Acceptance Rate
66%
“A tight-knit Lutheran university in sunny Irvine, blending faith with a personalized liberal arts education.”
Irvine, CA
Location
Large City
Campus Setting
Nestled in the heart of Irvine, California, Concordia University-Irvine was founded in 1976 as Christ College Irvine by the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, with a mission to integrate Christian faith into higher education. What started as a small institution focused on preparing students for church vocations has grown into a broader liberal arts university, yet it retains a deep commitment to spiritual growth alongside academic rigor. Its location in one of Orange County’s safest and most planned communities offers a suburban calm that contrasts with the bustle of nearby Los Angeles, giving you a peaceful backdrop for your college years.
This school shines for students who value a close community and seek a faith-based perspective woven into their learning. You’ll find a campus where personal attention from professors and staff feels like a priority, and where chapel services and spiritual discussions are a natural part of life. However, if you’re looking for a large, diverse university with a secular focus or a high-energy urban setting, Concordia’s smaller scale and religious foundation might feel limiting.
Irvine itself is a master-planned city known for its manicured neighborhoods, corporate headquarters, and proximity to stunning beaches like Newport and Laguna, just a short drive away. You can expect a safe, family-friendly environment, but the cost of living in this affluent area is notably high, which might stretch budgets for off-campus housing or weekend outings. Concordia’s identity is rooted in creating a supportive space for self-discovery through faith, academics, and service, appealing to those who want a quieter, values-driven college experience.
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Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Available Online
Degree Levels Offered
Concordia University-Irvine stands out for its personalized approach to education, with a strong emphasis on liberal arts grounded in Lutheran values. You’ll encounter programs like nursing, business, and education that are particularly well-regarded, often incorporating hands-on experiences such as clinical placements or internships in nearby Orange County businesses. The university also offers a unique focus on theology and ministry preparation for those interested in church leadership, with coursework that blends scripture with practical skills.
Classrooms here tend to foster discussion and connection, thanks to the smaller student body of under 2,000 undergraduates, which means you’re unlikely to get lost in a sea of faces during lectures. Expect professors to know your name and invest in your growth, though this intimacy comes with a tradeoff: the range of majors and course offerings isn’t as expansive as at larger universities. If you’re set on a highly specialized or niche field, you might find the academic catalog a bit narrow, but for those seeking a well-rounded education with a personal touch, Concordia delivers a nurturing intellectual space.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
1,544 undergrad • 2,114 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
49%
Black / African American
6%
Hispanic / Latino
28%
Asian
8%
Other / Multi-racial
9%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Irvine, CA
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life at Concordia University-Irvine feels warm and familial, shaped by its small size and faith-centered ethos. You’ll likely spend much of your week in a rhythm of classes, chapel gatherings, and community events like service projects or student-led worship nights, which build a sense of belonging. Traditions such as the annual Christmas concert, where the university choir performs in a stunning local venue, create memorable highlights, while the social scene leans toward low-key hangouts rather than a dominant party culture.
Living on campus is common for many students, with residence halls fostering tight bonds, though space can be limited, so applying early for housing is wise. The Southern California weather is a major perk—think sunny days year-round—but the surrounding Irvine area, while safe and polished, lacks the gritty urban edge or nightlife some might crave. Off-campus costs can add up quickly in this pricey region, so budgeting for outings to nearby beaches or Disneyland requires planning, yet the campus vibe remains a cozy haven for those who prioritize community over chaos.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Pacific West Conference
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
No
Navy
No
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Credit for military training
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Recognized student veteran organization
Yes
Member of DoD Voluntary Educational Partnership MOU
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$17,726
$30K – $48K
$18,513
$48K – $75K
$21,900
$75K – $110K
$26,460
$110K+
$30,209
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
75%
4 Years Graduation Rate
62%
6 Years Graduation Rate
68%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$65,083
75% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Concordia University-Irvine and return in the fall. 62% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 68% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
62%
4-5 years
6%
6-8 years
1%
Non-grad
31%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$39,330
Acceptance
66%
Undergrads
1,544
4-Year Grad Rate
62%
Endowment
$79M
Irvine, CA 92612-3203
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