Concordia University-Wisconsin

Mequon, WI

private nonprofitgraduate

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Quick Facts

1881

Founded

Private university

Type

2,310

Total Students

2,363

Undergrad

2,214

Graduate

$143M

Endowment

(2025)

$34K

Tuition (In-State)

$34K

Tuition (Out-State)

$26K

Avg Net Price

68%

Acceptance Rate

64%

Graduation Rate

6-year

78%

Retention Rate

Doctoral/Professional Universities

Classification

President: Erik P. Ankerberg

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Concordia University-Wisconsin

From classical theology to a leading health sciences hub, Concordia University-Wisconsin offers transformative growth.

Nestled in Mequon, Wisconsin, Concordia University-Wisconsin is a vibrant private university with a profound legacy of academic excellence and spiritual development. What began as a modest educational endeavor in 1881 has flourished into a premier institution, recognized today as the largest Lutheran university in the United States, committed to preparing students for lives of service and leadership.

Concordia's journey is one of remarkable evolution. Initially established in Milwaukee to prepare young men for pastoral careers within the Lutheran Church, the institution steadily grew, adding years of instruction and eventually opening its doors to women in 1964. A pivotal moment arrived in 1982 with the relocation to its expansive Mequon campus, setting the stage for its elevation to full university status in 1990—a first within the Concordia University System. This transformation marked a commitment to broader educational horizons.

Under visionary leadership, Concordia University-Wisconsin experienced unprecedented growth, expanding its academic portfolio significantly. Beyond its classical education roots, CUW now boasts robust professional programs in high-demand fields such as business, nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. A standout addition is the state-of-the-art School of Pharmacy, launched in 2010, which equips students with advanced skills and provides one of only three Pharm.D. degrees available in Wisconsin, ensuring graduates are at the forefront of patient care.

Key Highlights

✦Founded in 1881, Concordia University-Wisconsin has a rich history rooted in classical education.
✦Became the first campus in the Concordia University System to achieve full university status in 1990.
✦Rapidly expanded to become the largest Lutheran college and university in North America by 1996, and remains the largest Lutheran university in the United States.
✦Offers a wide array of professional programs including business, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and a distinguished School of Pharmacy.
✦Home to a state-of-the-art School of Pharmacy building, launched in 2010, providing one of only three Pharm.D. degrees in Wisconsin.
✦A significant institution with 4,577 students and a $0.1 billion endowment.

Timeline

1881

Founded as a gymnasium in Milwaukee.

1890

Expanded to include a fifth and sixth year of instruction.

1964

Began accepting women into the junior college program.

1978

Approved to become a four-year institution.

1982

Relocated to its permanent home in Mequon, Wisconsin.

1990

Achieved full university status, becoming the first among the Concordia University System campuses.

1996

Became the largest Lutheran college and university in North America.

2010

Launched the School of Pharmacy program.

2013

Merged with Concordia University Ann Arbor.

🏛️

145 Years

of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Concordia University-Wisconsin

💊

School of Pharmacy

Launched in 2010, this program offers a Pharm.D. degree and features clinical practice labs and state-of-the-art educational technologies.

Leadership

Erik P. Ankerberg

President

Data from Wikipedia – CC BY-SA 4.0

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