With a mission to provide access to the “highest-value Lutheran Christian higher education possible,” Concordia University announced today the Luther Promise, an institutionally funded scholarship guarantee that provides qualified undergraduate students between $16,000-$20,000 annually.


“Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor have a bold vision to be the Church’s school, equipping the faithful to make an impact for Christ in ways they never imagined,” explains Concordia President Rev. Patrick Ferry, Ph.D. “Coming at the commemoration of the 500th year of the Lutheran Reformation, this initiative marks a significant commitment to invest even more resources in our students, ensuring that lifelong Lutheran education is available to more students than ever before.”

Currently, Concordia University students receive on average $13,000 of institutional aid, according to university financial management sources.

To qualify for the Luther Promise, students must meet just one of four criteria:

  • Member of a Lutheran (any denomination) congregation (any Lutheran denomination)
  • Dependent of a Concordia University System alumnus (any institution in the 10-school system)
  • Dependent of a rostered church-worker in The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod
  • Graduate of a Lutheran (any denomination) high school

“A significant step toward achieving the goal of a faith-based higher education for more students is removing the financial barriers,” shares Robert Nowak, director of Financial Aid. “Qualified students are eligible for a range of scholarship – between $16,000-$20,000, depending on high school cumulative GPA and ACT composite score.”

At the lower end, this means that a student with a 2.7 cumulative GPA and 19 ACT score is eligible for $16,000. At the upper end, a student with a 3.5 cumulative GPA and 30 ACT score is eligible for $20,000 annually. Undergraduate transfer students who meet the qualifying criteria are also eligible.

Complete information is available online at www.cuw.edu/luther-promise or www.cuaa.edu/luther-promise.

— This story is written by Kali Thiel, director of university communications for Concordia University Ann Arbor and Wisconsin. She may be reached at kali.thiel@cuw.edu or 262-243-2149.

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