If you’re considering studying in the United States in 2025, Concordia University Chicago (CUC) offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid packages designed to make quality education accessible and affordable. Whether you’re an undergraduate, graduate, or international student, there are numerous funding opportunities available to support your academic journey.
This guide provides everything you need to know about CUC’s scholarships and grants for 2025, including eligibility requirements, types of financial aid, application processes, and more.
Every full-time traditional student who is admitted to Concordia University Chicago receives either a merit scholarship or an admission award provided by the University.
Key Benefits of CUC Scholarships and Grants
- Reduces out-of-pocket education costs
- Encourages academic excellence and leadership
- Supports international and underrepresented students
- Makes studying in Chicago more affordable and accessible
Scholarship and award programs for students entering in the Fall Semester (2025-2026 academic year):
Freshman Merit Scholarship/Award: $7,000 – $15,000
Requirements: Maintain good academic standing
Freshman Leadership Scholarship: $6,000 – $10,000
Requirements: Maintain good academic standing
*President’s Freshman Honor Scholar Award: $37,740
Requirements: Full tuition award up to 18 credits per semester, participate in CUC Honors Program and maintain annual GPA of 3.75 at CUC
Freshman Church Pro Leadership Award: $7,000 – $11,000 in addition to earned Freshman Merit Scholarship/Award
Requirements: Provide annual verification of intent to pursue a church profession by the congregation pastor
The Music Scholarship: Award amounts vary
Requirements: Participate in music activities at CUC, but you need not major in music
LCMS Servant Award: $500
Students whose parent or guardian is employed full-time in a recognized Lutheran-affiliated school, church or agency.
Requirements: Provide annual verification of employment of parent/guardian
Lutheran High School Award: $1,000
Requirement: Proof of graduation from a Lutheran high school
Trailblazer Award: Up to $2,000
Eligibility: First-generation freshmen and transfer college students
Legacy Award: $500
Eligibility: Freshmen and transfer students whose mother, father or grandparent graduated from CUC
Homeschool Award: $1,000
Eligibility: Freshmen and transfer students who graduated from a recognized home school program.
Transfer Merit Scholarship/Award: $8,000 – $17,500
Requirements: Maintain good academic standing
Transfer Leadership Scholarship: Up to $5,000
Requirements: Maintain good academic standing
Transfer Church Pro Leadership Award: Up to $6,000
Requirements: Provide annual verification of intent to pursue a church profession by the congregation pastor
*President’s Transfer Scholarship for Community College Graduates: $37,740
Requirements: Full tuition award up to 18 credits per semester, participate in CUC Honors Program and maintain annual GPA of 3.75 at CUC
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship: $2,000
Eligibility: Transfer students who are members of Phi Theta Kappa, as verified on official transcript
Star Scholars Award: $2,000
Eligibility: Transfer students who are part of the community college partnership program.
Grants and Work Study
In order to determine eligibility for any need-based grants, loans or student employment, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed each year.
Federal and State Grants:
Federal Pell Grant Program – A grant based on financial need, awarded by the federal government. The maximum Pell Grant is currently $7,395 for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant – Additional federal grant funding allocated to the University; awarded to Pell Grant recipients showing exceptional financial need.
Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP) – Awarded by the state of Illinois to qualified Illinois residents. The award amount is based on enrolled credit hours; amounts vary from 3 to 15 enrolled credit hours.
Grant funding is only available to eligible undergraduate students who have not yet earned their first bachelor’s degree. For more information, please visit ISAC’s website.
How to Apply for Scholarships and Financial Aid
Step 1:
Submit your admission application to Concordia University Chicago via their official website.
Step 2:
Undergraduate students are automatically considered for merit and international scholarships upon admission.
Step 3:
U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens should complete the FAFSA at fafsa.gov.
Step 4:
For talent-based or athletic scholarships, contact the respective departments or coaches directly.
Step 5:
Graduate students should inquire with their department about available assistantships and funding opportunities.
Concordia University Chicago is committed to making high-quality education accessible through its generous range of scholarships, grants, and awards for 2025. Whether you’re a first-time college student, an international applicant, or a graduate student, there’s a funding option designed to help you succeed academically and personally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do I need to submit a separate scholarship application?
No. Most scholarships, especially merit-based and international awards, are automatically considered during admission.
Q2: Are Concordia University Chicago scholarships renewable?
Yes, most scholarships are renewable for up to four years, provided you maintain the required GPA and full-time enrollment.
Q3: Can international students apply for financial aid?
International students are eligible for merit-based scholarships but are not eligible for federal aid (FAFSA).
Q4: Are there scholarships for transfer students?
Yes. Transfer students can receive merit-based scholarships based on their college GPA.
Q5: How do I apply for an athletic scholarship?
Reach out directly to CUC coaches or the athletics department to express interest and schedule tryouts.
