An institution of the Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod
Welcome to Concordia University Chicago. Where ideas inspire you, the Gospel lives and forms you and God’s calling takes root. For 160 years, Concordia University Chicago has prepared the next generation of leaders to live a life fulfilled by purpose and meaning.
As a university of the Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod (LCMS), we hold Jesus Christ at the center of all we do. We believe, teach and confess that He alone is “the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Because we aim to model Christlike behavior, our doors are open to all.
So, bring your curiosity, your personality and your values. Be a living example of what it means to serve a cause greater than yourself. Show the world what it means to STAND TALL.
CUC is a friendly community where students can feel comfortable and welcome. There is a club for every interest on campus, which I love. The welcoming environment not only makes learning easier, but also helps us develop connections with our professors.
Katie Haidl BA ‘25, Sociology
LIVE THE
Katherine Benes BA ‘25, Strategic Communication
Daily and Weekly Worship
Local and Global Ministry
Concordia Youth Ministry
Athletic Ministry
WORD.
Faith matters at CUC. You will find it woven into nearly every aspect of the student experience. Both inside the classroom and out. Through campus ministries, activities and relationships with faculty, staff and classmates, you’ll have countless opportunities to grow in your faith and stand tall as you live out the Word of God.
You feel called to a life serving others through church leadership. We can help you achieve it. The LCMS Church Professional Programs at CUC offer preparation and guidance for a vocation serving The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregations, schools and ministries, nationwide and abroad. Our location is ideal for taking advantage of a wide variety of internship and service opportunities in the Chicagoland area.
Our Programs
Classical Lutheran Educator (CLE)
Deaconess Studies
Director of Christian Education (DCE)
Director of Parish Music (DPM)
Lutheran Teacher Education (LTE)
Pre-Seminary Program
Successful graduates of our CLE, DCE, DPM, LTE and deaconess programs are eligible for a call as a commissioned minister in the LCMS. Pre-seminary graduates are fully equipped and recommended for entrance into one of the seminaries of the LCMS.
THE
ANSWER CALL.
My high school teachers inspired me to go into education. Growing up in Lutheran schools, some of my favorite teachers came out of CUC. I saw all the work they did and I was fascinated and wanted to follow in their footsteps.
Jordan Meier BS ‘26, Secondary Education-Social Studies (LTE)
Music is a long-standing tradition at CUC. The size and quality of our programs, faculty, facilities and ensembles exceed those of many other universities. The opportunity to participate in performance ensembles is available to all students with a passion for music, regardless of their major. Plus, Chicago’s rich cultural scene offers musicians inspiration as well as performance and employment prospects.
Performance Ensembles
Wind Symphony
Kapelle
Chamber Orchestra
Laudate
Männerchor
Cougar Band
Schola Cantorum
Jazz Band
University Handbell Choir
University Band
CENTER STAGE
I love that a lot of my friends are also in Kapelle. Going on tour is always so much fun because you get to know everyone so much better. It’s a bonding experience. By the end of the tour, we’re like family and you can hear it in our performances.
Anika Slayton BA ‘25, Theology/Deaconess Program
CUC was one of the first schools where I really felt at home. The coaches, admission counselors, the students--they all made me feel so welcome. The campus was a perfect fit. I had such a great experience during undergrad I decided to come back for my MBA.
Simone Wilson
MBA ‘24, Business Administration
BA ‘21, Biology
2X National Champion-400m hurdles
THE FACTS
MILES WEST OF DOWNTOWN CHICAGO
40 ACRES OF TREELINED CAMPUS
1377 UNDERGRAD STUDENTS
10 47 20
ATHLETIC TEAMS (INCLUDING 16 NCAA SPONSORED SPORTS) STATES REPRESENTED
GOLDEN APPLE (EDUCATION) SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
NEARLY 100% OF QUALIFIED STUDENTS RECEIVE FINANCIAL AID
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
10 30+
50+ MAJORS
12 45+
STUDENT CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS
90%
STUDENTS EMPLOYED OR ENROLLED IN GRAD PROGRAMS WITHIN 6 MONTHS OF GRADUATION
CHORAL & INSTRUMENTAL GROUPS
FIND YOUR
Explore your interests and learn with purpose. You will be able to take classes across a diverse range of disciplines and subjects from our four colleges. This will help you build a strong liberal arts foundation while pursuing in-depth study in your chosen field.
College of Business
College of Education
College of Health, Science & Technology
College of Theology, Arts & Humanities
Real-World Experiences
Through service activities, internships, applied research and off-campus experiences in nearby Chicago and around the world, you’ll find countless opportunities to explore new perspectives and stand tall beyond the classroom.
Biblically Grounded Values
As a university of the Lutheran Church— Missouri Synod (LCMS) and a member of its nationwide Concordia University System, the Christian faith is a fundamental aspect of our community, and you will find it to be an integral part of the academic experience.
PATH.
When my grandma was sick, I helped take care of her and realized I like to work with people. By studying nursing at CUC, I’ll be able to build a career that I enjoy while giving back to others. Nothing could be more fulfilling.
Biyanni Stinson BSN ‘26, Nursing
BE INSPIRED.
At Concordia University Chicago, you soon discover that your professors are not simply there to teach. They care about your success. Their mentorship and guidance will help prepare you to excel long after your final class is completed.
Make a Difference.
The idea of a well-rounded education is something we take seriously. As a Christian institution, we focus on connecting what you learn in the classroom with values-based service to the common good.
I took a computer science class my senior year of high school. I got so excited doing it that I was like, “I don’t care if it’s hard. I’m going to push through. I’m going to try my best. No regrets. No failure.” When I started at CUC, it was challenging at first. But they also had the resources I needed. I was able to go to tutoring and my professors were always willing to help. Through a lot of hard work and a belief in myself and from others, I’ve made it happen.
Kristina Sajic BS ‘25, Computer Science
WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
As a CUC student, you will enjoy the safe, scenic villages of River Forest and Oak Park that immediately surround campus. Explore their welcoming streets and you’ll find great local coffee shops, restaurants and stores. You’ll also have easy access to theaters, lush parks and public transportation. Spend a little time here and it’s clear to see why many consider this area one of Illinois’ best places to live.
ONE SWEET HOME.
Having Chicago just 10 miles from campus means there’s a world of unforgettable experiences waiting to be explored. Whether you’ve lived in Chicagoland your whole life or this is your first time here, every trip into the city is a chance to make it your own.
ORD
O’Hare Int. Airport
Wrigley Field
Lincoln Park Zoo
60+ museums showcasing art, culture, histor y and more
C ONC ORDIA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO D OWNTOWN CHICAGO Lake Michigan
28 miles of lakefront with 24 beaches and 19 miles of bike paths
River Forest
MDW Chicago Midway Int. Airport
20 minutes
Willis Tower
Navy Pier
Museum Campus
Guaranteed Rate Field
8 professional sports teams
74 music festivals including the Chicago Blues Festival and Lollapalooza
2,318 trips per day serving 145 stations
Convenient transportation systems (CTA* and Metra Rail) will take you wherever you want to explore in the diverse Chicagoland area.
*CTA rail lines represented by colored lines on the city limits map.
Coming into Concordia, I didn’t know anyone. Then we had this Welcome Weekend and I was like, “OK! I’ve made a zillion friends and it was easy to do.” That weekend definitely helped me realize that this was the right place for me.
Joshua Meeks BA ‘25, Secondary Education-Social Studies (LTE)
CAMPUS LIFE.
With more than 45 clubs and organizations, you’ll discover plenty of ways to find your fit. Whether you want to connect with classmates who share your interests or broaden your horizons and try something new, our student groups are a great place to begin. Of course, you can also take the lead and start a club of your own.
Make Your Move
A new chapter. A fresh start. No better place to be. CUC provides an environment where you will be engaged by new friendships and perspectives. No matter if you plan to live on campus or commute, you’ll feel like a part of the action and can take advantage of everything from dining halls and recreation facilities to libraries and academic support services. Our campus is a close-knit community where you will find encouragement along every step of your journey.
Live on Campus
It doesn’t take long for CUC to feel like home. From our welcoming, tree-lined campus to the scenic and safe neighborhood of River Forest, this is a place where memories are made every day. Lifelong friendships too. When you’re living in our residence halls, you’re always just steps away from intramural sports, musical performances, volunteer opportunities and more.
A healthy body also strengthens the mind and spirit. So, whether you want to compete for one of our 16 NCAA Division III teams or participate in some of the many activities offered by our Campus Recreation and Intramurals program, you can take fun and fitness to the next level at CUC.
ATHLETIC TEAMS
Men’s Sports
Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country
Esports
Football
Lacrosse
Soccer
Tennis
Track and Field
Volleyball
Women’s Sports
Basketball
Cheer
Cross Country
Dance
Esports
Soccer
Softball
STUNT
Tennis
Track and Field
Volleyball
I never thought I’d be good enough to play in college. But I worked every single day since 8th grade to get here. It’s a good lesson that the struggle is a blessing. Having that edge and being driven will take you somewhere in life, no matter what.
Isabelle Vernengo BS ‘24, Elementary Education
CUC’s location is ideal for finding and taking advantage of internship and employment opportunities. Chicago and the surrounding suburbs are home to the headquarters of 35 Fortune 500 companies and many of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations.
Recent Internships: Ace Hardware, Caterpillar Inc., Chick-fil-A, Concordia Publishing House, Ernest Hemingway Foundation, Fifth Third Arena, National Alliance for Mental Illness, Kane County Cougars, Northwestern Mutual, Pacers Sports & Entertainment, Windy City Thunderbolts
Recent Employers: Athletico Physical Therapy, Enterprise, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Public Schools, Coyote Logistics, Edward Elmhurst Health, Farmers Insurance, LCMS schools and churches worldwide, Minnesota Vikings, Schneider Electric, Teladoc, Thrivent Financial
It’s interesting to be near the city, because I’ve lived in a rural area pretty much my entire life. CUC is close enough if I want to go to the city I can go, but it’s not smack dab in the middle. I just think it’s a good area.
Will Schlueter BA ‘26, Theology
NEW HEIGHTS. REACH
Nursing
Our new Nursing Simulation Center is a state-of-the-art facility that creates realistic learning experiences for CUC nursing students.
SUCCESS. PREPARE FOR
Concordia University Chicago is focused on helping you thrive during your time as a student and throughout your career. We provide guidance and resources to make sure the decisions you make today help you achieve your academic, personal and professional goals tomorrow.
Individual Advising
Your academic advisors will provide personalized attention to help you select a major and choose classes that balance self-exploration with progress toward a degree.
Career Services
Our team is always here to assist you with everything from career exploration and internship planning to resume reviews and interview preparation.
Academic Support Center
We are committed to your success and offer a wide variety of academic resources, including a math center, a writing center, peer tutoring, and accessibility and accommodation services.
Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI)
As a Hispanic-Serving Institution, CUC opens the doors of opportunity to an often-underserved student population, including many first-generation students, and plays a vital role in advancing their success.
Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI)
My goal is to be a therapist and I was really impressed by CUC’s psychology department. I like that it’s small enough that I get to know my professors and the other students in my major. I feel like I’m getting so much more out of my classes than just what’s in the book. Now that I’m in my last semester, I can honestly say that CUC was the right school for me.
Karla Diaz BA ‘24, Psychology
MAKE IT
HAPPEN.
Our commitment to helping you reach your goals extends to our financial aid program. Every admitted student receives either a merit scholarship or admission award provided by the University. It’s what makes CUC one of the most affordable private universities in the Midwest.
Take the first step.
File your FAFSA® form as soon as possible so that you may be awarded all the financial aid for which you are eligible, including grants, lowinterest loans and work-study programs.
Incoming freshman students at CUC receive an average scholarship and grant award of $21,300 provided by the University.
