Concordia University Chicago

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For over 160 years, Concordia University Chicago has been preparing the next generation of leaders with the knowledge, faith and values to make an impact in the world. To share the gifts God gave them and answer the call to a life fulfilled by purpose and truth. To be living examples of what it means to serve a cause greater than themselves.

Founded in 1864 as Addison Lutheran Teachers Seminary, Concordia University Chicago has grown from a small, single-discipline institution to a globally focused liberal arts university. Since its humble beginnings, Concordia-Chicago has experienced decades’ worth of growth and expansion, paving the way for not only exceptional teacher education programs, but also an ever-widening curriculum addressing the needs of the church and world. Today CUC is home to more than 5,000 full-time students enrolled in baccalaureate, master's and doctoral study.

Alongside the growth and changes experienced by the University, there has been one constant: Christ has always been held at the center of everything it does.

At Concordia University Chicago, we don’t shrink from our faith—we lead with it. We educate all our students by placing Christ at the center of all we do. We’re true to the entire witness of the inspired Word of God and the age-old confessions of our Lutheran faith, as well as to the classical heritage of robust academic inquiry and formation through the liberal arts.

As Lutheran university that embodies Christian teaching and virtue, nurturing students’ spiritual lives is an essential piece of the college experience. Faith matters at CUC. It is woven into nearly every aspect of student life, both inside the classroom and out.

Through campus ministries, activities and relationships with faculty, staff and classmates, our students experience countless opportunities to grow in their faith and as they live out the Word of God.

An institution of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, Concordia-Chicago is one of six independent colleges and universities that are part of a nationwide Concordia University System. The doctrine and beliefs of the church guide both our academic teaching and our practice of the faith.

The CUC community treats all people as precious individuals. As human beings made in the image of God. Here, students are inspired, challenged and appreciated for their contributions.

We stand tall for achievement, empowering our students to determine their own futures. Our programs place a primary emphasis on nurturing a deep sense of vocation—God’s calling to each of us to serve one another and the common good.

CUC students, faculty, staff and visitors enjoy the historic, suburban villages of River Forest and Oak Park that immediately surround campus. With easy access to public transportation, having Chicago just 10 miles from campus means there’s a world of unforgettable experiences waiting to be explored. As the third largest city in the U.S., Chicago’s strength as an international business hub—including 35 Fortune 500 company headquarters—provides ideal opportunities for students to gain experience through internships and pursue countless career opportunities.