CONCORDIA COLLEGE

Concordia is a four year liberal arts college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Students at Concordia are inspired to change and be changed by the world. Our students benefit from an academically challenging, yet welcoming and supportive learning environment. Faculty help students discover their potential, pushing them to achieve beyond what they imagine is possible.

As a college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, intellect and faith are active partners in the search for truth. Concordia's mission centers on preparing students to serve their neighbors.

Concordia opened with 12 students, three instructors and courses in English literature, natural sciences, mathematics, and piano. Enrollment steadily increased, reaching 60 students by the end of the first semester and 200 one year later. Academic programs were quickly added as well, including religion, business, Norwegian, voice, geography and history.

Within six months of graduation, 96 percent of recently surveyed new Concordia graduates reported being employed in their field of study or were attending graduate school. Concordia students have achieved an 88 percent acceptance rate into medical school (in 10 years surveyed). Ninety-three percent of Concordia graduates applying for law school are accepted.

Concordia is a vibrant learning community of more than 2, 800 students, where student engagement goes well beyond the classroom. Students frequently join faculty in side-by-side research. They also perform in world-class music ensembles, compete on championship-caliber sports teams and make their mark in theatre, student government, or more than 100 other student clubs. Many students also get involved with Campus Ministry, exploring and expressing their faith through worship services, Bible studies and outreach opportunities.

Gaining global perspective and experience is a critical component of a Concordia education. Exploring today's most important issues from a wide range of world, political, religious and cultural views adds essential depth to our 78 majors and 12 preprofessional programs. All students study one of nine global languages and many study abroad, pursue international internships and volunteer in their communities. The purpose is to develop well-rounded, globally sensitive and highly competent graduates who are ready to lead and serve anywhere on the planet.

Concordia College was dedicated Oct. 31, 1891, only 10 years after the first Norwegian settlers had made their home in the Red River Valley. These settlers valued education and their religious heritage, and one of their first priorities was to establish a quality school.

The college has always maintained a strong relationship with Lutheran congregations in the Upper Plains area. It is owned and operated by the congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in northern Minnesota, North Dakota and Montana.