At $21,063/yr net price, Elmhurst University graduates earn $61,462/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $27,462/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $21,063 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $84,252 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,462/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$27,462/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 65.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,489 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,641/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,866/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $20,115/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,551/yr |
| $110,001+ | $28,795/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $84,653 | $26,575 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $81,997 | $41,000 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $63,832 | $20,135 |
| Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology. | Master | $57,318 | $30,520 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $55,964 | $18,000 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $54,209 | $18,125 |
| Communication Disorders Sciences and Services. | Master | $53,358 | $41,000 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $51,690 | $18,750 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $48,823 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $45,383 | $19,000 |
The Risk Factor
65.2% of students at Elmhurst University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 35% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Elmhurst University delivers solid financial returns for most graduates, with median earnings of $61,462 ten years out and manageable debt loads around $20,500. Your investment pays off particularly well in business and healthcare fields.
Business Administration graduates earn $84,653 annually with debt of $26,575, creating strong earning potential that justifies the investment. Nursing programs show mixed results: one track produces $81,997 earners but saddles students with $41,000 in debt, while another nursing pathway yields $63,832 with just $20,135 in debt. Psychology graduates face tougher financial prospects at $57,318 with $30,520 in debt.
The 65% graduation rate creates real financial risk. Nearly one in three students leave without a degree but still carry debt. The 76% retention rate suggests academic struggles hit students early, making your freshman year performance critical to avoiding this outcome.
You benefit from Elmhurst's Chicago suburban location, where business and healthcare jobs are plentiful. The school works well if you target high-earning majors and stay focused on graduation. Business and accounting students see particularly strong returns relative to debt.
Only 37% of students receive aid, suggesting limited need-based assistance. Merit scholarships exist but competition is steep. Your best cost strategy involves choosing a high-earning major and finishing in four years to minimize total costs.
Skip Elmhurst if you plan to study lower-earning fields or struggle with academic consistency. The school rewards students who pick practical majors and graduate on time, but punishes those who change paths or extend their studies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elmhurst University worth the cost?
Elmhurst University offers reasonable value with a net price of $21,063 annually and graduates earning $61,462 after 10 years. The school works best for students pursuing business or nursing, where earnings exceed $80,000, but other programs may not justify the cost.
What are the best paying majors at Elmhurst University?
Business Administration and Nursing programs at Elmhurst University produce the highest returns, with graduates earning over $80,000 annually. Psychology and accounting graduates earn significantly less at $57,318 and $55,964 respectively.
How much student debt do Elmhurst University graduates have?
Elmhurst University graduates typically carry $20,489 in debt, which is manageable compared to the national average. With 10-year earnings of $61,462, most graduates can reasonably handle their loan payments.
Does Elmhurst University have good graduation rates?
Elmhurst University's 65.2% graduation rate is below the national average for four-year colleges. This means about one in three students who enroll will not complete their degree, which increases the financial risk.