Students at Concordia University-Wisconsin benefit from focused professional programs, particularly in nursing, that lead to stable career outcomes in high-demand fields.
The university maintains strong financial responsibility with zero loan defaults, though overall earnings lag somewhat behind peer institutions.
Concordia University-Wisconsin is a medium-sized private nonprofit institution in Mequon that focuses on preparing students for stable, service-oriented careers. While the university doesn't rank among the top tier nationally for overall outcomes, it serves as a solid regional option for students interested in nursing, business, and other professional programs. Graduates earn a median of $56,075 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution around the 61st percentile nationally for earnings outcomes.
The university's strength lies in its focused program offerings and supportive campus environment. With about 22% of students receiving Pell Grants and 32% being first-generation college students, Concordia provides meaningful access to higher education, though outcomes for low-income students lag behind national benchmarks. As an "Opportunity Builders" institution, it offers moderate access with room for improvement in mobility outcomes.
For families seeking a private college experience in Wisconsin with clear pathways into healthcare and business careers, Concordia represents a straightforward choice. The university's nursing program stands out as particularly strong, while business administration provides a reliable foundation for regional employment opportunities.
Concordia University-Wisconsin's program portfolio centers on professional preparation, with nursing leading both in scale and outcomes. The Adult Health Nursing program graduates 114 students annually with median earnings of $62,154, making it the clear standout for both enrollment and financial returns. This program benefits from consistent healthcare demand and provides graduates with portable credentials that work well across different geographic markets.
Business programs form the second pillar of the university's offerings. Business Administration graduates 63 students with median earnings of $51,106, while the smaller Accounting program produces 23 graduates earning around $52,941. These business-focused majors provide solid preparation for Wisconsin's regional economy, though earnings potential may be more geographically constrained compared to graduates from larger research universities.
The university's focused program mix reflects its mission as a professional preparation institution rather than a comprehensive research university. Students benefit from concentrated resources in key areas like healthcare and business, though this specialization means fewer options for those seeking broader academic exploration or cutting-edge research opportunities.
Graduates of Concordia University-Wisconsin see moderate long-term financial outcomes that reflect the institution's focus on stable, service-oriented careers. Ten years after enrollment, they earn a median of $56,075, which places the university around the 61st percentile nationally. While these earnings are respectable, they fall somewhat short of what similar students achieve at comparable institutions, suggesting that graduates may need to be strategic about career choices and geographic mobility to maximize their earning potential.
The university's strongest returns come from its nursing program, which graduates 114 students annually and leads to median earnings of $62,154 ten years out. This program represents the institution's highest aggregate return, combining solid enrollment with above-average pay in a field with consistent demand. Business Administration, the largest program with 63 graduates, produces median earnings of $51,106, while Accounting graduates earn around $52,941. These business-focused programs provide reliable entry into Wisconsin's regional economy, though earnings potential may be more limited compared to graduates from larger research universities with broader alumni networks.
Affordability at Concordia University-Wisconsin varies significantly by family income, with net prices that reflect typical private college patterns. Low-income students pay about $19,323 annually, which is reasonable for a private institution but still represents a substantial investment. Middle-income families face costs around $24,914 per year, while higher-income families pay approximately $29,439 annually. These price points place the university in the lower quartile nationally for affordability, meaning families generally pay more than they would at most public alternatives.
Debt levels are manageable but require careful planning. Typical graduates leave with about $25,750 in federal student loan debt, a moderate amount that most can handle given the university's earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $18,193, which is relatively modest compared to many private institutions. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully, though this may reflect both the supportive nature of the institution and the stable career paths that many programs provide.
Concordia University-Wisconsin Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
