About Concordia
Founded in 1894 by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, Concordia University, Nebraska is a private, coeducational institution of higher learning. Our campus is located in Seward, which has a population of 7,200 and is located 25 minutes west of Lincoln.
Concordia's Mission
Our mission hasn't changed since the first class was held in 1894 with professor George Weller and the 13 students who lived and learned in Founders Hall. Concordia University, Nebraska is an excellent academic and Christ-centered community equipping men and women for lives of learning, service and leadership in the church and world.
Vision Statement
To keep up with our growing university, we update our vision statement every five years. The current vision theme is EXCEL 2025. Concordia University will EXCEL by delivering a distinctive Lutheran education that increasingly engages and influences the world.
2020-21 Academic Theme Verse
The following verse for Concordia's 127th academic year was chosen by Rev. Dr. David Coe for the first year of the new strategic plan.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift comes from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (James 1:17).
The refrain of the Christmas hymn “Angels We Have Heard on High” rejoices, “Gloria in excelsis Deo,” and reminds us of the root of “excellence.” “Gloria in excelsis Deo” is Latin for “Glory to God in the highest.” If something on earth is “excellent,” that is because it is a good and perfect gift from God above—from the highest—from heaven. As Concordia University excels, she will excel not because of mere striving and straining but because excellence is a gift from God. James 1:17 reminds us that excellence is not a goal to achieve but a gift to receive. - Dr. David Coe.
Faith is Central to Our Mission
We use our Lutheran tradition to help students strengthen their own Christian identity and gain the practical experience they need to successfully learn, serve and lead in the church and world.
Concordia is a Supportive and Vibrant Community
Ranked No. 37 Best Regional University, Midwest, 2020-21 U.S. News and World Report
- More than 80% of our students live on campus, promoting a strong campus life
- Our town of Seward is ranked as the safest community in Nebraska, according to safewise.com
- Our students experience safe, small-town life and relationships in Seward with plenty of opportunities in Lincoln, less than half an hour away
- Pursue your interests with more than 70 undergraduate and 30 graduate programs offered on-campus and online.
More Than 125 Years of Equipping Students to Serve and Lead
Concordia University, Nebraska has been equipping students for service in God's church and world since the doors opened on Nov. 18, 1894 with one professor, 13 male students and a three-year high school curriculum. More than 125 years later, Concordia has grown into a fully accredited, coeducational university offering more than 100 programs and has granted degrees to tens of thousands of students.
Student Success Is Our Priority
Your success at Concordia is not just defined by your GPA, but how you’re equipped to make an impact in your career and throughout your life. We’re committed to providing you the academic and spiritual tools you’ll need to be successful in all facets of your life.
A Distinctive Lutheran Education
At Concordia, we promise to equip you with a higher education that intersects learning opportunities, individual development and faith in Christ, in order to bring depth and meaning to your college experience. Our Promises of a Lutheran Education ensure that you will graduate not only with a set of skills and a degree, but also a sense of Christian vocation and purpose for the future.