About Concordia

Why Concordia

Based in the liberal arts, Concordia University Chicago provides a Christian education in the Lutheran tradition.  Whether enrolled in undergraduate or graduate programs, Concordia University Chicago students are part of a learning community where:

- Professors are passionate about their teaching and student success

- Programs are offered in relevant fields to meet emerging needs of society

- Students are individually challenged

- Real-world experiences and meaningful internships are plentiful for undergraduates and graduate students

- Christian values are put into practice

- Students of various faiths are welcomed to a caring, Christian educational environment

The 2011-12 academic year marks another consecutive year in which total enrollment exceeded 5,000 students – this tells a story about the commitment, innovation and leadership that attracts students to forge their futures at Concordia-Chicago.   CUC graduates make a difference in the world. 

Distinctive academic programs designed to meet emerging and diverse learning, and opportunities to learn from and serve others are cornerstones of the CUC educational experience.  Whether assisting youth at a local Boys and Girls Club, choosing to provide English language instruction to children in underserved and high need teaching areas, or establishing an international school in Shanghai, Concordia-Chicago students, faculty, staff and alumni create a lasting impact in communities.

Building homes in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, or leading a global initiative in fighting world hunger by coordinating the involvement of area elementary, high school and college students in packing more than 100,000 nutritionally balanced meals for shipment to children in Haiti, Concordia students are making a difference in the lives of others, worldwide.  The University currently partners with 10 Chicago metropolitan social service agencies, schools and organizations.

Here are perspectives from some of our current students when asked “Why Concordia?”

  • more Bree Smith

    Here at CUC, I get more individualized training and a personalized educational experience because of the small class sizes. I believe that if I would have gone to a bigger university, I would not have gotten such a one-one-one connection with my professors.
  • more Daniel Mueller

    What’s been great about CUC is the opportunity to be involved and be a leader in so many different areas. 
  • more Dehlia DeLeon

    There are always events for students to get involved in and meet new people. There are spiritual life groups on campus like Ministry with Concordia, Ministry with the World, and Ministry with Chicago. I’ve even participated in the Urban Plunge.
  • more Ryan Strehlow

    Every day there's an opportunity for my faith to grow here in some way — it's a matter of whether you take advantage of it.
  • more Katie Seccombe

    I value the many opportunities to try something new, from handing out water at the Chicago Marathon for my Fitness and Wellness class to volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club of West Cook County with my freshman Freedom and Responsibility class.
  • more Ronald Roman

    I’m inspired to learn because of the love the professors have for what they’re doing. They are so passionate about what they are teaching and it makes you want to learn more. It’s clear that they’re doing exactly what they want to be doing.