In accordance with the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA), postsecondary institutions are required to provide specific consumer information to prospective students, parents, the general public and employees. This page provides links to selected general information about Concordia University Chicago (CUC), its policies, and its enrollment in a user friendly manner.
- General Institutional Information - Accreditation, Common Data Set, enrollment, FERPA and University policies
- Academics and Athletics - Academic and athletic disclosures, programs, policies and resources
- Financial Aid - Cost of attendance, net price calculator, policies and resources
- Health and Safety - Emergency response plans, vaccination / immunization policy, reports and resources
- Teacher Prep - Performance and employment data
For additional institutional information contact the Office of Institutional Research and Assessment at Research@CUChicago.edu or 708-209-3222.
Academics
Retention Rates
Sixty-seven percent (67%) of the first-time, full-time freshmen who enrolled in the Fall of 2016 returned in the Fall of 2017.
Graduation Rates
Overall four-year graduation rates for students who began their studies in fall 2009 is 47%, the six-year graduation rates is 50%, and the eight-year graduation rates is 51%.
Student Outcomes
- General Education Assessment AY 2016-2017
- Illinois Certification Test Results AY 2016-2017
- Employment Outcomes-Spring 2017 Undergraduate Post-graduation Outcomes
Textbook Information is available via the University's Barnes and Noble Bookstore.
Athletics
Athletic Program Participation
Concordia University Chicago complies with the requirements of the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA) by completing an annual report of our institution’s intercollegiate athletic programs. The report is available on the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Postsecondary Education website. To obtain documented information about CUC’s athletic programs, please contact the Athletic Department at 708-209-3116.
Institutional accreditation is an indicator of quality. Accreditation is granted to institutions that have gone through comprehensive reviews and have demonstrated strict adherence to accreditation standards in degree programs, courses, faculty, administration, and student support services. The institution must provide high quality education in order to qualify for and receive accreditation.
Accreditation also ensures that courses taken and degrees earned through Concordia University Chicago are transferable to (will be accepted by) other institutions that are also accredited by an agency that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
The accreditations, approvals and certifications of the University are based upon the University's status at the time of this update. Accreditations, approvals and certifications are subject to review and modification from time to time.
University Accreditation
Concordia University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to award baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees. All Concordia University Chicago degree programs are approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE).
Business Programs
The College of Business is a candidate for accreditation and a member of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program
The Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Education Programs
The College of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) to offer baccalaureate and graduate programs for the preparation of teachers and other professional school personnel. CAEP is a professional accreditor which reviews departments, schools and colleges that prepare teachers and other educators. In addition, the university's education programs are approved by the Illinois State Board of Education.
Music Programs
Concordia University Chicago is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Social Work Program
The Social Work Program is a candidate for accreditation and a member of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Authorization and Academic Approval by State
- Illinois State Agencies
Illinois Board of Higher Education
1 N. Old State Capitol Plaza, Suite 333
Springfield, Illinois 62701-1377
217-782-2551
Fax: 217-782-8548
TTY: 888-261-2881
info@ibhe.org
Complaint Hotline: 217-557-7359
Online Complaint Form
Illinois Office of Education, State Teacher Certification Board
100 N. First Street, Suite S-306 Springfield, Illinois 62777
217-557-6763
Students may provide feedback or register complaints with these entities at the contact information above, or with the Illinois Office of Attorney General at 800-386-5438. - Ohio State Agencies
Ohio Department of Higher Education
25 South Front Street
Columbus, OH 43215
614-466-6000
hotline@highered.ohio.gov
Link to the Online Complaint System - Concordia University Chicago has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
Specialized Professional Associations (SPA)
- Master’s - Curriculum & Instruction: ESL Endorsement (TESOL/CAEP)
- Master’s - Early Childhood (NAEYC)
- Early Childhood Education (NAEYC)
- Doctorate - Educational Leadership (ELCC)
- Master’s - Education Technology Leadership; ISBE Technology Specialist Endorsement (ISTE)
- Elementary Education (ACEI)
- English Language Arts (NCTE)
- Foreign Language Education: Spanish (ACTFL)
- Master of Arts in Teaching: Elementary Education (ACEI)
- Master of Arts in Teaching: Science Education (NSTA)
- Master of Arts in Teaching: Social Sciences (NCSS)
- Master of Arts in Teaching: English Language Arts (NCTE)
- Master of Arts in Teaching: Physical Education (NASPE)
- Master of Arts in Teaching: Mathematics (NCTM)
- Physical Education (Secondary Education) (NASPE)
- Master’s - Reading Education (ILA | IRA)
- Master’s - School Leadership (ELCC)
- Science Education (Bio. Chem. Designations) (NSTA)
- Secondary Education: Mathematics (NCTM)
- Secondary Education: Social Sciences (NCSS)
- Special Education (CEC)
- Special Education Endorsement, LBS 1 (CEC)
Affiliations
The University is a member of the following academic and collegiate associations to maintain the integrity of academic programs and operations.
- Associated College of the Chicago Area (ACCA)
- Associated Colleges of Illinois (ACI)
- Association of Lutheran College Faculties (ALCF)
- Concordia University System of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
- Council of Graduate Schools (CGS)
- Council of Independent Colleges (CIC)
- Lutheran Education Conference of North America (LECNA)
- Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education (NetVUE)
The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law which governs the institutions confidential maintenance of student education records.
Campus Banking Notice
Students receiving a financial aid refund can have it direct deposited into an account at any financial institution including a pre-existing account already belonging to the student. Please visit the Department of Education - Campus Banking Notice section for more detailed information.
Cost of Attendance
The cost of attendance (COA) estimates the annual amount needed to cover educational expenses while attending Concordia University Chicago. Several elements besides tuition, mandatory fees, room and board and residency determine the COA. It is important that you consider the cost of books and supplies, transportation and personal living expenses. Loan fees will also be added into the COA if you borrow a Federal Direct Loan to cover your educational expenses.
Diversity of Federal Pell Grant Recipients
Concordia University Chicago’s Federal Pell Grant recipients totaled 716 students, which encompassed 43% of the enrolled undergraduate (both traditional and non-traditional) student population for the 2019-2020 academic year. Of these Pell recipients, 61% were female and 39% were male. The recipients of the Federal Pell Grant consisted of:
- 40% Hispanic
- 28.6% White
- 15.5% African American
- 2.2% Asian
- 3.9% Multiracial
- 9.8% Unknown
Federal Stafford Loan Recipients
CUC’s Direct Loan recipients totaled 1,092 which encompassed 69.5% of the enrolled undergraduate (both traditional and non-traditional) student population for the 2019-2020 academic year. Of those receiving a Direct Loan, a total of 918 or 84% received the Direct Subsidized Loan and a total of 174 or 16% received the Direct Unsubsidized Loan only Please visit our main Financial Aid pages for student loan information.
| FY2016 | FY2015 | FY2014 | FY2013 | FY2012 | FY2011 | FY2010 | FY2009 | |
| Default Rate | 4.6 | 3.9 | 3.8 | 3.7 | 3.4 | 3.5 | 5 | 3.9 |
| No. in Default | 75 | 71 | 76 | 61 | 58 | 51 | 59 | 42 |
| No. in Repayment | 1,616 | 1,815 | 1,966 | 1,638 | 1,690 | 1,420 | 1,158 | 1,076 |
Financial Aid Policies
Learn more information on the financial aid available to undergraduate students, costs and policies.
Gainful Employment Programs
- Graduate Certificate in Gerontology
- Strength and Conditioning Certificate
- Fitness and Health Promotion Certificate
- Human Movement Science Certificate
- Sports Performance Training Certificate
- Sports Nutrition Certificate
Net Price Calculator
Prospective students are encouraged to utilize the Net Price Calculator. By providing basic information about themselves and their parent(s), if dependent, the Net Price Calculator will provide an estimated net cost of attendance. This tool is made available to help families better understand and prepare for college costs.
Consolidated Financial Statements
IRS Form 990
Articles of Incorporation & Bylaws
Whistle Blower Policy
Concordia University Chicago (CUC) is committed to protecting the privacy of students, employees, and other individuals interacting with the University. This notice specifically pertains to the collection and processing of personal data of those individuals who are protected by the European Union’s (EU’s) General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and contains information regarding the types of personal information CUC collects and how that information might be used.
Types of Personal Information CUC May Collect
- Student Application—Upon applying to CUC, the university may collect an individual’s demographic and contact information, educational history, test scores, financial information and additional information needed for processing the application.
- Enrollment Data—Upon enrolling at CUC, the university may collect an individual’s contact and financial information, housing and meal preferences, if applicable, and additional information as needed for enrollment purposes.
- University Inquiry—Upon requesting information about CUC, the university may collect that individual’s contact information and other information relevant to the inquiry.
- Employment—Upon applying for employment and/or being hired by CUC, the university may collect information such as the individual’s social security number and other personal information relevant for employment and conduct a criminal background check on the applicant.
- Research—Upon participating in a research study with CUC, an individual’s personal information that is relevant to the study may be collected by the university.
- Campus Event—Upon registering for an event on campus, CUC may collect an individual’s contact and billing information and other types of information relevant to the event.
- Donation—Upon donating to CUC, the university may collect the donor’s contact and billing information
- Vendor—To maximize operating efficiency, CUC may need to collect an individual’s personal information to enable vendors to provide goods and services in support of university operations.
- Cookies—Upon visiting a CUC website, cookies may be utilized to allow the website to function properly. The cookies are used to customize content, allow authorization and access to secure areas, or to analyze how the university website performs through various analytics tools.
- Email—Upon opening an email from CUC, the university may collect time data related to when the message was opened and any links or banners within were clicked.
- Feedback—Upon providing feedback to CUC, an individual’s name, email address and other personal information may be collected in order to reply accordingly.
- Health—To assist with accommodations, health information may be collected from an individual.
- Mailing List—Upon signing up for a CUC mailing list, an individual’s name, email address and other pertinent personal information may be collected.
- Publications—Personal information in relation to the publication may be collected from those who submit materials for publication, those who appear in the publication and those who subscribe to the publication.
- Surveys—Upon participating in a CUC sponsored survey, an individual’s personal information as related to the survey questions and submission may be collected.
- Web Logs--Upon visiting a CUC website, the following types of information may be collected: date, time, IP address, referring site, and browser version.
Primary Purpose for Collecting Personal Information
CUC collects personal data for many purposes, including, but not limited to the following reasons:
- To improve university services and procedures
- For conducting research
- For identification
- For marketing
- To meet contractual and/or legal obligations
- For responding to inquiries
- To provide educational instruction
Sharing of Personal Information
CUC may share information with affiliates, third parties with consent, service providers and to comply with legal requirements and processes. In addition, the institution at its discretion may provide Directory Information as per school policy.
Personal Information Retention
Personal information will be retained in accordance with university policy and state and federal law.
Protection of Personal Information
The University has put in place reasonable physical, technical, and administrative safeguards designed to prevent unauthorized access to or use of personal information that is collected.
Rights Under GDPR
The GDPR notes the following rights:
- Right of access to personal information
- Right of rectification of personal information
- Right to erasure (right to be forgotten)
- Right to restriction of processing of personal information
- Right to data portability (request a copy of personal information)
- Right to object to processing of personal information
Contact Information
Please contact the Office of the Registrar by email at registrar@cuchicago.edu or by phone at 708-209-3165 should you have any questions.
Disability Resources and Services
The mission of the Center of Accessibility and Resource for Excellence (CARE) is to provide accommodations and support for students with documented disabilities that will ensure their full engagement in university life, both in the classroom and outside the classroom.
If you have questions about accommodations, please contact Mary Wink at Mary.Wink@CUChicago.edu or 708-488-4109.
Health Policies, Procedures and Services
- Campus Health Clinic
- Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Information Policy Included in our annual Campus Security Report.
- Vaccination/Immunization Policy
Security Logs, Policies, Procedures and Reports
Campus Security Report
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is required to maintain records of all security related activity on the campus. The Concordia department of Public Safety publishes a report that discloses relevant information about campus security policies and crime statistics which can be found on the annual Campus Security Report.
Emergency Response and Evacuation
Emergency Response and Evacuation procedures are distributed to all departments and residential facilities within the University. The Emergency Guide provides steps to take in the event an emergency occurs. In addition, employees and students of CUC are encouraged to sign-up for the Emergency Notification Service. For additional information, please contact the Director of Public Safety at 708-209-3629.
Fire Emergency Plan
For specific information on CUC's fire emergency plan, please contact the Director of Public Safety at 708-209-3629.
Missing Persons Procedures
For specific information on CUC's missing persons procedures, please contact the Director of Public Safety at 708-209-3629.
Concordia University Chicago signed and submitted the Certification and Agreement for the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund for the student portion on May 8, 2020. The amount was approved and received on May 15, 2020. The Certification and Agreement for the institutional portion of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund was signed and submitted on May 29, 2020. The amount was approved and received on June 2, 2020. The University intends to use no less than 50% of the funds received under Section 18004(a)(1) to provide emergency financial aid grants to students.
Non-Discriminatory Policy as to Students
Concordia University Chicago, River Forest, Illinois admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students of the University. While it does give preference to members of the Lutheran faith, it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational polices, admissions policies and loan programs and athletic and other University-administered programs.
Non-Discrimination Employment Policy
Concordia does not discriminate in the employment of individuals on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, sex or age. However Concordia is an institution of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, and, to the extent allowed by law, reserves the right to give preference in employment based upon religion.
Additional Policy Information
Concordia University Chicago Undergraduate Admissions SMS Terms of Service
Program Description
Concordia University Chicago uses SMS messaging to communicate to prospective students important information, including but not limited to: admission deadlines, notifications, and reminders for upcoming events. These messages may be both marketing and non-marketing related in nature. By opting into this service you agree to be bound by these SMS Terms of Service.
Opt-In
Prospective students are given the opportunity to opt-in to SMS messaging when completing their admissions application by providing the mobile phone number and consenting to receiving messages.
Messaging Costs
Message and data rates may apply. Consult your wireless provider to determine the costs for receiving text messages.
Frequency
Message frequency will vary and may include up to 10 messages per month.
Opt-Out
To stop receiving messages reply “STOP” to [SHORTCODE] to opt out of future messages. If you opt-out, you will no longer receive text messages unless you re-subscribe.
HELP
You can also reply “HELP” to [SHORTCODE] for more assistance.
Liability
The University and the mobile carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages.
Privacy
The University’s privacy policy can be located at the Consumer Information page.
Career Services- The Office of Career Services serves all students beginning their first year on campus.
Counseling Center- The Counseling Center's services are available to the students of Concordia University Chicago. All services are strictly confidential and free of charge.
Residential Life - As a residential student you will live in the safe, charming neighborhood of River Forest that surrounds Concordia University Chicago.
Student Activities - Concordia University encourages all students to participate in extracurricular activities, to develop leadership skills, to make life-long friendships and to have some fun!
Voter Registration - Concordia University Chicago encourages all students to take part in their voting rights during the political election periods.
College of Education Candidate Performance
Title II of the Higher Education Act, approved by the U.S. Congress in 1998 and amended in 2008, requires institutions with teacher preparation programs to publish descriptive program information and initial certification licensure examination pass rates on a yearly basis. The purpose of this federal requirement is to provide the public with information about the training, philosophy, and quality of teacher preparation programs of institutions of higher education.
CAEP Annual Reporting Measures 2018-2019
CAEP Annual Reporting Measures 2019-2020
Data for academic year 2019-2020 are currently under development and not yet available due to an extension of the reporting due date. Data for the eight CAEP measures are expected to become available to the public by May 22, 2021.
Copyrighted Materials
Concordia University Chicago is committed to the education of its students and employees regarding copyright and fair use laws.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Information
Included in our annual Campus Security Report.
Federal Student Financial Aid Penalties for Drug Law Violations
Present in the Student Code of Conduct on Concordia Connect for enrolled students.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Financial Aid Policies
Services for Students with Disabilities
In compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act, CUC recognizes that qualified students who have diagnosed disabilities are entitled to an equal opportunity to benefit from the educational programs of the College and that reasonable academic accommodations may be necessary.