About Elmhurst University
Elmhurst University builds its reputation on personalized education and practical career preparation. The university enrolls 2,954 students in a suburban setting outside Chicago, drawing heavily from Illinois with 87% in-state enrollment. Business, education, and nursing programs anchor the academic offerings. Students work closely with faculty in a 14:1 ratio that enables mentorship and hands-on learning. The Four-One-Four calendar system includes a January term for internships, study abroad, or intensive coursework.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for middle-class families. While sticker price hits $54,726, the average net price drops to $21,063 after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,641 annually. Graduates earn a median of $61,462 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $20,489 manageable. Monthly loan payments average $217, and 71% of borrowers successfully repay their loans.
The student body reflects modern demographics with 62% women and significant diversity. Hispanic students make up 31% of enrollment while white students represent 47%. The Bluejays compete in 18 Division III sports with 514 total athletes. An impressive 96% employment rate demonstrates the university's career-focused approach, though the 65% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish.
The financial picture tells a compelling story for middle-class families. While sticker price hits $54,726, the average net price drops to $21,063 after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $14,641 annually. Graduates earn a median of $61,462 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $20,489 manageable. Monthly loan payments average $217, and 71% of borrowers successfully repay their loans.
The student body reflects modern demographics with 62% women and significant diversity. Hispanic students make up 31% of enrollment while white students represent 47%. The Bluejays compete in 18 Division III sports with 514 total athletes. An impressive 96% employment rate demonstrates the university's career-focused approach, though the 65% six-year graduation rate suggests some students struggle to finish.
Academics & Faculty
Elmhurst University operates as a liberal arts institution with particularly strong reputations in business, education, and nursing programs. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students by name and can provide individualized attention in small seminar-style classes. This close mentorship helps explain why 64% of students graduate within four years. The university follows a distinctive Four-One-Four calendar system that allows students to pursue intensive January term experiences like internships or study abroad. Business majors benefit from hands-on learning opportunities with Chicago-area companies. Education students gain extensive classroom experience through partnerships with local school districts. The nursing program maintains strong clinical relationships with area healthcare systems.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 37.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 64.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 65.2%
- Retention Rate
- 75.9%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $61,462
- Carnegie Classification
- Master's University (Large)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $84,653 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $81,997 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,832 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $57,318 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $55,964 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $54,209 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $53,358 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $51,690 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $48,823 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $45,383 |
Campus Life
Students at Elmhurst University experience small-town campus life just 16 miles west of Chicago. The 4-1-4 calendar system gives students a month-long January term for internships or study abroad. With housing capacity for 972 students and total enrollment of 2,954, about one-third of students live on campus in a close-knit residential community.
The suburban Elmhurst setting provides tree-lined streets and local cafes within walking distance. Chicago winters require heavy coats and boots, while spring and fall offer ideal weather for the campus quad. Students take advantage of easy train access to downtown Chicago for internships, cultural events, and weekend adventures. The 514 student-athletes across 18 Division III sports create a strong campus spirit, especially during Bluejays basketball season. Women make up 62% of the student body, creating a collaborative academic atmosphere. Students often gather in the campus center or participate in service projects reflecting the school's United Church of Christ values. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and mentor them closely.
The suburban Elmhurst setting provides tree-lined streets and local cafes within walking distance. Chicago winters require heavy coats and boots, while spring and fall offer ideal weather for the campus quad. Students take advantage of easy train access to downtown Chicago for internships, cultural events, and weekend adventures. The 514 student-athletes across 18 Division III sports create a strong campus spirit, especially during Bluejays basketball season. Women make up 62% of the student body, creating a collaborative academic atmosphere. Students often gather in the campus center or participate in service projects reflecting the school's United Church of Christ values. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name and mentor them closely.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 972 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
Campus Safety (2023)
54 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 13 | 13 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 18°–31°F
- July Avg
- 66°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 37.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 38.4"
Student Demographics
The student body draws heavily from Illinois, with 87% staying close to home for this suburban Chicago liberal arts education. Women make up nearly two-thirds of enrollment, reflecting strong programs in traditionally female-dominated fields like education and nursing. The campus serves a diverse mix of students, with Hispanic students comprising 31% of enrollment and over one-third receiving Pell Grants. This demographic blend creates a community-focused environment where first-generation college students and working-class families find accessible pathways to professional careers in business, healthcare, and education.
- Men
- 37.8%
- Women
- 62.2%
- White
- 46.7%
- Black
- 5.1%
- Hispanic
- 30.9%
- Asian
- 8.5%
- In-State Students
- 87.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 36.8%
Location
Elmhurst University sits in Elmhurst, Illinois, about 16 miles west of Chicago's downtown Loop. The campus occupies 48 acres in a well-established suburb that balances residential charm with easy access to the nation's third-largest city. Students can reach Chicago via the Union Pacific West Metra line in roughly 30 minutes. The surrounding DuPage County area features tree-lined streets, local parks, and a mix of family neighborhoods and small businesses. With 87.45% of students coming from Illinois, many appreciate staying close to home while having big-city opportunities nearby. The suburban setting provides a quieter college experience than urban campuses. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Elmhurst University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Elmhurst, Illinois 60126-3296
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $61,462
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $64,263
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $42,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 71.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $217/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,489
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Elmhurst University?
Elmhurst University accepts 76% of applicants, making it moderately selective for a private liberal arts school. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 980-1240 on the SAT, reflecting the university's focus on accessible quality education in the Chicago suburbs.
How much does Elmhurst University cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $21,063 after aid, less than the sticker price of $54,726. With 37% of students receiving Pell Grants, Elmhurst works to serve middle-class and lower-income families through substantial institutional support.
What is Elmhurst University known for academically?
Elmhurst maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for personalized attention in its signature programs. The university has built a strong reputation in business, education, and nursing, with these professional programs drawing students throughout Illinois.
What are the career outcomes for Elmhurst University graduates?
Graduates earn a median salary of $61,462 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 96% employment rate. Students typically graduate with $20,489 in debt and monthly loan payments of $217, making their degrees financially manageable.
Where do most students at Elmhurst University come from?
About 87% of students come from Illinois, creating a tight-knit community feel on the suburban campus. With 2,954 total students and housing for 972, Elmhurst maintains an intimate atmosphere while serving the greater Chicago metropolitan area.
Does Elmhurst University have a religious affiliation?
Elmhurst maintains ties to the United Church of Christ, reflecting its progressive Protestant heritage. The university operates with an inclusive approach while honoring its historical roots, creating a welcoming environment for students of all backgrounds in its diverse student body.
