Concordia University Irvine: Acceptance rate, Programs, Tuition, Ranking, Scholarships

Concordia University Irvine is one of the finest private Lutheran Christian universities in America. Get to know more about how to study at Concordia University Irvine, its tuition fees, scholarships, courses, and ranking.

Here is a little overview of Concordia University Irvine.

Concordia University Irvine is located  50 miles (80 km) south of Los Angeles, 80 miles (130 km) north of San Diego, and 6 miles (9.7 km) inland from the Pacific Ocean in the city of Irvine.

Irvine is rated one of the safest cities of its size in the United States. And this makes Concordia University Irvine one of the safest colleges in the United States.

In February 1993, Concordia University Irvine became the tenth campus in the national Concordia University System (CUS).

Currently, it includes five schools – Christ College (School of Theology), School of Arts and Sciences, School of Business, School of Education, and School of Professional Studies.

Additionally, it offers 20 undergraduate majors and 50 specializations, nine graduate programs, four adult bachelor’s degree completion programs, and three nursing programs.

Find out more about Concordia University Irvine as you continue to read this article.

The table of contents below will guide you through reading.

Why Concordia University Irvine?

Concordia University Irvine is a private Lutheran Christian University in Irvine California. The school was established in 1976 to provide a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod college that will serve the Pacific Southwest.

Its campus is an urban setting with a total university enrollment of 4,123 and an undergraduate enrollment of 1,334.

Concordia University offers undergraduate, graduate, and online degree programs in its 70-acre land size located in South California with online and regional cohort options.

The school’s undergraduate program is distinctive among universities in California because of its nationally recognized Enduring Questions & Ideas (Q&I) Core Program. Also, its Lutheran heritage provides a thoughtful Christain community that lives up to the general theology rule that says “Grace Alone, Faith Alone”.

The school offers three popular majors which include: Business, Nursing, and Psychology, with a student-faculty ratio of 17 to 1. It is also one of the nine colleges and universities of the Concordia University System.

All of the programs at Concordia University are guided by the Great Commission of Christ Jesus and the Lutheran Confessions.

Concordia University uses a semester-based academic calendar and empowers its students through the liberal arts and professional studies for lives of learning, service, and leadership.

Concordia University Irvine Ranking

According to the US News & World Report 2024 rankings, Concordia University Irvine ranks at;

  • #49 in Best Regional Universities West
  • #29 in Best Colleges for Veterans
  • #24 in Best Value Schools

According to Niche 2024 rankings, Concordia University ranks at;

RankingsIn AmericaIn California
Best Value Colleges#760#65
Best College locations#663#70
Best Colleges for Student Athletes #748#47
Best College Athletics#479#27
Best College Dorms#573#34
Hardest Colleges to get into#475#48
Most diverse colleges#286#49
Most liberal colleges #822#85
Safest college campuses#105#14

Also, The Chronicle of Higher Education ranks Concordia University Irvine, the 17th fastest growing master’s level university in the country.

Concordia University Irvine Accreditation

Concordia University Irvine (CUI) is accredited by the following bodies;

Concordia University Irvine Student Life

As a Concordia University student, you will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities, clubs, athletics, and many professional organizations.

Some of these activities are organized by the student government or activity organization team at each campus.

More so, the university provides service, honorary, social, and special interest clubs for its students. It also performs thousands of hours of volunteer community service each year.

And not to worry, your safety is assured as the Department of Campus Safety provides a safe environment for members of the campus community always.

Concordia University Irvine Address

Concordia University Irvine is located at 1530 Concordia West Irvine, CA, USA 92612.

Contact details: (949) 854-8002
Email address: info@cui.edu

Concordia University Irvine Acceptance Rate

Admissions into Concordia University Irvine is high. The school has an acceptance rate of 71%.

Most of the applicants to Concordia University Irvine have a SAT score between 990 and 1210 or an ACT score of 18 and 25. 

This means that having high grades is a predominant factor that determines if you will be admitted into Concordia University Irvine.

So, as a prospective student, you are advised to study hard and have good grades.

What is the Cost of Tuition at Concordia University Irvine?

The tuition at Concordia University is quite affordable for citizens and permanent residents, However, it may be fairly high for international students.

The cost of tuition at Concordia University is $24,305 for undergraduates. This includes the cost of room and board, books and supplies, meal plans, transportation, and personal expenses.

However, it varies from semester to semester, as some fees that add up to tuition are a one-time fee.

Click the button below to see a breakdown of the tuition fee at Concordia University Irvine.

Concordia University Irvine Programs and Courses

Concordia University Irvine offers a wide range of programs wherein you can select which one best fits you. These program include;

  • Undergraduate programs
  • Master’s degrees
  • Online degree programs
  • Nursing programs
  • Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Counselor Education & Supervision

All of these programs are broadly classified into six different schools (faculties). They are;

  • Christ College
  • School of Arts and Sciences
  • School of Business and Economics
  • School of Education
  • School of Health and Human Sciences
  • Townsend Institute

#1. Undergraduate Degree

You can get an undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree in any major or minor course you choose to study at the university, whether it’s Business, Nursing, Psychology, or Liberal Arts.

Click the link below to see the courses that you can get an Undergraduate degree in at Concordia University Irvine,

#2. Master’s Degree

You can get a Master’s degree in either Technology, Business, Accounting, and Healthcare.

Below are the courses that you can get a Master’s degree in at Concordia University Irvine.

  • Business
  • Theology
  • Nursing
  • Coaching
  • Education
  • Counseling
  • Healthcare
  • Teacher credential
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Executive Coaching

#3. Online degree programs

Concordia University Irvine also offers online degree programs that you can enroll for at your best time.

You can get an online bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, and Doctoral degree. Below are the courses you can get an online degree in.

Bachelor’s degree

  • Business Administration & Leadership
  • Christain Education Leadership
  • Healthcare Management
  • Leadership Studies
  • Organizational Psychology

Master’s Degree

  • Coaching & Athletics Administration
  • Coaching & Exercise Sciences
  • Counseling
  • Curriculum & Instruction
  • Educational Administration
  • Educational Technology
  • Executive Coaching and Consultation
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Nursing
  • Organizational leadership
  • Public health
  • School Counseling
  • Theology

Doctoral Degrees

  • Counselor Education & Supervision (Ph.D.)
  • Leadership (Ed. D.)

Non-degree online program

  • General education

#4. Nursing programs

Concordia University’s Nursing Program is a comprehensive program that has been uniquely designed for you to learn the right information and acquire advanced skills to provide excellence in caring, compassionate, and competent nursing care.

Additionally, Concordia Irvine nursing students have a 99% NCLEX pass rate. See the courses to take at any level.

  • Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN)
    This program applies to students who hold a bachelor’s degree and are looking to transition to nursing.
  • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
  • Undergraduate Pre-Nursing Minor

#5. Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership is a graduate program designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers in education or administrative leadership.

#6. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Counselor Education & Supervision

The Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision from the Townsend Institute at Concordia University Irvine brings together expert faculty and fellows to empower you to counsel, teach, serve, and advocate for others at the highest level – all in a personal and flexible online format.

Concordia University Admissions

Concordia University admissions are very selective, hence students are advised to have good grades. Applications for the Fall 2024/Spring 2024 is ongoing at a fee of $50.

Below are the admission requirements for Concordia University according to each type of students.

#1. First Year Student Admission Requirement

A first-year student is a current high school student who will be attending a college or university for the first time.

To apply to CUI as a first year student, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Submit your applications.
You can do so through the CUI Online International Application, Common App, or Paper International Application.

Step 2: Send your Official High School Transcript
Official transcripts must be sent from the high school, either mailed directly in a sealed envelope, uploaded to the Common App portal (if applying via Common App), sent electronically via Parchment, eScrip, or National Student Clearinghouse, or in a sealed envelope from the high school hand-carried to Concordia University Irvine (if local).

Transcripts should be mailed to;
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Concordia University Irvine
1530 Concordia West
Irvine, CA 92612

Step 3: Submit official SAT and/or ACT scores
However, the school is waiving the SAT or ACT requirements for Spring 2024, Fall 2024 & Spring 2024 applicants. In lieu of test scores, some applicants may be required to submit additional documentation.

Admission Standards

  • Minimum GPA: 2.80
  • Minimum SAT: Waived for Spring 2024, Fall 2024 & Spring 2024 applicants
  • Minimum Composite ACT: Waived for Spring 2024, Fall 2024 & Spring 2024 applicants
  • English: 4 years
  • Mathematics: 3 years (including Algebra II)
  • Science: 3 years (including 2 years of Lab Science)
  • History: 2 years
  • Foreign Language: 2 years of the same language

Admission Deadline

Fall Semester

TypeApply byNotified by
Early ActionNovember 15Mid-December
Early Action II (Priority)February 15March 1
Rolling AdmissionsJuly 27

Spring Semester

For Regular decision type, apply by January 3.

For more information, click the button below.

#2. Transfer Students

A transfer student is an applicant who has enrolled and earned units at a community college or other postsecondary institution, prior to entering Concordia University Irvine (CUI). 

Additionally, the application fee of $50 is waived for transfer students.

To apply to CUI as a transfer student, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Submit your application. You can do so through the CUI Online International Application, Common App, or Paper International Application.

Step 2: Submit your official transcripts from each institution attended, covering all collegiate-level work under-taken during your absence from Concordia. 

Official transcripts must be mailed directly from the college in a sealed envelope or hand-carried to the Admissions Office:

Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Concordia University Irvine
1530 Concordia West
Irvine, CA 92612

Step 3: Submit your official high school transcripts. They must be sent directly from the high school in a sealed envelope or hand-carried to the Admissions Office.

Admission Deadline

Fall Semester

TypeApply byNotified by
Early ActionNovember 15Mid-December
Early Action II (Priority)February 15March 1
Rolling AdmissionsJuly 27

Note: Applications received after April 1 are reviewed on a rolling basis, and it is recommended that students apply well in advance. 

Spring Semester

For Regular decision type, apply by January 3.

For more information, click the button below.

#3. Readmitted Students

A readmitted student is an applicant who has previously attended Concordia University but withdrew or transferred to another institution and now desires to re-enroll.

To apply to CUI as a readmitted student, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Submit your application. You can do so through the CUI Online International Application, Common App, or Paper International Application.

Step 2: Submit your official college transcripts.
Official transcript from each institution attended, covering all collegiate-level work undertaken during your absence from Concordia. 

Official transcripts must be sent directly from the college in a sealed envelope or hand-carried to Concordia University.

Mail to: Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Concordia University Irvine
1530 Concordia West
Irvine, CA 92612

Step 3: Submit your official High School transcript.
Official high school transcript (which indicates and verifies graduation) must be sent directly from the high school in a sealed envelope or hand-carried to Concordia University.

Admission Deadline

Fall Semester

TypeApply byNotified by
Early ActionNovember 15Mid-December
Early Action II (Priority)February 15March 1
Rolling AdmissionsJuly 27

Note: Applications received after February 15 are reviewed on a rolling basis, and it is recommended that students apply well in advance. 

Spring Semester

For Regular decision type, apply by January 3.

For more information, click the button below.

#4. Home Schooled Students

As a homeschool student,you have taken an active & independent role in pursuing your educational goals.

Additionally, you’ll find that there are no extra admissions requirements for homeschool students at Concordia University Irvine.

However, if you’d like to learn more, click the button below

International Students Admissions

International Students are students who don’t reside in the United States, and are from another country.

The admission requirement for International students differs by each student type. Below are their requirements.

#1. First Year International Student

A first-time international student is a current high school student who will be attending a college or university for the first time.

To apply to CUI as a first-time international student, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Submit your application.
Click HERE to access the international undergraduate application. The application fee of $50 is being waived.

Step 2: Submit your official high school transcript.
Submit a transcript from each secondary and post-secondary school attended current through the time of application.

High School transcripts will be considered official only when sent directly from the high school guidance counselor to the admissions counselor through email or through the mail in a sealed envelope or hand-carried to Concordia University Irvine in a sealed envelope.

ALL non-US equivalent transcripts must arrive with a certified English evaluation and translation documenting your coursework, examinations are taken, grades received, passing and maximum marks, and evidence of secondary school graduation.

The student must have a minimum GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent to that according to the grading system used by the country that a student is applying from.

Note: CUI does not have a translation or evaluation service, and students are required to submit records in English.

Admission Deadline

Fall Semester

TypeOutside the USInside the US
Application deadlineJune 1July 1
Deposit deadlineJuly 15August 1

Spring Semester

TypeOutside the USInside the US
Application deadlineNovember 1Decemeber 1
Deposit deadlineDecember 1December 15

For more information, click the button below.

#2. Transfer International Student

To apply to CUI as a transfer international student, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Submit your application
You can do so through the CUI Online International Application, Common App, or Paper International Application.

The application fee of $50 is waived.

Step 2: Submit your official college transcripts

If transferring from a school within the United States:
Official transcript from each institution attended, covering all collegiate-level work under-taken during your absence from Concordia.

Official transcripts must be mailed directly from the college in a sealed envelope or hand-carried to the Admissions Office:

Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Concordia University Irvine
1530 Concordia West
Irvine, CA 92612

If transferring from a school outside of the United States:

Please ask for a Detail Report with Course Level Identification (also known as a course-by-course report with course level identification).

Official transcript from each institution attended, covering all collegiate-level work under-taken during your absence from Concordia must be mailed directly from the college in a sealed envelope or hand-carried to the Admissions Office:

Please contact IERF (https://www.ierf.org/for-individuals/standard-application/)

A 2.3 cumulative GPA is required for international transfer students.

Step 3: Submit your official test scores

The student must submit one of the following standardized tests: Scores must be sent directly from the testing institution to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Copies are considered unofficial documents.

  • SAT: The student must have at least a 430 Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing score, Total Score for Evidenced-Based Reading, Writing and Math 980. School Code 4069
  • ACT: The student must have a minimum composite score of 18. School Code 0027
  • TOEFL: This is an English language proficiency test taken by non-native speakers of English. A minimum iBT score of 79.
  • IELTS: A minimum band of 6.5.

Note: Official Test Score Report must be mailed directly from the Testing Center in a sealed envelope or hand-carried to the Admissions Office:

Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Concordia University Irvine
1530 Concordia West
Irvine, CA 92612

Step 4: Submit your official high school transcripts

Official high school transcript (which indicates and verifies graduation) must be sent directly from the high school in a sealed envelope or hand-carried to the Admissions Office.

If high school transcripts are not documented in English or are not calculated in the US GPA grading system, it must be translated by an independent credential evaluation agency listed below:

Please contact IERF (https://www.ierf.org/for-individuals/standard-application/)

Please ask for a Detail Report (also known as course-by-course report)

For more information, click the button below.

#3. For Admitted Students

In order to obtain a Form I-20 from Concordia University Irvine, the student must first be admitted into the university.

After you are admitted, you will need an immigration document (I-20) to apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country.

Here are the steps you need to follow to receive an I-20 from Concordia University Irvine:

Step 1: Submit your deposit at www.cui.edu/deposit

Step 2: Submit the I-20 Request Form (NEW/Admitted Student) and Supporting Financial Proof to Your Immigration Specialist

Step 3: Receiving Your Immigration Document. Your I-20 will be issued within 2 weeks from the time the Global Programs office receives and reviews all of your documents. You will receive it at the mailing address you provided on your I-20 Request Form.

Step 4: Pay the SEVIS Fee

Step 5: Apply for a Visa. After you receive your immigration documents, you will need to apply at the US Embassy or Consulate in your country for your F-1 visa.

Step 6: Enter U.S. within 30 days before program starting date on I-20

For more information, click the button below

Graduate Student Admission

If you are applying to Concordia University Irvine as a graduate, follow these simple steps.

Step 1: Visit Graduate Academic programs

Step 2: Choose any of the programs you wish to apply for. The application process is distinct to each program.

Step 3: Submit the following supporting documents

  1. Your official transcript showing a conferred bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75
  2. Current resume or vita showing 1-2 years of work experience
  3. Two current letters of recommendation
  4. Statement of Intent
  5. A $50 nonrefundable application fee

NOTE: The GMAT exam is not compulsory.

Concordia University Irvine Scholarships

Concordia University Irvine offers scholarships to new students only. All scholarship amounts are based on full-time undergraduate status for the entire academic year to qualify and maintain Concordia University institutional scholarship opportunity.

A student needs to maintain the required 2.5 cumulative GPA (Regents, Provost, Dean, Trustee, Transfer Academic) or 3.3 cumulative GPA (Honors) or 3.5 cumulative GPA (Presidential Honors) by the end of the spring semester each semester for the academic scholarship to be automatically renewed.

Below is a list of available scholarships offered by Concordia Irvine for the 2024 academic year.

#1. Presidential Honors Scholarship

Eligible Level: New freshmen
Worth: Full Tuition
Requirements: 3.9 GPA, SAT of 1370 (Evidence-based Reading and Writing plus Math) or 30 ACT
International Students: TOEFL 92(IBT) /IELTS above 6.5

#2. Honors Scholarship

Eligible Level: New freshmen
Worth: $26,000
Requirements: 3.7 GPA, SAT of 1280 (Evidence-based Reading and Writing plus Math) or 27 ACT
International Students: TOEFL 92(IBT) /IELTS above 6.5

#3. Regents Scholarship

Eligible Level: New freshmen
Worth: $19,000
Requirements: Minimum cumulative GPA – 2.5

#4. Provost Scholarship

Eligible Level: New freshmen
Worth: $16,000
Requirements: Minimum cumulative GPA – 2.5

#5. Dean Scholarship

Eligible Level: New freshmen
Worth: $13,000
Requirements: Minimum cumulative GPA – 2.5

#6. Trustee Scholarship

Eligible Level: New freshmen
Worth: $10,000
Requirements: Minimum cumulative GPA – 2.5

#7. Transfer Academic Scholarship

Eligible Level: New Transfer students only
Worth: $16,000 for 3.70 – 4.00 GPA
$14,000 for 3.40 – 3.69 GPA
$12,000 for 3.00 – 3.39 GPA
$10,000 for 2.50 – 2.99 GPA
Requirements: Cumulative GPA from community, state, or private college with 30 completed units.
International Students: TOEFL 79(IBT) /IELTS above 6.5

#8. Christ College Church Vocations Scholarship

Eligible Level: All new students
Worth: $22,000, includes all institutional aid resources
Requirements: Application required, 3.0 GPA and a member of LCMS congregation and who intends to serve in a full-time LCMS church career profession.

#9. Christ College Scholarship

Eligible Level: All new students
Worth: $3,000
Requirements: Application required. Member of LCMS congregation and who intends to serve in a full-time LCMS church career profession.

#10. Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, and Forensics Scholarships

Eligible Level: All new students
Worth: Amounts vary depending on the number of students who qualify and funds available; awarded on ability in the area of interest.
Requirements: Application required to the individual department.

#11. Athletic Scholarship

Eligible Level: All new students
Worth: Amounts vary
Requirements: Determined by individual sport.

For more information about scholarships offered by Concordia University Irvine, click the button below.

Additionally, Concordia University Irvine offers financial aids and grants to its students to enable them to study with ease.

Concordia University Irvine Notable Alumni

  • Cameron Gliddon – professional basketball player in Australia
  • Misty May-Treanor – three-time Olympic gold medalist; beach volleyball champion
  • J. A. O. Preus III – former president of the university
  • Christian Ramirez – professional soccer player
  • Rod Rosenbladt – professor of theology

For further enquiries about DeVry University, visit the school’s official website by clicking the button below.

FAQs on Concordia University Irvine

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 is among what you need to gain admission into Concordia University Irvine.

Concordia University Irvine has an acceptance rate of 71%.

No, its not hard to get into the school. However, you need to have good grades and a high GPA to be admitted into the school.

Yes, the school requires your SAT and ACT scores if you are applying for admission into the university as a freshman.

Concordia University Irvine is a private Lutheran Christian University in Irvine California. It is one of the nine colleges and universities of the Concordia University System.

EDITOR’S RECOMMENDATION

You May Also Like