Concordia University, St. Paul

Concordia University, St. Paul, is a private university founded in 1893 in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The university emphasises a Christ-centred education and offers diverse academic programmes. The Higher Learning Commission accredits it and has been recognised for its educational excellence. Concordia University, St. Paul also boasts a vibrant athletic programme, competing as the Golden Bears in NCAA Division II sports, and has a solid commitment to community engagement and student success.

Things To Consider Before Applying

Applying to your desired university requires a fair amount of work before starting. Preparing crucial documents and degree percentages can decide your course of action. 

Entry Requirements

Concordia University, St. Paul entry requirements vary based on the level of study—undergraduate, foundation, or postgraduate. Here’s a summary:

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

1. Transcripts:
   • Submit official high school transcripts.
   • Transfer applicants must submit official transcripts from each college or post-secondary school attended.
2. Test Scores (optional):
   • ACT or SAT scores are optional under the university's test-optional policy.
3. English Proficiency (for international students):
   • Submit TOEFL, IELTS, or other accepted English language test scores.
4. Additional Requirements:
   • Admissions essay (500 words)
   • Certificate of Finances
   • Personal statement of goals (for graduate applicants)

Graduate Admission Requirements

1. Transcripts: Submit official college transcripts.
2. English Proficiency (for international students):
   • Submit TOEFL, IELTS, or other accepted English language test scores.
3. Additional Requirements:
   • Statement of Purpose to study in the U.S. (300 words)
   • Letters of recommendation
   • GMAT or GRE (optional)
   • Programme-specific requirements (varies by course)

Documents

Gathering all necessary Concordia University, St. Paul documents, you must submit several important documents as part of your application process. Here’s a summary of the required documents for both undergraduate and graduate programmes:

Required Documents for Undergraduate Admission

1. Academic Transcripts:
   • Official high school transcripts showing your academic performance.
2. Standardised Test Scores (if applicable):
   • SAT or ACT scores, though CSU has made these optional for admission.
3. English Language Proficiency:
   • TOEFL, IELTS, or other acceptable test scores for non-native English speakers.
4. Personal Statement:
   • A personal essay or statement that outlines your motivations and qualifications.
5. Letters of Recommendation:
   • Typically, one or two letters from teachers or counsellors who can speak to your abilities and character.

Required Documents for Graduate Admission

1. Academic Transcripts:
   • Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended.
2. English Language Proficiency:
   • TOEFL, IELTS, or other acceptable test scores for non-native English speakers.
3. Statement of Purpose:
   • A detailed essay outlining your academic interests, career goals, and reasons for pursuing the specific graduate programme.
4. Letters of Recommendation:
   • Typically, three letters from academic or professional references who can attest to your qualifications.
5. Resume or CV:
   • A current resume or curriculum vitae detailing your academic and professional experiences.

Additional Requirements for International Students

• Financial Support Documentation:
  • Proof of financial resources to cover tuition and living expenses.
• Copy of Passport:
  • A clear copy of your passport for identification purposes.

How To Apply To Concordia University, St Paul?

Concordia University, St. Paul's admission process is relatively streamlined, with distinct undergraduate and postgraduate programme procedures. The application processes are different but straightforward if you aim to pursue either. Here is a step-by-step process for applying for both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes:

1. Create an Account: Create an account on the Concordia University application portal.
2. Complete the Application: Fill out the online application form. You can apply directly through the university's website or the Common Application. Students can also use the UniScholars website to fast-track their application process. 
3. Submit Required Documents:
   • Official Transcripts: Provide official high school transcripts for first-year applicants or college transcripts for transfer students.
   • Admissions Essay: Write a 500-word essay on a topic of your choice.
   • Standardised Test Scores: This academic year's SAT or ACT scores are optional.
   • English Proficiency: For international students, submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to demonstrate English language proficiency.
4. Application Fee: There is no application fee for applying to Concordia University, St. Paul.
5. Review and Submit: Ensure all information is accurate and complete before submitting your application.
6. Check Application Status: After submission, you can track your application status through the portal. Decisions are typically made within 3-5 days of receiving all required documents.
7. Acceptance and Enrollment: Upon acceptance, complete the acknowledgement of acceptance and pay any required deposits to receive your I-20 for visa processing.

Deadlines

Understanding the Concordia University, St. Paul deadline is to ensure your submission is considered for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. While these dates may vary slightly each academic year, these general dates can help you plan your final application submission.

Undergraduate Admission Deadlines

• Fall Semester:
  • Priority Deadline: December 1
  • Final Deadline: July 1
• Spring Semester:
  • Deadline: November 1

Graduate Admission Deadlines

• Fall Semester:
  • Final Deadline: July 1
• Spring Semester:
  • Deadline: November 1
• Summer Semester:
  • Deadline: March 1

Decision Dates

The decision dates for admissions vary depending on the type of application submitted. Applicants can expect to receive decisions within a few weeks of applying for undergraduate programmes. Concordia University, St. Paul, communicates the outcome via email and updates the applicant portal accordingly.
 

Undergraduate Admission Decision Dates

• Early Action: Decisions are typically released in January for applications submitted by the December 1 deadline.
• Regular Decision: Decisions are generally released in February for applications submitted by the February 1 deadline.
• After these dates, applications are considered on a rolling basis, and decisions may be communicated throughout March and April.

Graduate Admission Decision Dates

• Graduate programme decision dates vary by programme. Generally, decisions are communicated within 4-6 weeks after the application deadline.

Concordia University, St Paul Selection Criteria

Every Concordia University application is evaluated individually, considering the evidence presented in the application form against the specific criteria of the desired course.

Undergraduate Selection Criteria

1. Academic Qualifications:
   • A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.
   • Official high school transcripts must be submitted.
2. English Language Proficiency:
   • Non-native English speakers must provide proof of English proficiency through tests such as:
   • TOEFL: Minimum score of 78.
   • IELTS: Minimum score of 6.0.
   • PTE: Minimum score of 52.
3. Standardised Test Scores:
   • SAT or ACT scores are optional; applicants can apply as test-optional.
4. Additional Documents:
   • A 500-word admissions essay on a topic of the applicant's choice.
   • Letters of recommendation are encouraged but not mandatory.

Graduate Selection Criteria

1. Academic Qualifications:
   • A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 3.0 is typically required.
2. English Language Proficiency:
   • Similar to undergraduate requirements, non-native speakers must submit English proficiency test scores.
3. Standardised Test Scores:
   • GRE or GMAT scores are optional for most graduate programmes.
4. Additional Documents:
   • Official college transcripts.
   • Statement of Purpose (300-500 words) outlining the applicant's goals and reasons for pursuing the programme.
   • Letters of recommendation.
5. Programme-Specific Requirements:
   • Some programmes may have additional prerequisites or requirements, such as a valid teaching licence for education programmes or a writing sample for creative writing.

Concordia University, St. Paul Acceptance Rate

Concordia University, St. Paul’s acceptance rate is approximately 69%. This indicates that the university has a moderately selective admissions process, meaning that out of every 100 applicants, about 69 are admitted. Students who gain admission typically have an average ACT score ranging from 22 to 28. The university employs a holistic review process, considering academic performance, standardised test scores (if submitted), and personal essays, among other factors in the admissions decision.

Fees

Concordia University, St. Paul fees can vary based on your programme of study and whether you are a domestic or international student. This will give you a comprehensive understanding of the costs and help you plan accordingly. Here's an overview of the fees:

Tuition Fees

• Traditional Undergraduate Tuition: $12,800 per semester, $25,600 per academic year (12-19 credits)
• Undergraduate Part-Time Status: $420 per credit hour (1-11 credits)
• Summer Semester: $420 per credit hour
• Graduate Tuition: Varies by programme

Estimated Cost of Attendance

• Tuition & Fees: $25,600

Scholarships

Concordia University, St. Paul offers various scholarships to international students, including:

• Academic Scholarships: $3,500 - $38,000 per year
• Talent Scholarships (Music, Theatre, Athletics): $500 - $1,000 per year
• Concordia St. Paul Full Tuition Pell Commitment: Full tuition coverage for eligible students

CSP is considered one of the most affordable private universities in the Twin Cities area. To make education more accessible, it offers comprehensive financial aid packages, including scholarships, grants, and loans.