UNIVERSITY
Concordia University Chicago
Study at Concordia University Chicago (CUC), a private non-profit, Lutheran-affiliated university founded in 1864 and located in River Forest, Illinois — just 10 miles west of downtown Chicago. With 100+ undergraduate and graduate programs across five colleges, a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and generous scholarships available for international students.
key facts
Key Facts about
concordia University Chicago
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Established | 1864 (as Addison Teachers Seminary; became Concordia University Chicago in 1979) |
| Type | Private, Non-profit University (Lutheran – Missouri Synod affiliation) |
| Location | River Forest, Illinois, USA (10 miles from downtown Chicago) |
| QS World Ranking 2025 | #129 – Regional Universities (Midwest) |
| Total Students | 4,770+ (Undergraduate + Graduate) |
| International Students | Students from 50+ countries worldwide |
| Campuses | 7400 Augusta Street, River Forest, IL 60305, USA |
Universities
Why Choose Concordia University Chicago?
CUC is an excellent choice for Nepali students seeking quality, internationally connected education in the USA. With a close-knit campus community, strong faculty mentorship, and proximity to Chicago's career and cultural opportunities, CUC prepares students for real-world success across business, education, counselling, and technology.
Prime Chicago Location
CUC's campus is just 10 miles from Chicago — one of America's top financial, technology, and healthcare hubs — giving students unmatched access to internships, employment, and networking. River Forest is one of the safest suburbs in Illinois, with easy CTA and Metra train connections to the city.
Strong Scholarships for International Students
CUC offers generous merit-based scholarships to international undergraduate students. Average non-need-based award for first-year students is USD 24,168/year. 79% of all enrolled students receive institutional grants or scholarships, with an average aid amount of USD 22,929/year — substantially reducing the total cost of attendance.
Affordable Graduate Programs
Graduate tuition at CUC is approximately USD 10,782/year — significantly below comparable US private universities — making it one of the most cost-effective options for Nepali students pursuing a Master's or Doctoral degree in the USA.
Career-Ready Programs
CUC's programs in education, business, counselling, and STEM are professionally accredited and aligned with high-demand industries in Illinois and the broader Midwest. Graduate students in STEM-designated programs (e.g., Data Analytics, Computer Science) are eligible for 24-month OPT extension after graduation.
Program
Courses at Concordia University Chicago
Undergraduate Programs
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BBA)
Offered through the College of Business. Focus on management, finance, marketing, accounting, and international business with strong internship connections in the Chicago metro area.
Postgraduate Programs
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Offered through the College of Business. Covers strategy, leadership, finance, and analytics; available on-campus and fully online. Eligible for international graduate scholarships.
Fees
Average Annual Tuition
| Level | Fee (USD/NPR) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $37,488/year ($1,104/credit hour for part-time) |
| Postgraduate | $10,782/year ($581/credit hour) |
Scholarships
Scholarships for Nepali Students
| Scholarship Name | Eligibility | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| International Excellence Scholarship | All incoming international UG applicants; automatically reviewed at admission based on academic record; no separate application required | USD 13,000 – 19,000/year (renewable based on academic standing) |
| International Graduate Scholarship | Incoming international graduate students; automatically considered upon admission; varies by program | Partial tuition reduction; contact Graduate Admission for program-specific details |
| Athletic Gran | International undergraduates with NCAA Division II-level athletic ability; performance review required | Varies by sport and performance level |
Intakes
Upcoming Intakes for Nepali Students
Undergraduate Admission Requirements
High school diploma or +2 equivalent, official translated transcripts, IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 72+ iBT (or Duolingo 95+), passport copy, certified financial support document. Application fee: waived for all applicants. SAT/ACT: optional (test-optional policy). Foreign credentials must be evaluated by ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators). All documents must be received at least 2 months prior to the expected term of enrollment.
Postgraduate Admission Requirements
Bachelor's degree with minimum GPA of 2.85/4.0, official sealed transcripts with certified English translations (evaluated by WES or ECE), IELTS 6.0+ or TOEFL 72+ iBT (PTE 61+ or Password 6.0 also accepted), Statement of Purpose (SOP), professional resume/CV, 2 Letters of Recommendation (LORs), certified financial support document. Application fee: $75. GRE/GMAT: not required for most programs. Documents due at least 4 weeks before term start.
| intake | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall (August) | At least 2 months prior for UG / 4 weeks prior for PG (rolling admissions; apply early) |
| Spring (January) | At least 2 months prior for UG / 4 weeks prior for PG (rolling admissions; apply early) |
Accommodation and Living
Student Housing and Living Costs
Accommodation Options:
On-Campus: CUC offers on-campus residence hall options in the safe, leafy suburb of River Forest. All facilities include dining services, a fitness centre, and campus security. First-year students are encouraged to live on campus.
Room & Board: USD 850 – 1,100/month (≈ NPR 113,000 – 146,000); annual room & board ~$11,872/year
Off-Campus: Shared apartments, studios, or homestays in River Forest, Oak Park, and surrounding Chicago suburbs.
Rent: USD 700 – 1,200/month (≈ NPR 93,000 – 159,000)
Part-Time Work Opportunities:
On-campus: Library, administrative offices, student services, dining, and work-study roles
Off-campus: Retail, hospitality, tutoring (after first academic year on F-1 visa)
Hour limit: Up to 20 hours/week during academic sessions (full-time allowed during official breaks)
Average wage: USD 15 – 17/hour (Illinois minimum wage: $15.00/hour as of 2025)
| Expense | Cost Range (USD/NPR) |
|---|---|
| Housing | USD 850 – 1,100/month |
| Food | USD 350 – 550/month |
| Transport | USD 80 – 150/month |
| Miscellaneous | USD 100 – 200/month |
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
The average cost is USD 25,000 to 55,000 per year, including tuition, living, and visa fees. That's around NPR 33–73 lakhs depending on the university.
Yes, the USA offers world-class education, strong OPT/CPT work options, and excellent career prospects. It is home to many of the world's top-ranked universities and is highly student-friendly.
Most universities require a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0 (equivalent to 60–75% in +2). Highly competitive universities like Columbia may require near-perfect academic records.
Yes, most universities require IELTS 6.0–7.0 or TOEFL 61–100+ iBT depending on the program level. Some universities also accept PTE or Duolingo.
With strong academic documents, proof of financial support, and a clear study plan, Nepali students can successfully obtain an F-1 student visa. Approval rates improve significantly with a well-prepared application and a genuine intent to study.