Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP) is committed to preparing our students for lifelong success by offering valuable degrees at an affordable cost. In alignment with this goal, we are proud to offer the CSP Pell Commitment.
Beginning Fall 2025, incoming students who meet the eligibility criteria below will receive up to a maximum of $3,250 in their first year at CSP, after the Federal Pell Grant and Minnesota State Grant have been applied. For many students, this commitment will fully cover their remaining tuition balance. For subsequent years, the commitment is locked at the amount awarded in the first year.
The CSP Pell Commitment helps students pursuing an on-campus undergraduate degree minimize their debt and boost their career opportunities.
CSP was named the top Pell-eligible private university in Minnesota.
Commonly Asked Questions
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To be considered for the CSP Pell Commitment, students must be admitted to the university and should submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant and Minnesota State Grant.
Students who meet the following criteria will be eligible for the CSP Pell Commitment:
- Incoming first-year or transfer student admitted to on campus undergraduate program at CSP
- Federal Pell Grant recipient
- Minnesota State Grant recipient
- Meet the necessary cumulative GPA requirement
- First-Year Students: 3.0 unweighted cumulative GPA
- Transfer Students (with more than 20 college credits earned): 2.75 cumulative college GPA
Please note: Prospective student-athletes and students pursuing a Church Work program are not eligible for the Pell Commitment.
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- Students pursuing an online degree
- Visiting, Graduate, and Doctoral students
- Students who are not Federal Pell Grant and Minnesota State Grant recipients
- Student-athletes participating in NCAA Division II sport or Esports
- Students pursuing a Church Work Program
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The CSP Pell Commitment will be automatically added to eligible students’ financial aid packages.
For the funds to be officially disbursed, all financial aid requirements must be completed. Your counselor will assist you in knowing any items that may need to be submitted or completed.
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Yes, the CSP Pell Commitment is renewable for students who maintain eligibility and will remain at the fixed amount awarded in their first year for up to four academic years.
Please note: Students who experience changes in their financial aid status and no longer qualify for the Federal Pell Grant or Minnesota State Grant will no longer be eligible for the CSP Pell Commitment.
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Students must maintain good academic standing, and be eligible for the Minnesota State Grant, and the Pell Grant.
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No. The CSP Pell Commitment only applies to the cost of tuition. Excess grant money cannot be used for room and board.
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No! There are no fees or costs related to the CSP Pell Commitment. Additionally, funds received from the Commitment do not need to be repaid.
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No, CSP institutional scholarships and Minnesota State and Federal Pell grants are included in the CSP Pell Commitment (not in addition to).
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Upon being admitted to the university, and submission of the FAFSA, students will be notified by their admissions counselor if they are a CSP Pell Commitment recipient, once their Financial Aid Offer is prepared by the Office of Financial Aid.
The CSP Pell Commitment will also be noted in your financial aid offer letter.
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If a student loses one or more of their federal or state grants, they will no longer be eligible for the CSP Pell Commitment. To qualify, students must receive both the Minnesota State Grant and the Pell Grant and remain in good academic standing.
Questions?
Please contact the Office of Admissions for more information at [email protected] or 651-641-8230.