Elmhurst University vs. Cornell College

Comparable Facts

Compare Elmhurst University in Elmhurst, IL with Cornell College in Mount Vernon, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Elmhurst University is larger than Cornell College based on total student enrollment (3,997 students vs. 1,094 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elmhurst University is located in Elmhurst, IL (Large Suburban setting); Cornell College is in Mount Vernon, IA (Distant Town setting).
• Elmhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cornell College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elmhurst University 15:1; Cornell College 14:1.

Elmhurst University vs. Cornell College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elmhurst University or Cornell College? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Elmhurst University than Cornell College ($24,629 vs. $25,220).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cornell College are 18.4% lower than at Elmhurst University ($11,850 vs. $14,528).
• Cornell College is 22.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Elmhurst University (about $9,705 more per year; $52,660.00 vs. $42,955.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.6% higher at Cornell College than at Elmhurst University (about $9,705 more per year; $52,660.00 vs. $42,955.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Elmhurst University as at Cornell College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Cornell College students is 36.6% larger than aid received by Elmhurst University students ($41,092 vs. $30,079).

Elmhurst University vs. Cornell College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elmhurst University or Cornell College? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Cornell College and Elmhurst University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Cornell College (1200) is 70 points higher than at Elmhurst University (1130).
• Incoming Elmhurst University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 26) as students at Cornell College (26).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 990/1260; Cornell College 1120/1285.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 23/30; Cornell College 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elmhurst University - Test optional; Cornell College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Elmhurst University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Cornell College (3.53).
• Cornell College has a higher acceptance rate (79.9%) than Elmhurst University (73.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Elmhurst University vs. 14.3% at Cornell College.

Elmhurst University vs. Cornell College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elmhurst University and Cornell College? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• The graduation rate at Elmhurst University is the same as at Cornell College (70% vs. 70%).
• Graduates from Elmhurst University earn a median of about $4,800 more per year than Cornell College graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,200 vs. $45,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Cornell College graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Cornell College graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Cornell College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Elmhurst University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 72%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.