Elmhurst University vs. St. Mary's College

Comparable Facts

Compare Elmhurst University in Elmhurst, IL with Saint Mary's College in Notre Dame, IN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Elmhurst University is larger than St. Mary's College based on total student enrollment (3,997 students vs. 1,601 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elmhurst University is located in Elmhurst, IL (Large Suburban setting); Saint Mary's College is in Notre Dame, IN (Rural Fringe setting).
• Elmhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Mary's College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elmhurst University 15:1; Saint Mary's College 9:1.

Elmhurst University vs. St. Mary's College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elmhurst University or St. Mary's 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 St. Mary's College ($24,629 vs. $27,865).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Mary's College are 1.8% lower than at Elmhurst University ($14,260 vs. $14,528).
• Saint Mary's College is 23.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Elmhurst University (about $10,275 more per year; $53,230.00 vs. $42,955.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.9% higher at St. Mary's College than at Elmhurst University (about $10,275 more per year; $53,230.00 vs. $42,955.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Elmhurst University as at Saint Mary's College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Mary's College students is 28.8% larger than aid received by Elmhurst University students ($38,748 vs. $30,079).

Elmhurst University vs. St. Mary's College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elmhurst University or St. Mary's 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 St. Mary's College and Elmhurst University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Saint Mary's College (1230) is 100 points higher than at Elmhurst University (1130).
• Incoming St. Mary's College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 26 at Elmhurst University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 990/1260; Saint Mary's College 1130/1325.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 23/30; Saint Mary's College 26/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elmhurst University - Test optional; St. Mary's College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman St. Mary's College students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.83) than students at Elmhurst University (3.59).
• St. Mary's College has a higher acceptance rate (76%) than Elmhurst University (73.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Elmhurst University vs. 20.1% at St. Mary's College.

Elmhurst University vs. St. Mary's College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elmhurst University and St. Mary's 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).

• Saint Mary's College's six-year graduation rate (79%) is higher than Elmhurst University's (70%).
• Graduates from Saint Mary's College earn a median of about $900 more per year than Elmhurst University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,100 vs. $50,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than St. Mary's College graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than St. Mary's College graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More St. Mary's College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Elmhurst University students, three years after graduation. (85% 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.