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Part of the renowned 10-school Concordia University system, Concordia University, Nebraska is a small Lutheran liberal arts institution in Seward, NE. Founded in 1894, the school began as a small teacher’s college intended to provide education for teachers in the German-speaking Lutheran community in Nebraska. WWI anti-German sentiment prompted the first major change, as the Lutheran school switched to English, but the biggest growth came in 1995 with the establishment of the Concordia system. Today the Concordia system is one of the most prestigious religious higher education systems in the US, and Concordia Nebraska is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the 40 best regional universities in the Midwest, and a top 20 value.
Academic Programs
As a Lutheran institution, Concordia Nebraska puts a priority on combining faith and learning, bringing traditional liberal arts and 21st century professional study into conversation with Christian belief. With a student/faculty ratio of 13:1, Concordia provides the kind of attention and guidance a small liberal arts college is known for, and with highly-qualified faculty – more than 80% of whom have terminal degrees – students know they are getting top-tier mentoring. Generous financial aid makes the average Concordia Nebraska education cheaper than a public university, earning Concordia’s reputation as a best buy.The Concordia University system has become known nationwide as a top online educator, and Concordia Nebraska is no exception, with nearly three dozen fully online and hybrid degree programs available at the graduate level, including the MBA, MPH (Master’s of Public Health), and Master’s of Education. These top-ranked online programs are a necessary part of Concordia’s mission to be one of Nebraska’s most trusted and most accessible educators, providing opportunity throughout the state to those who cannot attend on-campus.
Student Life
Concordia University, Nebraska’s small suburban campus is anything but boring, thanks to a vibrant student body and a busy Student Activities Council. The 2500 member student body is evenly split between men and women. Founded in the Lutheran tradition, faith and service are important parts of student life, including many on-campus and off-campus worship services, bible studies, and prayer groups. While 80% of students come from a Lutheran background, all faiths are welcome. More than 30 student clubs and organizations also keep students busy outside of class.Concordia’s Lincoln campus, home of the university’s graduate programs, also gives students access to the entertainment and culture of Lincoln, Nebraska’s second-largest city. With six universities and colleges in the area, Lincoln has a dynamic college life available to Concordia students, from movies and music to festivals. Seward, Concordia’s main campus, is also host to the region’s largest and most popular 4th of July celebration, an event that brings some 30,000 visitors every year.