Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn. - Frequently Asked Questions

Parents

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Concordia known for?
At Concordia, your son or daughter will find challenging academics, dedicated professors, a diverse student body, Lutheran tradition and a strong sense of community. With 61 majors to choose from, one-on-one research opportunities with faculty and a nationally recognized study abroad program, Concordia is committed to preparing students to make a meaningful impact in our global society. Our five largest departments are business, communication, biology, psychology and education.

2. Will my child graduate in four years?
Of students who enroll in Concordia as freshmen and stay at Concordia throughout their college career, 88 percent complete their degree in four years. Our faculty members also serve as advisers, helping students plot their courses and plan for their graduation requirements. Just think: while your child’s friends at other colleges and universities are finishing up their fifth and sixth years in college, yours will already be working or in graduate school.

3. Where do Concordia’s students come from? What else can you tell me about the student population?
The majority of Concordia’s students are from Minnesota and North Dakota. However, about 33 percent of the student body comes from 39 other states and 41 other countries. Here are a few other quick facts about our students enrolled in 2009-10:

2,811 students
837 students in the freshman class
Students from 38 states and 40 countries
97 international students
43 religious denominations or faith-based communities represented
61 percent of students are female; 39 percent are male
60 percent live on campus
84 percent first- to second-year retention rate
Seven new National Merit Scholars
High school class rank:
- 31 percent from top 10 percent of graduating class
ACT scores:
- Freshman class average of 25

4. What should I know about Fargo-Moorhead? Is it a safe community?
Fargo-Moorhead, one of the hottest young boomtowns in America, is about a 250-mile drive along Interstate 94 from the Twin Cities. Located on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota, Fargo-Moorhead is home to more than 20,000 college students, along with more than 250 restaurants, hundreds of brand-name retail stores, 31 movie screens, concerts by the biggest names in music and minor league professional sports teams.

These thriving cities have a reputation for being safe, friendly communities featuring all the fast-paced fun of a big city without the hassles. The air and water are clean, the economy is active, crime and unemployment rates are some of the lowest in the country, and the people are genuinely friendly.

Read more about life in Fargo-Moorhead.

5. How much does it cost to attend Concordia?
Concordia continues to remain one of the greatest values in Minnesota private colleges. Visit the Financial Aid Office for the most current tuition information.

6. Is financial aid available? If so, who qualifies?
Yes. In fact, more than 95 percent of Concordia’s students receive some form of financial aid (including scholarships, grants, loans and work study), with the average award reaching more than $18,000. Total financial assistance at Concordia exceeds $54 million from all sources.

7. What types of jobs and internships are available?
There are all kinds of jobs for Concordia students – on campus, off campus, internships and more. All students are eligible to work on campus regardless of financial need, though some positions are only open to those students who qualify for work study, a form of need-based aid. One of the best places to start looking for on- or off-campus job openings is the college’s Job Shop. If your child is interested in an internship that also earns academic credit, the Co-Operative Education Office will help them find the perfect placement during their junior or senior year. In fact, more than a third of our students participate in a co-op at least once during their four years.

8. Where can my child go for help with his or her academics?
Attending college will be one of the most exciting times in your child’s life, and we understand how important it is to make the most of his or her time here. For personal attention with any college life questions, you're always welcome to contact our Office of Student Success and Retention. We work directly with parents and students to help put you in touch with the many resources on campus, especially our academic resources.

Student Advising: Our faculty are ready to assist your child with deciding on a major and selecting classes. Along with meeting during our scheduled student advising, they’re also available throughout the year to help with whatever comes up.

Academic Tutoring and Writing Help: Students needing help with coursework are encouraged to visit the Academic Enhancement and Writing Center. Our friendly staff is eager to assist with one-on-one counseling by professional staff, along with peer tutoring in specific subjects. The center can also help with academic papers, from essays to research papers, thanks to one-on-one tutoring.

9. Will my child need a car on campus?
Excellent transportation services are available in Fargo-Moorhead, and Concordia is located within walking distance of shopping centers, downtown Moorhead and churches. Daily bus service operates throughout the Fargo-Moorhead area, and special bus services are available for students. If your child chooses to bring a car, a parking permit from Campus Information is required.

10. Does my child need to bring a computer?
While there are many computer labs on campus, we encourage your child to bring his or her own computer. We have wireless and broadband Internet available campuswide, as well as a several printing stations. Read more about technology on campus.

11. When do students move in?
Move-in day is the Sunday before classes begin. We’ll have lots of people here ready to help you carry all your boxes – and to provide cool beverages after all that hard work! If your son or daughter is involved in a fall sport, you will receive alternate move-in date information from the coach.