Concordia University-Wisconsin (CUW, CUW) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

Concordia University is a private, liberal arts college in Mequon, Wisconsin. The university was founded in 1881 at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. Today the university, under the operation of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, is a member of the Concordia University System.

According to the mission statement, “Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.” About 50% of students belong to the Lutheran faith.

The campus sits on 192 acres on the shore of Lake Michigan in Mequon. It features over 3 ½ miles of indoor walkways to help students move from building to building on harsh winter days. A city of 20,000 residents, Mequon is located just north of Milwaukee, offering a small-town atmosphere with convenient access to the advantages of the city.

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Information Summary

Ranks 23rd in Wisconsin and 929th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	81.2
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$44,850
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	26 / 1175
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	16 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	76% / 100%
Enrollment Total (all students)	6,374

Academics

Nearly 80 undergraduate majors, 17 graduate programs, 3 doctorate programs, and 8 accelerated adult education programs are offered. The most popular majors are education, business, and the health professions. In addition, a large number of students major in church-related disciplines, such as theology and music. About 15% of students go on to employment in church work.

This is a comprehensive university with a lot to choose from. Students enroll in one of the following undergraduate departments:

Natural Sciences
Business, Management, and Marketing
Communication and Related Programs
Computer and Information Science
Education
Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
Health Professions and Clinical Sciences
Criminal Justice and Public Policy
Liberal Arts/Sciences
Social Services
Theology and Religious Vocations
Visual and Performing Arts

Accelerated Adult Studies are available, along with Certificates/Licenses in some fields.

Library Resources

Ricker Memorial Library boasts a collection of over 114,000 print volumes and 600 print periodical subscriptions. In addition, the library offers access to nearly 20,000 additional periodicals through a series of databases. The library belongs to the Southeastern Wisconsin Information Technology Exchange, a pooled catalogue with Alverno College, Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design, Mount Mary College, Sacred Heart School of Theology, St. Francis Seimnary, and Wisconsin Lutheran College. In all, this consortium gives students access to half a million library holdings.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Unique Programs

Well-known for its many excellent musical performing groups, the school attracts many musical-career inclined prospective students, especially those with interests in baroque, classical, and romantic music.

The groups include:

The Alleluia Ringers, a 73 handchime, 6-octave touring choir which travels frequently to perform, often to Europe. The group plays frequently with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra as well.

Chapel Ringers, a 5-octave handbell choir that plays for chapel services on campus.

Concordia Chorale is a mixed voice choir that includes students, faculty, and staff. The Chorale meets over the lunch hour and performs for chapel and church services on campus as well as the annual Christmas celebration.

Jazz Ensemble is a small group of instrumentalists specializing in jazz, swing, bop, blues, and rock. The Ensemble plays for a variety of campus events.

Concordia Kammerchor is a German-style chamber choir. The group tours throughout the world and performs frequently in the community.

Organ Club is a group for students who enjoy the organ and wish to deepen their practice. The group engages in such activities as organ maintenance workshops, tours of other organs, and trips to visit organ builders.

Pep Band is a 50-member band that plays at football and basketball games.

Symphonic Wind Ensemble is an internationally known instrumental group of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The Ensemble plays at a variety of venues across the nation and on the television and radio. Several members of the Ensemble are studying to become church leaders.

String Ensemble/Chamber Orchestra is a dual format group which plays music from across the history of stringed instruments. The fall semester normally focuses on string orchestra, then wind, brass, and percussion are added in the spring semester.

Admissions

Admissions are competitive and the school is looking for recent high school graduates who excelled in their coursework. A minimum ACT score of 18 and GPA of 2.5 is required, but it should be noted that most students who are admitted have much higher scores. International students need to submit their ELS Academic Report.

The high school attended must be regionally accredited or approved by its state university. Exceptions are made to this rule so be sure to inquire if you don’t meet all of the above requirements.

Financial Aid

In addition to the wide range of state and federal financial aid options available to college and university students in Wisconsin, the school offers several of their own need- and merit-based scholarships. In addition, students can apply for grants, loans, and work-study programs to help offset the cost of tuition. Be sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in applying for federal funds.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 2710th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Wisconsin.

Students

Demographics

Roughly half of the students are enrolled full time and half are enrolled part-time. About 1/3 of the student body is male and 2/3 is female. The average class size is 19, and the student to faculty ration is 14:1.

Student Activities

There are a wide range of student clubs, activities, and events to meet a variety of personal and professional interests. The student newspaper, The Beacon, is published weekly. There is also an underground newspaper published by a secret editorial staff, known as The Shadow.

Dining on Campus

The main dining hall on campus is the Siebert Lutheran Dining Hall. Food is supplied by Sodexo. Other dining options are available from the Falcon’s Nest, a fast food restaurant and convenience store featuring deli sandwiches and pizza. The BBC, in the Rincker Library, is a coffee shop with salads and sandwiches as well.

Residing on Campus

There are several on-campus residences for students, with a variety of features:

Augsburg is comprised of double rooms for women and single rooms for both men and women. All single rooms have personal sinks. There are community bathrooms and a student lounge.

Coburg contains suites with four single bedrooms. There are kitchenettes and lounge areas with flatscreen televisions. Many rooms have a lake view.

Heidelberg is an all-women’s dorm with mostly first-year residents. Rooms are shared by 3-4 students. There is a community kitchen and lounge.

Katharine is a women’s residence consisting of suites. Each suite houses 2-4 women and a bathroom. Some rooms have a lake view, and some handicap accessible rooms are available.

Regents is a coed residence consisting of suites. Each suite houses 4 residents in 2 bedrooms and also includes a living area and bathroom. Handicap accessible rooms are available.

Wartburg is a women’s residence consisting of suites. Most suites house 4 residents in 2 bedrooms and also include a living area. There are community bathrooms. There are also some two person suites with personal bathrooms.

Wittenberg is a men’s residence with a variety of rooms, including some single rooms and some rooms with personal bathrooms. There is a quiet floor in the residence.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

The Falcons compete on the intervarsity level in NCAA Division III and the Northern Athletics Conference. Men’s sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, track and field, and wrestling. Women’s sports include basketball, cheerleading, cross country, dance, golf, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball.

Many students enjoy intramural sports as well. The school sponsors leagues in ultimate Frisbee, volleyball, sand volleyball, indoor soccer, snow football, men’s basketball, coed basketball, and softball.

Alumni

Well known alumni include:

US Congressman Andre Carson

Sheriff of Milwaukee County David A. Clarke Jr.

Theologian Martin E. Marty

NFL player John Scardina

Major league soccer player Nathan Boeckers

Accreditation

Accreditation is provided by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Concordia University-Wisconsin