Concordia University, St. Paul is making waves not just on the field but also within the academic community. This year, the university celebrated not only its growing enrollment numbers but also its football team's impressive victory against the University of Minnesota Duluth. This dual achievement highlights how the institution is transforming itself amid challenging trends affecting many colleges across the nation.
While many colleges are grappling with declining enrollment due to increased tuition and shifting demographics, Concordia University, St. Paul has found ways to reverse this trend. Remarkably, the school has doubled its enrollment over the past twelve years, skyrocketing from 3,000 to 6,000 students. This surge makes Concordia the second-largest private institution of higher learning in Minnesota and the largest Lutheran college in the United States.
Brendan Frazier, a junior studying sociology, shared his experience choosing Concordia over other options, noting the appealing financial aid offerings: "They took a lot of zeroes off, that's for sure." He is one of many who have benefited from the university's focus on affordability, which is part of the strategic plan laid out by the administration.
The university's ability to thrive amid financial pressures is closely tied to their innovative approach starting with the 2013 "tuition reset," which reduced tuition rates from $29,700 to $19,700 for all traditional undergraduates. This aggressive price adjustment made Concordia significantly more accessible, and it is credited with generating 51% more first-year students the following year. And for those who believed such drastic tuition cuts would diminish the value of the education offered, they were proven wrong as enrollment continued to grow.
Indeed, the $10,000 price slash allowed Concordia to keep its name on the radar of families searching for affordable education, as echoed by Eric LaMott, the university's chief operating officer. "We already knew at the time our sticker price was well outpacing what those families would find viable," he explained. The immediate effects of this initiative were astounding, with both traditional and non-traditional undergraduates flocking to the institution, including increased engagement from graduate students.
Concordia's growth is also reflected in its academic offerings. Over the years, it has adapted its program lineup to include more health-related, technology, and business degrees. Notably, master's programs—and especially their online formats—have gained popularity, with course areas like exercise science and education leading the pack.
This year marked another exciting chapter for Concordia as it reported a 23% increase in first-year traditional undergraduate enrollments, alongside impressive growth in its doctoral programs. The university's proactive stance keeps it competitive not only with fellow private colleges but with colleges nationwide. Their consistent adaptations are reflected not just on enrollment statistics but also on the campus's overall vibrancy. Senior student Mima Yevu remarked, "You can kind of see how busy it is. The parking lots are full, and there are more voices in the hallways, too."
While the academic front is flourishing, the athletic department at Concordia has also been celebrating successes. The football team triumphed over UMD with a final score of 35-7, showcasing the school's growing commitment to sports. This recent victory marks the Bulldogs' third consecutive win, with their stellar performance also extending their winning streak against the Golden Bears to eleven games.
The Bulldogs showcased their capacity for adaptability and teamwork under pressure, led by quarterback Kyle Walljasper. He demonstrated remarkable prowess with three touchdown throws, stemming from coordinated plays with wide receiver DaShaun Ames. Their dynamic partnership on the field generated standout moments, including pivotal touchdown plays, wrapping up the game before the halftime mark. Walljasper's performance undoubtedly contributed to the decisive win, starting what could become another successful chapter for the program.
This knack for effective decision-making seems to be woven throughout Concordia's identity—be it within its strategic pricing or its athletic endeavors. They're adapting, innovatively positioning themselves to gain ground where many stumble, whether it be enrolling students or fielding competitive teams.
With plans to expand its footprint, improvements on campus, and more specialized programs, Concordia is not showing any signs of slowing down. LaMott mentioned potential future efforts, including exploring another tuition reset as part of their broader mission to increase enrollment to 10,000 students.
So, what’s the takeaway from Concordia University, St. Paul? It’s more than just about making education accessible; it's about nurturing community unity—where academics and athletics converge. The university stands as a potent example of how strategic decisions are paving pathways for future successes.
Concordia’s trend-setting tuition strategy has sparked conversations across the education sector, pushing other institutions to revisit their pricing structures. The effectiveness of the tuition reset, and the additional allure of trending programs, sets Concordia apart, proving its resilience and forward-thinking approach.
