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.
Understanding institutional priorities and student support
Concordia University-Saint Paul enrolls a diverse student body that reflects the university's mission to serve underrepresented populations and adult learners. The student composition includes 34.0% Pell-eligible students, indicating that approximately one-third of enrolled students come from lower-income families with household incomes typically below $50,000. First-generation college students comprise 33.6% of the student body, demonstrating the university's role in providing access to students whose parents did not complete college degrees. The most distinctive characteristic of Concordia's student population is the 68.4% transfer enrollment rate, meaning more than two-thirds of students began their college careers at other institutions before completing their degrees at Concordia. This high transfer rate reflects the university's strength in serving adult learners, working students, and those seeking to complete degrees after interrupting their education. The combination of moderate Pell enrollment, substantial first-generation representation, and high transfer rates indicates that Concordia attracts students seeking educational opportunity and degree completion rather than traditional recent high school graduates. For prospective students, this composition suggests a student body with diverse life experiences, varied academic backgrounds, and strong motivation to complete their educational goals. Students who have taken non-traditional paths to higher education or who are returning to college after time in the workforce will find peers with similar experiences.
With a 74.9% admission rate, Concordia University-Saint Paul offers accessible admission for most academically prepared students. However, students seeking additional options or different characteristics should consider the alternatives below.
Strong options in your region with comparable outcomes.
Student success outcomes at Concordia University-Saint Paul reflect the challenges associated with serving adult learners and transfer students while also demonstrating the institution's commitment to degree completion. The university maintains a 67.3% freshman retention rate, which falls below the peer median of 83.1%, indicating that the traditional first-year experience may not fully align with the needs of all students. However, this retention rate must be interpreted within the context of the university's 68.4% transfer student population, as many enrolled students are not traditional freshmen. The six-year graduation rate of 58.8% compares to a peer median of 70.0%, representing a 11.2 percentage point gap that reflects the additional challenges faced by the university's target student populations. Pell-eligible students graduate at a 47.4% rate compared to the overall 58.8%, creating an 11.4 percentage point Pell gap that indicates lower-income students face additional barriers to degree completion. Despite these completion challenges, students who persist at Concordia achieve strong post-graduation outcomes, with earnings that exceed expectations by $15,669. For prospective students, these metrics suggest that success at Concordia requires strong self-motivation and engagement with available support services, but those who complete their degrees achieve favorable career outcomes that justify their educational investment.
Similar quality tier in Midwest (#485 ranked)
Schools with comparable admission profiles — useful for building a balanced list.
Higher acceptance rates with similar career outcomes.
Stronger graduate earnings at comparable price points.
Build a balanced list with schools at different selectivity and price points.
Explore More Schools