Concordia University-Wisconsin
Concordia University-Wisconsin — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Concordia University-Wisconsin at a Glance
Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) is a private Lutheran university in Mequon, Wisconsin, United States. It is part of the Concordia University System operated by the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS). The university is organized into six constituent schools in arts and science, business, education, health professions, nursing, and pharmacy. The university had an enrollment of about 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students in 2022. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
1881
145 years old
$143M
$142.6 million (2025)
4,577
2,363 undergrad · 2,214 grad
200 acres
Identity
Is Concordia University-Wisconsin Worth It?
At a value score of 26/100, Concordia University-Wisconsin is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $56,075 — 4% above average — while paying $36,201/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.6-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 66% graduation rate means roughly 34% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Concordia University-Wisconsin has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Concordia University-Wisconsin compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in WI
Ranked #131 of 161 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Saint Xavier University | 77 | $10,970 | $58,656 |
| #2 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #3 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #4 | Pacific Lutheran University | 60 | $19,589 | $66,990 |
| #5 | Niagara University | 59 | $17,248 | $56,196 |
| #6 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #131 | Concordia University-Wisconsin | 26 | $36,201 | $56,075 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Concordia University-Wisconsin's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 7 in WI.
Best Programs at Concordia University-Wisconsin
The highest-earning program at Concordia University-Wisconsin is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $59,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Theological and Ministerial Studies at $13,700/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Concordia University-Wisconsin earns $59,700, while a Theological and Ministerial Studies graduate earns $13,700. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $25,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Theological and Ministerial Studies.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $36,201/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $59,700 | $59,700 | $25,000 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $48,000 | $48,000 | $27,000 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services | $47,800 | $47,800 | $26,027 |
| Human Resources Management and Services | $47,100 | $47,100 | $30,410 |
| Computer Science | $46,600 | $46,600 | $27,000 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions | $45,200 | $45,200 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $39,700 | $39,700 | $27,000 |
| Marketing | $36,900 | $36,900 | $27,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $34,400 | $34,400 | $27,000 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $32,200 | $32,200 | $25,117 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $31,800 | $31,800 | $26,000 |
| Biology, General | $28,300 | $28,300 | $26,500 |
| Theological and Ministerial Studies | $13,700 | $13,700 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in WI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Mequon, WI
- Student Body
- 2,197 students
- Admission Rate
- 78%
- Graduation Rate
- 66%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $36,201
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $56,075
- Median Student Debt
- $25,750