St Catherine University vs Concordia-St. Paul

Frequently Asked Questions

• What are the primary differences in academic focus between St. Catherine University and Concordia University-Saint Paul?

  St. Catherine University, often called St. Kate's, emphasizes a strong liberal arts foundation with a focus on women's leadership and social justice. While open to all genders in graduate programs, its undergraduate programs are primarily for women. Concordia University-Saint Paul (CSP), on the other hand, offers a broader range of programs, including a strong emphasis on business, education, and healthcare, with a more diverse student body in terms of gender and background. CSP also has a significant online presence.

• How do the campus environments differ at St. Catherine University and Concordia University-Saint Paul?

  St. Kate's boasts a beautiful, historic campus in a residential area of St. Paul, known for its strong sense of community and traditional college experience. CSP's campus is also located in St. Paul, but it has a more modern feel and a greater emphasis on commuter students and online learning. The campus environment at CSP is generally less traditional than at St. Kate's.

• What is the student body like at each university?

  St. Catherine University's undergraduate student body is primarily composed of women, fostering a supportive environment for female students. CSP has a more diverse student body, including a mix of traditional and non-traditional students, with a significant number of online learners. Both universities have a good mix of in-state and out-of-state students.

• What are the strengths of the academic programs at St. Catherine University?

  St. Kate's is particularly strong in nursing, occupational therapy, and other health sciences, as well as in education and the humanities. Its focus on women's leadership and social justice is a unique aspect of its academic offerings. The university also has a strong reputation for its commitment to experiential learning and community engagement.

• What are the strengths of the academic programs at Concordia University-Saint Paul?

  CSP excels in business, education, and healthcare programs. It offers a wide variety of programs, including many online options, making it a good choice for students seeking flexibility. CSP is also known for its strong career services and its focus on preparing students for the workforce.

• How do the tuition and financial aid packages compare?

  Tuition costs at both universities are generally comparable, though they can vary slightly depending on the program and the student's residency status. Both St. Kate's and CSP offer a range of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans. It's recommended that you check the specific financial aid information on each university's website for the most up-to-date details.

• What are the opportunities for student life and extracurricular activities at each university?

  St. Kate's offers a vibrant campus life with a variety of clubs, organizations, and athletic teams. The university emphasizes community involvement and leadership development. CSP also has a range of student activities, including clubs, intramural sports, and student government. CSP's campus life is generally geared towards a more commuter-focused student body.

• Which university is better for students seeking a strong sense of community?

  St. Catherine University is generally known for fostering a strong sense of community, particularly among its undergraduate students. The smaller class sizes and focus on women's leadership contribute to a close-knit environment. While CSP also has a community, it is more dispersed due to its larger online presence and commuter student population.

• How do the career services compare at St. Catherine University and Concordia University-Saint Paul?

  Both universities offer career services to help students with job searching, resume writing, and interview preparation. CSP is known for its strong career services, particularly in areas like business and education. St. Kate's also provides excellent career support, with a focus on helping students find internships and jobs in their chosen fields.

• Which university is a better fit for online learners?

  Concordia University-Saint Paul has a significantly larger online presence and offers a wider variety of online programs, making it a better fit for students seeking a fully online learning experience. St. Kate's offers some online courses, but its focus is primarily on in-person instruction.