Navigating Tuition Fees for International Students at Concordia University

For international students aspiring to study at Concordia University, understanding the tuition fees, payment options, and available financial aid is crucial. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the costs associated with attending Concordia University as an international student, along with available resources to help manage these expenses.

Understanding the Cost of Attendance

The total costs for international students can range from $24,000 to $33,000 USD per year. This range encompasses tuition, housing, food, and other essential living expenses. It's also advisable for students to budget around $3,600 annually for personal spending money.

Tuition and Fees Breakdown

For the 2026-27 academic year, tuition at one of Concordia's campuses, Concordia University Nebraska, is $43,000. In addition to tuition, students should factor in other costs, such as basic housing ($5,250), a meal plan ($6,700), a student services fee ($800), and student accident insurance ($160). These expenses bring the total tuition, housing, and food cost to $55,910.

It's also important to note that Concordia St. Paul's tuition for 2026-27 is $32,900.

Indirect Costs

The cost of attendance also considers indirect costs, which encompass school-related expenses during the academic year based on the student's living situation and degree program.

Payment Options

Concordia University offers several convenient payment methods to accommodate international students:

In Person: Payments can be made in person via cash, money order, personal check, or credit card.
By Phone: Payments by telephone must be made via credit card.
Online: Online payments can be made via a bank account (ACH) transaction at no additional cost or by credit card.

Electronic Check or ACH

Payments via check must be drawn from standard personal checking accounts.

Monthly Tuition Payment Plan

Students may enroll in a monthly tuition payment plan through the Concordia Connect portal. Separate payment plans must be set up for each semester. Enrollment can begin as early as April 1 for the fall semester and October 1 for the spring semester. Early enrollment allows for payments to be spread out over six months, resulting in lower monthly payments.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Opportunities

Concordia University is committed to making education accessible and offers various financial aid options for international students.

International Student Scholarships

International students can apply for scholarships based on academic merit and family need.

Read also: Financial Aid at Concordia

International Excellence Scholarships

These competitive, merit-based scholarships are awarded to international first-year or transfer students for up to four years. Current scholarships range from $13,000 to $19,000 per year for the 2026-27 academic year. The award amount is determined by the student's academic record. Admitted students who can demonstrate the ability to pay in the range of $24,000-$33,000 USD per year are eligible for a Concordia Scholarship interview.

#YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship

Concordia offers two annual, renewable scholarships that cover at least 50% of tuition to selected international undergraduate students who are dedicated to advancing intercultural learning and understanding at Concordia. For 2026-27, with tuition at $32,900, this scholarship starts at $16,450. This scholarship replaces all other scholarship funds. Applicants will participate in a video interview to further explain how they will impact the campus through their dedication to advancing intercultural learning and understanding. Applications are available after a student has been admitted.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Concordia College provides additional scholarship opportunities for students participating in visual arts, music, theatre, and speech and debate. Separate applications are required, and recipients are expected to participate in events and programs.

Concordia University, Nebraska Scholarships and Grants

Concordia University, Nebraska offers various scholarships to help finance education and reduce the overall cost of attendance. Institutional, federal, and state need-based grants are available to all incoming students based on demonstrated financial need.

Other Scholarship Programs

United World College (UWC) Davis Scholars: Concordia is recognized as a Davis UWC Scholars Program partner school.
ELCA International Women Leaders Scholarships: Concordia College partners with the ELCA Global Mission Unit to sponsor talented women leaders from around the world who have been endorsed by global companion churches. These women are expected to return home after completing their studies to serve their communities, the church, and the world.

Concordia St. Paul Scholarships

Concordia St. Paul offers several scholarships, including:

Legacy Scholarship: Awarded to newly accepted students enrolling in traditional undergraduate programs who have had a family member attend Concordia University, St. Paul.
Church Worker Scholarship: Awarded to new freshmen and transfer students who are members of an LCMS congregation.
Military Affiliated Scholarship: Awarded to newly accepted students who are dependents, spouses, or survivors of veterans and military service members.
PSEO Scholarship: Awarded to newly accepted students who were previously enrolled as a PSEO student at CSP.

On-Campus Employment

In addition to scholarships, international students are eligible to work on campus up to 20 hours per week during the school year, providing an opportunity to earn income to offset expenses.

Financial Policies and Procedures

Tuition Deposit

Upon acceptance to the University, a $300 nonrefundable tuition deposit is required to secure a spot. This payment is applied towards tuition upon arrival. The deposit is nonrefundable and expires after one calendar year.

Late Payments and Financial Holds

Students who are past due in any debt to the university will have a financial hold on their account, preventing them from registering for classes until the hold is released. No diploma will be issued for a student with an outstanding student account balance.

Withdrawal and Refunds

Students who withdraw from the University or from one or more classes will receive a pro-rated refund of tuition based on a specific schedule. The grades reflected on the transcript due to dropping a class vary depending on the timing of the withdrawal.

Transact Campus

Concordia has partnered with Transact Campus to offer international students a secure and seamless way to pay for tuition and fees in their currency of choice.

Resources for Financial Guidance

Concordia University provides resources to help students navigate their financial needs. Students can discuss their finances, account holds, or veteran benefits, and address questions about their billing statements with financial counselors.

Net Price Calculator

Concordia’s net price calculator helps estimate the net price of attendance based on what similar families have paid in the past.

Financial Aid Offer

The financial aid offer details the scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities available to help cover college costs.

Veteran and Military Student Benefits

Concordia supports military veterans and those currently serving. Through the G.I. Bill and additional grants, tuition at Concordia may be fully covered.

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