Concordia University-Chicago vs Rockford University: which has better ROI?
Concordia University-Chicago has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $73,744 in 12.9 years versus 13.9 years at Rockford University, on median earnings of $54,089 vs $54,794 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Concordia University-Chicago | Rockford University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $18,436 | $22,436 |
| Total net cost | $73,744 | $89,744 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $54,089 | $54,794 |
| Median debt | $23,000 | $22,274 |
| Payback | 12.9 yrs | 13.9 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $40,836 | $38,936 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Concordia University-Chicago or Rockford University?
Concordia University-Chicago, at $18,436 a year after aid versus $22,436 — a gap of $4,000 a year, or $16,000 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Concordia University-Chicago or Rockford University graduates earn more?
Rockford University graduates report a median $54,794 ten years after entry, $705 more than the $54,089 at Concordia University-Chicago. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Concordia University-Chicago or Rockford University?
Rockford University: its completers carry a median $22,274 in federal loans versus $23,000 at Concordia University-Chicago, a difference of $726. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
47% of students finish at Rockford University, against 36% at Concordia University-Chicago. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.