Apply as a First-Year Student
Start your college journey at Orange County’s Premier Christian University.
Spread Your Wings as a Golden Eagle
At Concordia University Irvine, you have the freedom to explore your interests and your faith as part of a welcoming, connected community. If you’re preparing for life after high school, our Admissions team is here to support you with answers, guidance, and next steps.
Here’s How to Apply
Step 1: Fill Out Your Application
You can apply 100% online on our application portal or with the Common App. Your progress saves automatically, so you can complete it at your own pace.
Step 2: Pay the Application Fee
There is an application fee of $50, which is non-refundable. If this creates a financial hardship for you or your family, please contact Admissions. We’re happy to talk through possible fee waiver options.
Step 3: Submit Your High School Transcripts
To complete your application, you’ll need to have your official high school transcripts sent to Concordia. You can choose the method that works best for you:
- Ask your high school to mail transcripts directly to:
Concordia University Irvine
Office of Undergraduate Admissions
1530 Concordia West
Irvine, CA 92612 - If you’re applying with the Common App, upload your transcripts through the portal
- Request electronic transcripts through Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse (fees may apply)
- If you live near campus, you may hand-deliver sealed official transcripts from your high school
Application Deadlines
At Concordia, you can apply for fall or spring enrollment, with Early Action options if you’d like an admissions decision sooner. We encourage you to apply early so you have plenty of time to explore financial aid, housing, and next steps.
Fall 2026 Semester
| Type | Apply By | Notified By |
|---|---|---|
| Early Action | November 15, 2025 | Mid-December |
| Early Action II (Priority) | February 15, 2026 | March 1 |
| Rolling Admissions | August 21, 2026 |
Note: Applications received after February 15 are reviewed on a rolling basis. Once your file is complete, most decisions are sent within two weeks — timing may vary throughout the year.
Admission Requirements
Our admission requirements are based on your cumulative high school GPA and completion of core academic classes. We review each application holistically, and our Admissions team is always here to answer questions.
GPA and Test Scores
Minimum GPA: 2.80
SAT: Not Required*
ACT: Not Required*
*Some students may be asked to submit additional documentation in place of test scores.
Recommended Core Classes
To help you thrive at Concordia, we recommend the following high school coursework:
English: 4 years
Mathematics: 3 years (including Algebra II)
Science: 3 years (including 2 years of Lab Science)
History: 2 years
Foreign Language: 2 years of the same language
Finish Your GE Courses Online
If a traditional on-campus path isn’t the right fit for you, Concordia offers an online option that lets you complete your General Education (GE) requirements from home or at a California Community College near you. If you’d like to learn more, an admissions counselor would be happy to help you get started.
FAQs
I don’t have an official high school transcript. What should I do?
If you were homeschooled and don’t have an official transcript, you may create one using this sample homeschool transcript (signed by a parent, guardian, or homeschool administrator). Transcripts should be organized by grade level (9–12) and year.
Please send your completed transcript in a sealed envelope to:
Concordia University Irvine
Undergraduate Admissions Office
1530 Concordia West
Irvine, CA 92612
If you’re unable to provide a transcript, Concordia will accept an official GED or California Proficiency Exam. Please note that not having a GPA may limit certain scholarship opportunities.
What does it mean for a transcript to be considered “official?”
An official transcript must be sent in a sealed envelope and signed by your high school — or, for homeschooled students, a parent, guardian, or homeschool administrator. Courses should list credits/units and letter or numerical grades.
What does it mean for a transcript to be considered “final?”
A final transcript includes your graduation date (month/day/year) and a signature from your high school or homeschool administrator.
If I graduate from high school with a completed A.A. degree or over 30 units of college credit, am I still considered a freshman?
Yes. Your class standing (first-year or transfer) is determined by your high school graduation date, not by completed college credits. Please send all college transcripts along with your high school transcript for evaluation.
Does Concordia give credit for college-level exams, like AP and IB?
Yes. Incoming first-year students may transfer up to 30 non-accredited credits from the following:
- DSST
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Our team can help you understand how your scores transfer into your academic plan.
Talk to an Admissions Counselor
Our Admissions team is here to guide you through every step of the application process and help you find the path that fits your goals.
Get in Touch
Have questions or need guidance? Our team is here to help you at every step. Reach out and we’ll connect you with the right support.
Admissions Office
1530 Concordia West
Irvine, CA 92612
Phone: (949) 214-3010
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.