Concordia University - Saint Paul
Travel guide for Indian students — Saint Paul, United States. Nearest international gateway: MSP (Minneapolis).
Concordia University, St. Paul (CSP) is a private university in St. Paul, Minnesota's capital, founded in 1893 and known for affordable, career-focused programs across business, technology, healthcare and education. One of Minnesota's most diverse campuses, it draws students from over 30 countries.
CSP's campus is in the heart of St. Paul, less than 10 minutes from both downtown St. Paul and downtown Minneapolis, and a short drive from Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP). The METRO Green Line stops at Hamline Avenue, right by campus.
Concordia St. Paul is an affordable, career-oriented university with a notably diverse community and strong Twin Cities internship access. Its location on the Green Line makes the whole metro - and the airport connection - easy to reach.
Green Line at Hamline Avenue
The METRO Green Line's Hamline Avenue station is right by campus - cross Concordia Avenue and you're there. The Green Line connects to downtown St. Paul and Minneapolis, and buses 21 and 94 also serve campus. CSP offers discounted college transit passes (around $165 or less per semester).
From MSP to campus
From the airport, take the METRO Blue Line, then transfer to the Green Line toward St. Paul and ride to the Hamline Avenue station. A taxi or rideshare direct from MSP is quick given the short distance. Light-rail fares run $2-3.25 depending on time of day.
When to book flights
Book 6-10 weeks ahead of intake; compare carriers from your nearest metro above.
Visiting your child at Concordia St. Paul means flying into Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP), a short drive from the St. Paul campus. Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP) is the international gateway, a Delta hub with Terminals 1 and 2. The region's Metro Transit network runs the METRO Blue Line (which serves the airport directly) and Green Line light rail plus buses; pay with the Metro Transit app or a Go-To Card. Plan the US visitor visa well ahead.
Getting from MSP to campus
Visitor visa for parents
Indian parents need a B1/B2 visitor visa. First-time interview waits are long and vary sharply by consulate, so city choice matters - you may book at ANY US consulate in India, not just your home city.
- Plan 8-12 months ahead, especially for graduation - graduations do NOT qualify for emergency/expedited appointments.
- You can book at any consulate in India; many families fly to Chennai to save months versus Mumbai or Delhi.
- The dropbox (interview waiver) window shrank from 48 to 12 months in 2025 - most parents with older expired visas now need a full interview.
- Visitor stays are up to 6 months per visit, set by the officer at entry on the I-94.
Just admitted to Concordia St. Paul? Most Indian students enter on an F-1 academic visa (DS-160 fee $185 + SEVIS I-901 fee $350). J-1 is for exchange programs (SEVIS $220), M-1 for vocational study. Spouses/children come on F-2/J-2/M-2 dependent visas. You can enter the US up to 30 days before your program start date. For Fall 2026, Indian F-1 applicants must interview at one of five US consulates in India.
Arrival checklist
- Book your flight into Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) - a short drive from the St. Paul campus.
- From MSP, the Blue Line + Green Line to Hamline Avenue station is the easy route; taxi is ~$35-50.
- Consider CSP's discounted college transit pass (~$165 or less per semester) once enrolled.
- Confirm student baggage allowance with your airline.
- Carry your I-20, SEVIS receipt and financial documents in hand luggage for US immigration.
St. Paul, home to Concordia University, is the quieter half of the Twin Cities - about $1,100-1,650 a month all-in sharing and cooking, a touch cheaper than Minneapolis across the river. Metro Transit (including the Green Line light rail) links the two cities, and the metro's strong Indian community is close at hand.
Monthly cost of living in Saint Paul (a student estimate)
That's roughly $13,000-20,000 a year for living costs, on top of tuition.
Finding accommodation
Concordia students share apartments near the St. Paul campus; the Green Line light rail connects to Minneapolis and the University of Minnesota.
- Metro Transit's Green Line links St. Paul and Minneapolis; students get a U-Pass.
- St. Paul is the calmer, more residential twin city.
- MSP airport is well-connected for travel.
Working part-time
On an F-1 visa you can work on-campus up to 20 hours/week during term (full-time in breaks). Off-campus work needs authorization - CPT during study, OPT after (up to 12 months, +24 for STEM degrees). You cannot freelance or work off-campus without approval.
Safety & student support
Saint Paul and its Concordia University campus areas are generally safe by US standards; use normal awareness at night.
- Concordia University runs a security escort, safety app and (often) campus shuttles - save the campus safety number.
- The campus and main student areas are busy and well-populated.
- Generally safe near campus; normal city awareness at night. Winters are cold - dress warmly.
Indian community & food
St. Paul shares the Twin Cities' established Indian community, with groceries close by and the main suburban hub a short drive away.
Indian grocery stores
- Indian grocers on Central Ave NE (Minneapolis) are a short drive across the river.
- Mainstream Cub Foods stores have an international aisle for everyday needs.
- India Bazaar and Annapurna Foods in Eden Prairie for the metro's biggest desi shop.
Student community
- Twin Cities Indian associations run large Diwali and Holi events.
- Hindu temples serve the metro.
- Indian restaurants across St. Paul and Minneapolis.
Cost & living figures for Saint Paul last verified Jun 2026. Figures are estimates and change over time.
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