteristics, ranking in the 91.6th percentile nationally for this measure of top-tier performance.
Median earnings reach $59,871 ten years after enrollment, placing the university at the 71st percentile nationally. These outcomes reflect a trajectory from $50,646 at six years to $59,871 at ten years, representing 18.2% earnings growth over this period.
Students seeking solid career outcomes at a moderately selective private university with strong support for first-generation students. Best fit for those pursuing business, nursing, or psychology programs who value personalized attention and manageable debt levels.
Well-suited for adult learners given the significant transfer enrollment population.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
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This is the Concordia University-Saint Paul hub overview page. For comprehensive institutional data including detailed charts and metrics, visit the full analysis at /school/concordia-university-saint-paul/analysis.
Concordia University-Saint Paul admits 74.9% of applicants, meaning roughly 3 in 4 applicants receive an offer of admission. This places the university in the Moderately Selective category, with admission rates between 50% and 75%.
The peer median admission rate of 70.6% indicates that Concordia is slightly less selective than typical institutions in its comparison group, admitting 4.3 percentage points more applicants than the peer average. This level of selectivity means that most academically prepared students have a reasonable chance of admission, though the university still maintains standards that screen for college readiness.
The 74.9% admission rate reflects the institution's mission to serve transfer students and adult learners, with 68.4% of enrolled students transferring from other institutions. For traditional applicants, this selectivity level suggests that solid high school academic performance and demonstrated interest in the university's programs are typically sufficient for admission.
Students should view Concordia as a realistic option if they meet basic academic requirements and can articulate their fit with the university's programs and mission. The admission rate also indicates that applicants have good odds of acceptance while still attending an institution that maintains academic standards and delivers strong post-graduation outcomes.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Concordia University-Saint Paul maintains a published cost of attendance of $34,495, including $25,000 in tuition, $10,800 for room and board, and $3,000 for books and supplies. However, financial aid significantly reduces the actual cost for most families, with average savings of $16,929 bringing the average net price to $17,566.
This net price represents a substantial 49% discount from the sticker price, indicating robust financial aid availability. Compared to peer institutions with a median net price of $27,143, Concordia delivers $9,577 in additional savings, making it significantly more affordable than similar private nonprofit universities.
The university's below-peer pricing extends across all income levels, with net prices ranging from $15,356 for the lowest-income families to $22,335 for those earning over $110,000 annually. This pricing structure reflects the institution's commitment to accessibility and aligns with its role in serving 34.0% Pell-eligible students and substantial populations of first-generation and transfer students.
Federal College Scorecard data shows that these net prices are based on actual student experiences rather than theoretical calculations, providing reliable guidance for family financial planning.
Concordia University-Saint Paul graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over their early career years. Median earnings increase from $50,646 six years after enrollment to $56,160 at eight years and $59,871 at ten years, representing 18.2% growth between the six-year and ten-year marks.
These outcomes are based on cohorts of 1,302 graduates at six years, 913 at eight years, and 848 at ten years, providing solid confidence in the reported figures. The university generates $15,669 in earnings beyond expectations compared to similar institutions and student populations, placing it in the 91.6th percentile nationally for this measure of institutional effectiveness.
This top-tier performance in earnings uplift indicates that Concordia's programs, career services, and educational approach add substantial value beyond what would be predicted based on student backgrounds alone. Low-income graduates earn $43,000, demonstrating the institution's ability to support economic mobility for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Earnings span from $39,108 at the 25th percentile to $85,664 at the 75th percentile, reflecting differences in program choice and career trajectory. Approximately 30.9% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, indicating balanced preparation for both workforce entry and advanced education.
Adult Health Nurse/Nursing.
68 graduates
Biology, General.
27 graduates
Corrections Administration.
22 graduates
Business Administration and Management, General.
132 graduates
Clinical Research Coordinator.
35 graduates
Concordia University-Saint Paul offers 12 bachelor's degree programs with federal earnings data available for analysis. Adult Health Nurse/Nursing leads earnings outcomes with graduates earning $73,235 and ranking #182 nationally and #3 in Minnesota, with 68 graduates and a cohort representing 11.1% of the graduating class.
Biology, General ranks #28 nationally and #2 in Minnesota, producing 27 graduates with median earnings of $67,827 and an exceptional value score of 92.7. Corrections Administration ranks #11 nationally and #1 in Minnesota, graduating 22 students with earnings of $64,015 and an outstanding value score of 94.8.
Business Administration and Management, the university's largest program with 132 graduates representing 21.6% of the class, ranks #154 nationally and #2 in Minnesota with earnings of $63,736. Clinical Research Coordinator ranks #19 nationally and #1 in Minnesota, graduating 35 students with earnings of $63,708 and a strong value score of 74.6.
Psychology, General ranks #95 nationally and #2 in Minnesota, producing 59 graduates with earnings of $49,552 and a notable value score of 72.8, indicating strong outcomes relative to typical psychology programs.
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rose-Hulman Institute Of Technology Similar quality tier in Midwest (#481 ranked) | IN | 73% | $101,253 | #481 | Compare |
Bucknell University Similar quality tier (#480 ranked) | PA | 32% | $93,807 | #480 | Compare |
Kenyon College Similar quality tier in Midwest (#485 ranked) | OH | 31% | $71,830 | #485 | Compare |
California Baptist University Similar quality tier (#471 ranked) | CA | 74% | $61,504 | #471 | Compare |
King University Similar quality tier (#470 ranked) | TN | 54% | $59,831 | #470 | Compare |