With final spring 2026 census data confirmed for Concordia University, St. Paul, the university continues to see strong enrollment and new records across multiple programs.
Total university headcount stands at 5,338 across CSP and CSP Global, marking the third-largest spring enrollment in university history. This achievement is particularly notable given significant headwinds in higher education enrollment nationally.
Traditional Undergraduate Enrollment – New Record
The university achieved a new enrollment record for traditional undergraduate students at 1,849, up from 1,812 in spring 2025 and 1,571 in spring 2024. This represents consistent year-over-year growth and demonstrates strong momentum in attracting traditional college-age students to the St. Paul campus.
Continued Growth in Doctoral and Specialist Programs
Concordia’s graduate programs at the highest levels continue to expand significantly:
- Doctoral programs reached 515 students, an 8% increase over spring 2025 (477 students) and a remarkable 28% increase compared to spring 2024 (403 students)
- EdS programs grew to 146 students, up 21% from 121 students in spring 2025
Within doctoral programs, the PhD in Kinesiology showed exceptional growth with 186 students across all emphases, up from 154 students in spring 2025, marking a 21% year-over-year increase.
Nursing Programs Growing Across All Campuses
The university’s nursing programs demonstrated robust enrollment growth:
- St. Paul campus BSN pre-licensure program grew to 187 students, up 26% from 148 in spring 2025
- St. Paul Accelerated BSN (ABSN) reached 177 students, up 30% from 136 in spring 2025
- Portland ABSN program continued strong with 402 students, up from 387 in spring 2025
- Denver campus added 21 ABSN students in its first term
Combined, 787 students are now admitted across all nursing programs on all campuses, representing significant expansion in this high-demand healthcare field.
Market Challenges Continue Across Higher Education
While celebrating growth in traditional undergraduate, doctoral, and nursing programs, the university saw anticipated adjustments in master’s-level enrollment, declining to 1,366 students from 1,570 in spring 2025. This change reflects broader market shifts, including 2024 changes to visa limitations for international students.
“These enrollment results demonstrate our continued commitment to providing accessible, career-relevant education,” noted CSP Global Vice Provost Dr. Kimberly Craig. “The university is committed to student success, while maintaining competitive tuition, and career-relevant degree options.”
New Programs
The university continues to expand its program offerings with the spring 2026 launch of enrollment for new 3-year, reduced-credit bachelor degrees providing more options for students to pursue their undergraduate degree. Additionally, the Denver campus represents an important geographic expansion that will support continued growth in nursing and other programs.
CSP and CSP Global continue to stand out among colleges and universities nationally, many of which are experiencing steep enrollment declines, by following a strategic plan focused on career-relevant programming with competitive tuition.
KEY STATISTICS SUMMARY (Spring 2026 Final Census):
- Total University Headcount: 5,338
- Traditional Undergraduate: 1,849 (NEW RECORD)
- Total Undergraduate: 3,311
- Doctoral Programs: 515 (+8% YoY)
- EdS Programs: 146 (+21% YoY)
- Total Nursing (all campuses): 787 students admitted to programs
- DPT Program: 99 students (maintaining strong enrollment)