Elmhurst University
Elmhurst University has an acceptance rate of 73.6%, annual tuition of $42,955, average net price of $24,185, and a national rank of #413 (Grade B+), with a 70.0% six-year graduation rate, about 3,006 undergraduates, and median earnings of $52,803 six years after enrollment. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Elmhurst University is a private nonprofit university in Elmhurst, IL. Students most often pursue Accounting and Related Services and Finance and Financial Management Services.
Inside the classroom, students benefit from a 15:1 student-faculty ratio, and 79.9% first-year retention. Faculty pair challenging syllabi with intentional mentoring so learners keep momentum even as expectations rise.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at -45.4%, roughly 130.7 points below typical outcomes. Expect the strongest outcomes for students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore.
Who is Elmhurst University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Elmhurst University graduates 70.0% of students within six years and keeps 79.9% of first-year students. Affordability earns a B- compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Elmhurst University's net price calculator to get an estimate based on your family's financial situation.
Calculate Your Net Price →Total Degree Cost Summary
Annual Cost Comparison
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
Costs based on full-time, first-time degree- or certificate-seeking undergraduates.
View cost of attendance line items
| Costs to Consider | Price |
|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $42,955 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,250 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $14,528 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $5,316 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $54,679 |
Tip: focus on the rows that match your living plan—commuters can swap in off-campus estimates while residential students should budget for housing, meals, and incidental fees.
Students Receiving Aid
Use these bars to gauge how many classmates rely on need-based dollars—lower Pell or loan shares may signal a wealthier student body or generous institutional grants.
EDsmart Insight: About 36.8% of Elmhurst University students receive Pell Grants — in line with the national average, highlighting ongoing affordability priorities.
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after financial aid, based on family income. Your actual cost may vary depending on your specific financial situation.
Understanding These Numbers: Net price varies significantly by income level. Net prices range from $17,892 to $30,232 depending on family income. Use Elmhurst University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $25,419/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $30,232/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- 6-Year Median Earnings $52,803
- 10-Year Median Earnings $52,803
- Average Years to Graduate 4.5 years
- Average Student Debt $15,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 71.3%
- Employment Rate 93.1%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Elmhurst University graduates 6 years after enrollment, showing the 25th percentile, median, and 75th percentile. This illustrates the variation in outcomes across different majors and career paths.
Elmhurst University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Elmhurst University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Elmhurst University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: While Elmhurst University graduates earn $52,803 median, the -45.4% ROI suggests the investment may take longer to pay off. Consider your major choice and career goals when evaluating value.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 510-640
- SAT Math 480-620
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 23-30
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 3,006
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Retention Rate 79.9%
- Graduation Rate 70.0%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 15:1
How to Get Into Elmhurst University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Elmhurst University requires strong academic performance. Aim for test scores within the reported ranges and maintain a competitive GPA. Most admitted students rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
2. Build a Strong Application: Beyond test scores, focus on crafting compelling essays, securing strong letters of recommendation, and highlighting extracurricular activities that demonstrate leadership and commitment.
3. Understand Selectivity: With an acceptance rate of 73.6%, Elmhurst University is relatively open. Consider applying early decision if available, as early applicants often have higher acceptance rates.
4. Financial Planning: Review the net price calculator and financial aid options early. Many students receive significant aid, making the actual cost lower than the sticker price.
Tip: Contact the admissions office directly for the most current application requirements, deadlines, and any special programs (like early decision or early action) that might improve your chances.
EDsmart Insight: With a 73.6% acceptance rate, Elmhurst University is more accessible than highly selective schools. Meeting the test score ranges and maintaining a solid GPA significantly improves admission chances. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 990 and 1260 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Elmhurst University undergraduates. Psychology, General, Business Administration, Management and Operations, and Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing draw the most students.
- Psychology, General 13.4%
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 11.5%
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing 8.0%
- Finance and Financial Management Services 5.8%
- Accounting and Related Services 4.8%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 4.6%
See more majors
- Marketing 4.4%
- Biology, General 4.0%
Highest Earning Programs
Median earnings five years after graduation for each program. These figures help illustrate ROI by field of study and degree level.
Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor's Degrees)
- 1. Accounting and Related Services $86,907
- 2. Finance and Financial Management Services $85,336
- 3. Marketing $81,964
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing $81,296
- 5. Computer Science $72,910
- 6. Criminal Justice and Corrections $72,219
- 7. Business Administration, Management and Operations $71,103
- 8. Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics $65,456
- 9. Health and Physical Education/Fitness $63,657
- 10. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services $62,863
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $112,080
- 2. Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research & Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree) $99,646
- 3. Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (Master's Degree) $88,979
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $75,918
- 5. Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (Master's Degree) $65,792
- 6. Communication Disorders Sciences and Services (Master's Degree) $58,018
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Accounting and Related Services grads earn $86,907—38% more than Communication Disorders Sciences and Services ($62,863). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $112,080 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Elmhurst University. Below are the most popular options based on the number of recent graduates, followed by a quick look at the breadth of online offerings by degree level.
Source: U.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard
Most Popular Online Degrees
- Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degree, 107 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degree, 92 graduates)
- Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree, 72 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degree, 64 graduates)
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degree, 47 graduates)
What This School Offers Online, at a Glance
College Scorecard flags the following online degree and certificate programs for this institution. Expand each credential level to view the complete list of available subjects.
Online Bachelor's Degrees (55 programs)â–¼
- Psychology, General
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Finance and Financial Management Services
- Accounting and Related Services
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Marketing
- Biology, General
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Sociology
- English Language and Literature, General
- Computer Science
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Music
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Political Science and Government
- History
- Special Education and Teaching
- Economics
- Communication and Media Studies
- Information Science/Studies
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- International Business
- Design and Applied Arts
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Urban Studies/Affairs
- Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Philosophy
- Graphic Communications
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, Other
- Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
- Geography and Cartography
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication
- Physics
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
- Education, General
- Religion/Religious Studies
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations
- Germanic Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics
- Education, Other
- Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management
- Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs, Other
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Area Studies
- Visual and Performing Arts, General
Online Master's Degrees (9 programs)â–¼
- Business Administration, Management and Operations
- Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
- Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions
- Communication Disorders Sciences and Services
- Education, General
- Special Education and Teaching
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (2 programs)â–¼
- Special Education and Teaching
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 3,006
- Full-Time Students 95.0%
- Part-Time Students 5.0%
- Male Students 38.1%
- Female Students 61.9%
- Caucasian 44.2%
- Asian 8.2%
- Hispanic 33.8%
- Black 6.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients 36.8%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Elmhurst University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Elmhurst University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Elmhurst University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Elmhurst University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Elmhurst University has a diverse student body, with 44.2% identifying as White. Women make up 61.9% of undergraduates.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Elmhurst University support students from different economic backgrounds?
What this means: Lower-income students (Pell Grant recipients) graduate at a similar rate as higher-income students, indicating adequate institutional support for all economic backgrounds.
Compare graduation rates by race/ethnicity
Graduation Rates by Race/Ethnicity
Six-year graduation rates for different demographic groups at Elmhurst University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Elmhurst University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with -45.4% ROI. Ranked #413 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $24,185 annual net price is significantly higher than public universities, offset somewhat by $52,803 median earnings. With 70.0% graduating within six years and 79.9% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Elmhurst University's Positioning
With a B+ grade and #413 ranking, Elmhurst University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $24,185 annually, Elmhurst University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 79.9% retention rate suggests students value this environment.
Who Benefits Most: Students who thrive in smaller, more intimate academic settings. Those seeking specific programs or values-based education aligned with the institution's mission. Students who receive merit scholarships that bring costs below $16,930 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The -45.4% ROI and $52,803 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $14,185+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Elmhurst University ranks #413 of 6101 institutions, with 879 schools achieving higher ROI. For students offered substantial merit aid or seeking specific programs unavailable at public universities, the value proposition strengthens significantly.
Key Takeaways
- 70.0% six-year graduation rate sits 7.5 points above the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 79.9% first-year retention is 3.1 points above the national norm of 76.8%.
- -45.4% return on investment is 130.7 points below the national 85.3% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $52,803 run about 21% higher than national outcomes six years after enrollment.
- Average net price of $24,185 is roughly $6,788 higher than the national median of $17,397.
Helpfulness for Students
- 15:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 79.9% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 93.1% employment rate within three years sits 24.9 points above national outcomes.
- Average net price of $24,185 is about $6,788 higher than comparable schools, so scholarship planning is key.
- Pell participation at 36.8% trails the national share by 2.3 points, so equity work remains important.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Elmhurst University, a private nonprofit university in Elmhurst, IL, secures a B+ grade in our latest review. It holds a #413 national ranking Grades by category break down as Completion B+, Support B, Career Outcomes B+, and Affordability B-.
Grades are assigned relative to EDsmart's national bachelor's cohort using standardized outcomes (2026 methodology); they reflect how a school compares to peers, not a fixed percentage of a raw point total.
About 79.9% of first-year students return, and roughly 70.0% finish within six years. EDsmart calculates the ROI at -45.4%, offering a quick value checkpoint.
Why it matters: this snapshot shows how likely you are to stay on track academically and whether the outcomes justify the price tag. Letter grades summarize cohort-relative performance—not a single exam-style score.
EDsmart Financial Snapshot
Families pay about $24,185 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $54,679.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $30,494 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $15,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 36.8% of students receive Pell Grants, giving a snapshot of the campus income mix.
Why it matters: lining up sticker price, aid, and typical debt helps you stress-test the budget before you commit.
EDsmart Career Snapshot
Graduates report median earnings of about $52,803 six years after entry. That sits about 21% above the national median.
The three-year employment rate is close to 93.1%.
The ROI comes in near -45.4%, which you can cross-check against your financial plan.
Why it matters: pairing median earnings with employment rates gives you a sense of payback time after graduation.
EDsmart Admissions Snapshot
73.6% of applicants receive offers, so preparation and fit matter.
The admissions team encourages students to highlight academic strengths through transcripts, essays, and recommendations.
Prospective students can apply early for priority review and lean on the Elmhurst University admissions site for deadlines, visit options, and counselor contacts.
Why it matters: knowing the admit rate and application expectations lets you map out testing, essays, and deadlines with less stress.
Your Decision Toolkit
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elmhurst University's acceptance rate?
Elmhurst University's acceptance rate is 73.6%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Elmhurst University cost?
At Elmhurst University, listed tuition and fees are $42,955 per year, and the average net price after aid is $24,185. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Elmhurst University's ranking?
Elmhurst University ranks #413 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B+, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Elmhurst University's graduation rate?
At Elmhurst University, the six-year graduation rate is 70.0%, and first-year retention is 79.9%.
What are Elmhurst University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Elmhurst University report median earnings of $52,803 six years after enrollment, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Elmhurst University's student population?
Elmhurst University enrolls about 3,006 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Elmhurst, IL 60126-3296
- Website www.elmhurst.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$154.0M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate29.6%