Judson University
Judson University has an acceptance rate of 47.6%, annual tuition of $31,360, average net price of $18,558, and a national rank of #978 (Grade B), with a 56.6% graduation rate, about 708 undergraduates, and median earnings of $56,385 four years after graduation. Figures come from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and EDsmart's 2026 rankings.
Judson University is a private nonprofit university in Elgin, IL. Students most often pursue Business Administration, Management and Operations and Architecture.
Day to day, students benefit from a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, and 59.2% first-year retention. Coaches and faculty advisors weave in frequent check-ins, helping students translate ambition into steady progress.
EDsmart calculates return on investment at 66.5%, roughly 16.6 points higher than typical outcomes. It's well-suited to students who appreciate an encouraging campus with room to explore and students looking for meaningful faculty access.
Who is Judson University Best For?
A quick look at who tends to feel most at home here based on outcomes and campus context.
EDsmart Scores Summary
Judson University graduates 56.6% of students within eight years of entry and keeps 59.2% of first-year students. Affordability earns a C compared with similar schools.
How we calculate this →Cost & Financial Aid
Quick Answers
The costs shown are averages. Use Judson 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 | $31,360 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,270 |
| On-Campus Room and Board | $12,320 |
| On-Campus Other Expenses | $2,500 |
| Total On-Campus Cost | $43,137 |
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 38.7% of Judson 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 $15,701 to $21,515 depending on family income. Use Judson University's net price calculator for a personalized estimate.
If your family earns $75K-$110K: Expect to pay around $21,124/year
If your family earns $110K+: Expect to pay around $21,515/year
See all income brackets →ROI & Career Outcomes
- Median Earnings (4 Years After Graduation) $56,385
- 10-Year Median Earnings $56,313
- Average Years to Graduate 4.6 years
- Average Student Debt $25,000
- Repayment Rate (3yr) 66.1%
- Employment Rate 91.3%
Graduate Earnings Distribution
Earnings range for Judson 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.
Judson University vs. National Average
Comparison of key performance metrics showing how Judson University's outcomes compare to the national average across earnings, graduation rates, retention, ROI, and employment. This contextualizes Judson University's performance within the broader higher education landscape.
EDsmart Insight: Judson University graduates earn $56,385 median four years after graduation, -7% above the national average. Earnings vary significantly by major—research your field's outcomes.
Acceptance & Selectivity
Getting In
- SAT Evidence-Based Reading 423-550
- SAT Math 393-568
- SAT Writing Not reported
- ACT Composite 16-24
- SAT & ACT Required
- Undergraduate Enrollment 708
- Full-Time Students 97.0%
- Part-Time Students 3.0%
- Retention Rate 59.2%
- Graduation Rate 56.6%
- Student-Faculty Ratio 10:1
How to Get Into Judson University
1. Meet Academic Requirements: Judson 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 47.6%, Judson University is moderately selective. 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: Judson University accepts 47.6% of applicants, making it moderately selective. Focus on strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, and compelling essays to stand out. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 816 and 1118 on the SAT.
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Program Distribution
Breakdown of the most popular majors and fields of study among Judson University undergraduates. Business Administration, Management and Operations, Architecture, and Human Services, General draw the most students.
- Business Administration, Management and Operations 25.8%
- Architecture 12.2%
- Human Services, General 12.2%
- Psychology, General 10.3%
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology 5.6%
- Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitnes 5.2%
See more majors
- Design and Applied Arts 4.7%
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods 3.8%
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. Business Administration, Management and Operations $74,689
- 2. Architecture $58,276
- 3. Human Services, General $45,064
Show additional high-earning majors
- 4. Design and Applied Arts $37,466
- 5. Psychology, General $34,964
Graduate Programs (Master's, Doctoral, Professional)
- 1. Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degree) $71,232
- 2. Architecture (Master's Degree) $68,632
- 3. Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Master's Degree) $58,798
Show additional graduate majors
- 4. Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree) $45,486
Program Choice Matters: Undergraduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations grads earn $74,689—114% more than Psychology, General ($34,964). Graduate: Business Administration, Management and Operations programs lead with $71,232 median earnings. Your program and degree level choice significantly impact career earnings.
Online Degrees & Distance Learning
College Scorecard reports fully online programs for Judson 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
- Architecture (Bachelor's Degree, 26 graduates)
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology (Master's Degree, 13 graduates)
- Architecture (Master's Degree, 11 graduates)
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness (Bachelor's Degree, 11 graduates)
- Design and Applied Arts (Bachelor's Degree, 10 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 (25 programs)â–¼
- Architecture
- Health and Physical Education/Fitness
- Design and Applied Arts
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Accounting and Related Services
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
- Religious/Sacred Music
- Communication and Media Studies
- Special Education and Teaching
- Music
- Mathematics
- Film/Video and Photographic Arts
- Natural Sciences
- Literature
- Biology, General
- Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology
- Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management
- Theological and Ministerial Studies
- Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies
- Fine and Studio Arts
- Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft
- Computer and Information Sciences, General
- Chemistry
- Bible/Biblical Studies
- Missions/Missionary Studies and Missiology
Online Master's Degrees (4 programs)â–¼
- Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology
- Architecture
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Pastoral Counseling and Specialized Ministries
Online Doctoral Degrees (3 programs)â–¼
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas
- Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods
- Educational Administration and Supervision
Online Graduate/Professional Certificates (1 program)â–¼
- Religious/Sacred Music
Online Undergraduate Certificates & Diplomas (4 programs)â–¼
- Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other
- Human Resources Management and Services
- Non-Professional General Legal Studies (Undergraduate)
- Hospitality Administration/Management
Student Demographics
Student Population
- Total Undergraduate Enrollment 708
- Full-Time Students 97.0%
- Part-Time Students 3.0%
- Male Students 59.0%
- Female Students 41.0%
- Caucasian 42.4%
- Asian 2.1%
- Hispanic 26.3%
- Black 14.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients 38.7%
Racial & Ethnic Diversity
Undergraduate student body composition by racial and ethnic background. This reflects Judson University's commitment to diversity and inclusion in admissions.
Gender Distribution
Gender breakdown of Judson University's undergraduate population. The university maintains a roughly balanced gender distribution across its student body.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Judson 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 Judson University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
EDsmart Insight: Judson University has a diverse student body, with 42.4% identifying as White.
Graduation Rate Equity Analysis
How well does Judson 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 Judson University, compared to national averages. This shows whether the institution supports all students equitably.
Our Take
Judson University offers a private university experience at a regional scale, combining smaller class sizes with 66.5% ROI. Ranked #978 nationally, the institution balances personalized attention against higher costs than public alternatives.
The $18,558 annual net price is moderately higher than state schools, offset somewhat by $56,385 median earnings. With 56.6% earning an award within eight years of entry and 59.2% returning for sophomore year, outcomes reflect the personalized support typical of smaller private institutions.
Private University Value: Judson University's Positioning
With a B grade and #978 ranking, Judson University competes in the crowded regional private university market.
The Private University Premium: At $18,558 annually, Judson University charges more than public alternatives but typically offers smaller classes, more personalized advising, and tighter-knit campus communities. The 59.2% 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 $12,991 achieve particularly strong value.
Cost-Benefit Reality: The 66.5% ROI and $56,385 median earnings don't always justify the premium over public universities. Students paying full price should compare whether the personalized experience warrants $8,558+ in additional annual costs over state flagships.
Competitive Standing: Judson University ranks #978 of 1962 institutions, with 869 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
- 56.6% graduation rate sits 5.9 points below the national 62.5% benchmark.
- 59.2% first-year retention is 17.6 points below the national norm of 76.8%.
- 66.5% return on investment is 16.6 points above the national 49.9% benchmark.
- Median earnings of $56,385 run about 7% lower than national outcomes four years after graduation.
- Average net price of $18,558 is roughly $1,521 lower than the national median of $20,079.
Helpfulness for Students
- 10:1 student-faculty ratio keeps mentorship close and courses discussion-sized.
- 59.2% first-year retention shows students stay engaged after the first year.
- 91.3% employment rate within three years sits 23.1 points above national outcomes.
- Budget carefully for clinical travel, off-campus housing, and practicum fees to avoid surprise costs.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
- Compare aid offers from nearby public universities to weigh the premium for smaller classes.
EDsmart Expert Analysis
Located in Elgin, IL, Judson University operates as a private nonprofit university and receives a B from EDsmart. It appears at #978 in EDsmart's national list Grades by category break down as Completion C-, Support B, Career Outcomes C+, and Affordability C.
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.
59.2% of learners come back after year one while 56.6% earn an award within eight years of entry. The reported ROI is 66.5%, a figure families can weigh against cost and aid details above.
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 $18,558 on average after aid, compared with a published cost near $43,137.
Institutional and federal aid lower costs by roughly $24,579 per year.
Graduates leave with a median of $25,000 in federal loans, which lines up with national norms.
About 38.7% 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
Six years in, alumni earn roughly $56,385 at the median. Compared with the national median, that's 7% lower.
The three-year employment rate is close to 91.3%.
The ROI comes in near 66.5%, 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
47.6% 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 Judson 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 Judson University's acceptance rate?
Judson University's acceptance rate is 47.6%, based on U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard admissions data.
How much does Judson University cost?
At Judson University, listed tuition and fees are $31,360 per year, and the average net price after aid is $18,558. Use the net price calculator on this page for a personalized estimate.
What is Judson University's ranking?
Judson University ranks #978 nationally in EDsmart's 2026 college rankings with an overall grade of B, based on completion, affordability, support, and career outcomes.
What is Judson University's graduation rate?
At Judson University, the graduation rate is 56.6%, and first-year retention is 59.2%.
What are Judson University's job outcomes?
Graduates of Judson University report median earnings of $56,385 four years after graduation, according to College Scorecard federal outcome data. Outcomes vary by major.
What is Judson University's student population?
Judson University enrolls about 708 undergraduate students, per College Scorecard enrollment data.
Contact Information
- Address Elgin, IL 60123-1498
- Website www.judsonu.edu
- Net Price Calculator Calculate Your Cost
- Financial AidView Financial Aid Information
- AccreditationHigher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
- Endowment$6.6M
- Transfer Enrollment Rate26.8%