Students at Concordia University-Saint Paul achieve earnings that substantially exceed expectations, with graduates earning nearly $16,000 more than similar students at comparable institutions nationwide.
This earnings advantage, combined with strong outcomes for diverse student populations, places the university among the top performers for long-term financial success.
Concordia University-Saint Paul delivers strong value as a private nonprofit institution, ranking in the 73rd percentile nationally for earnings outcomes while maintaining reasonable affordability for most families. What distinguishes this Minnesota university is its ability to serve a diverse student body—34% receive Pell Grants and 34% are first-generation college students—while still producing graduates who earn well above expectations compared with similar institutions.
The university's graduates earn a median of $59,871 ten years after enrollment, with particularly strong outcomes in business administration, clinical research, and health-related fields. This performance reflects both the institution's focus on career-oriented programs and its success in supporting students from various backgrounds through to graduation. The earnings advantage is especially notable given that graduates achieve these outcomes with federal loan debt averaging just $17,832.
As a medium-sized private university in Saint Paul, Concordia offers the personalized attention typical of smaller institutions while maintaining program breadth in high-demand fields. The combination of strong earnings outcomes, reasonable debt levels, and broad access makes it an attractive option for families seeking private college benefits without the financial burden often associated with similar institutions.
Concordia University-Saint Paul's program portfolio balances career-focused fields with strong earning potential and popular areas that serve diverse student interests. Business Administration stands out as both the highest-return program and a major enrollment driver, with 132 graduates earning around $56,054 early in their careers. This combination of scale and strong outcomes makes business the economic engine of the university, generating the highest aggregate return among all programs.
Health-related fields show particular strength, with Clinical Research Coordinator programs producing the highest individual earnings at approximately $56,415 despite smaller enrollment numbers. Exercise Science and Kinesiology represents the university's largest program by enrollment with 99 graduates, though early-career earnings around $31,133 reflect the field's typical progression toward higher pay with experience and additional credentials.
The program mix reflects Concordia's focus on practical, career-oriented education that prepares students for immediate employment in growing fields. While some programs like Adult Development and Aging show more modest early earnings around $30,988, the university's overall ability to deliver earnings beyond expectations suggests strong career services and employer relationships that benefit graduates across all fields of study.
Graduates of Concordia University-Saint Paul achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that place the institution in the top quartile nationally for earnings performance. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $59,871, with the university delivering an impressive earnings advantage of approximately $15,669 beyond what similar students achieve at comparable institutions. This substantial earnings boost reflects the university's effectiveness in preparing students for well-paying careers and demonstrates exceptional value for the investment families make.
The strongest financial returns come from the university's business and health science programs. Business Administration graduates, representing the largest high-return program with 132 graduates, earn around $56,054 early in their careers and generate the highest aggregate economic impact for the institution. Clinical Research Coordinator programs produce the highest individual earnings at roughly $56,415, while Exercise Science and Kinesiology, though showing more modest early earnings around $31,133, remains popular with 99 graduates annually. This program mix balances immediate earning potential with diverse career pathways.
What makes these outcomes particularly impressive is how consistently graduates outperform expectations across different fields of study. The university's ability to add substantial value to student earnings—nearly $16,000 above what similar students achieve elsewhere—suggests strong career services, employer relationships, and program quality that translate directly into better financial outcomes for graduates.
Concordia University-Saint Paul maintains strong affordability as a private institution, with net prices that make quality education accessible across income levels. Low-income students pay approximately $15,356 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $15,449—remarkably consistent pricing that reflects the university's commitment to need-based financial aid. Even high-income families pay $22,335, which remains competitive compared with many private colleges offering similar programs and outcomes.
The university's financial aid strategy effectively levels the playing field, ensuring that family income doesn't create dramatic differences in college costs. This approach particularly benefits the 34% of students who receive Pell Grants and the substantial number of first-generation college students who might otherwise find private education financially out of reach. The consistent net pricing across income bands demonstrates institutional commitment to access and affordability.
Debt levels remain manageable for most graduates, with typical federal student loan debt of $17,832—well below national averages for private institutions. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $15,000, a moderate level that reflects families' ability to contribute while still accessing additional funding when needed. The combination of reasonable debt levels and strong post-graduation earnings creates a sustainable financial model for most students and families.
Concordia University-Saint Paul Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
