Judson University: 58.2% Acceptance Rate

58.2%Acceptance

$30,910Tuition

780Students

53%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$56,313Earnings

Private nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNAIAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24Baptist

About Judson University

Judson University builds its identity around Christian education and small-class learning in the Chicago suburbs. The school enrolls 780 students in Elgin, creating an intimate campus where the 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention. Founded in 1963 with Baptist roots, Judson emphasizes faith integration across all programs while maintaining academic rigor. Students find a community-focused environment where professors know their names and Christian values shape campus culture.

The financial picture shows mixed results for families. Students pay an average net price of $25,027 after aid, with costs varying by income level. Lower-income families often pay around $24,510, while wealthier families face nearly $29,047. Graduates carry a median debt load of $25,000 and earn $56,313 ten years after graduation. Those earnings suggest the investment pays off over time, though the 53% six-year graduation rate means not all students complete their degrees.

Athletics dominate campus life with 527 total athletes competing across 19 NAIA sports. That means nearly 68% of students participate in varsity athletics, creating a sports-heavy culture unusual for most colleges. The Eagles receive over $4.2 million in athletic scholarships, reflecting the university's commitment to competitive athletics alongside academics.

Academics & Faculty

Judson University operates as a small Baptist institution where Christian faith shapes every academic program. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio ensures professors know students personally, though the 53% graduation rate suggests some struggle to finish. The university emphasizes practical ministry training alongside traditional liberal arts, preparing students for careers in Christian service, education, and business. Many programs integrate faith-based perspectives with professional preparation. The intimate campus environment means students work closely with faculty mentors, but the relatively low graduation rate indicates that not all students thrive in this demanding faith-centered academic atmosphere. Class sizes remain small across all disciplines, creating opportunities for deep discussion and personal attention.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1
Full-Time Faculty: 26.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 53.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 53.3%
Retention Rate: 73.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $56,313
Carnegie Classification: Master's University (Small)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Bachelor	$52,733
Architecture.	Master	$48,198
Human Services, General.	Bachelor	$30,554
Architecture.	Bachelor	$26,933

View all 62 programs →

Campus Life

This small Baptist university sits 40 miles northwest of Chicago in Elgin, a city of 115,000 residents. With housing for 548 students and total enrollment of 780, about 70% of students live on campus in a tight-knit community. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and academic struggles.

Illinois winters demand heavy coats and snow boots, while humid summers call for lighter clothing. Students gather in the campus center between classes or head to nearby downtown Elgin for coffee shops and restaurants. The 527 student-athletes across 19 NAIA sports create a strong athletic culture on campus. Weekend activities often center around Eagles games, campus ministries, and Chicago day trips via the Metra train system. About 70% of students come from Illinois, creating a regional feel. Chapel services and faith-based programming shape the weekly rhythm for this Christian community. The suburban setting offers safety and quiet study spaces while keeping urban opportunities within reach.

Setting: City-Midsize
Housing Capacity: 548 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1963

Campus Safety (2023)

8 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Burglary	3	3	0	0
Rape	1	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 13°–29°F
July Avg: 62°–83°F
Annual Precipitation: 37.8"
Annual Snowfall: 29.0"

Student Demographics

Judson draws primarily from Illinois and the Chicago suburbs, building a strong regional reputation among Baptist families. The student body reflects the university's Christian mission while serving a diverse community that mirrors the changing demographics of suburban Chicago. About four in ten students receive Pell Grants, showing the school's commitment to making Christian higher education accessible to working-class families. The slight male majority likely stems from strong athletics programs and business offerings. Students come seeking a faith-based education that combines evangelical values with practical career preparation in a close-knit community setting.

Men: 54.0%
Women: 46.0%
White: 37.2%
Black: 10.4%
Hispanic: 33.2%
Asian: 1.7%
In-State Students: 70.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 39.7%

Location

Judson University sits in Elgin, Illinois, about 40 miles northwest of Chicago. The city of 110,000 residents provides a suburban setting with access to both urban amenities and natural areas along the Fox River. Elgin's historic downtown district offers restaurants, shops, and cultural venues within walking distance of campus. The university draws 70% of its students from Illinois, taking advantage of the location between Chicago's job market and smaller communities. The Fox River provides recreational opportunities including boating and fishing. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Judson University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Elgin, Illinois 60123-1498

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $56,313
Median Earnings (5 years): $55,286
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $38,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 66.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $265/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $25,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Judson University?

Judson University accepts 58.20% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The average SAT score is 1025, with middle 50% scores ranging from 910 to 1140, reflecting the Christian university's focus on well-rounded admissions for students seeking faith-based education.

How much does Judson University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $25,027 after aid, despite the sticker price of $44,000 total cost of attendance. About 40% of students receive Pell Grants, and the median debt at graduation is $25,000, which is reasonable for a private Christian institution.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Judson University?

Judson University maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with only 780 total students. This small Baptist university emphasizes personalized attention and close relationships between professors and students in its faith-centered academic environment.

Does Judson University have good career outcomes?

Graduates earn a median salary of $56,313 ten years after graduation, with a 96.9% employment rate. However, only 53.30% of students graduate within six years, which is below average for four-year institutions.

Where do Judson University students live?

The campus housing capacity is 548 students, which can accommodate most of the 780 enrolled students who want to live on campus. About 70% of students come from within Illinois, creating a close-knit community in the Elgin area.

How strong is athletics at Judson University?

Judson University fields 19 varsity sports teams competing at the NAIA level as the Eagles. With 527 total athletes and $4.3 million in athletic scholarships, sports play a major role on this small campus where over two-thirds of students participate in athletics.