Elmhurst University vs. Illinois

Comparable Facts

Compare Elmhurst University in Elmhurst, IL with University of Illinois Urbana Champaign in Champaign, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Illinois Urbana Champaign is larger than Elmhurst University based on total student enrollment (59,238 students vs. 3,997 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elmhurst University is located in Elmhurst, IL (Large Suburban setting); University of Illinois Urbana Champaign is in Champaign, IL (Small City setting).
• Elmhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Illinois Urbana Champaign is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elmhurst University 15:1; University of Illinois Urbana Champaign 20:1.

Elmhurst University vs. Illinois Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elmhurst University or Illinois? 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 University of Illinois Urbana Champaign than Elmhurst University ($13,973 vs. $24,629).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign are 0% lower than at Elmhurst University ($14,522 vs. $14,528).
• Elmhurst University is 168.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Illinois (about $26,951 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $16,004.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 22.3% higher at Elmhurst University than at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign (about $7,831 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $35,124.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Elmhurst University than at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign (100% vs. 52%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elmhurst University students is 55.9% larger than aid received by University of Illinois Urbana Champaign students ($30,079 vs. $19,299).

Elmhurst University vs. Illinois Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elmhurst University or Illinois? 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 Illinois and Elmhurst University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign (1420) is 290 points higher than at Elmhurst University (1130).
• Incoming Illinois students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (32 vs. 26 at Elmhurst University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 990/1260; University of Illinois Urbana Champaign 1310/1520.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 23/30; University of Illinois Urbana Champaign 30/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elmhurst University - Test optional; Illinois - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Illinois Jan 5, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Illinois students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.79) than students at Elmhurst University (3.59).
• Elmhurst University has a higher acceptance rate (73.6%) than Illinois (42.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Elmhurst University vs. 28.8% at Illinois.

Elmhurst University vs. Illinois Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elmhurst University and Illinois? 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).

• University of Illinois Urbana Champaign's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Elmhurst University's (70%).
• Graduates from University of Illinois Urbana Champaign earn a median of about $16,300 more per year than Elmhurst University graduates about ten years after starting college ($66,500 vs. $50,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Elmhurst University graduates ($20,500 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Illinois graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Elmhurst University graduates ($211 vs. $222).
• More Illinois graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Elmhurst University students, three years after graduation. (78% 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.