Elmhurst University vs. Iowa

Comparable Facts

Compare Elmhurst University in Elmhurst, IL with University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Iowa is larger than Elmhurst University based on total student enrollment (30,779 students vs. 3,997 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elmhurst University is located in Elmhurst, IL (Large Suburban setting); University of Iowa is in Iowa City, IA (Small City setting).
• Elmhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Iowa is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elmhurst University 15:1; University of Iowa 16:1.

Elmhurst University vs. Iowa Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elmhurst University or Iowa? 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 Iowa than Elmhurst University ($21,765 vs. $24,629).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Iowa are 11.1% lower than at Elmhurst University ($12,920 vs. $14,528).
• Elmhurst University is 280.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Iowa (about $31,672 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $11,283.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 28.7% higher at Elmhurst University than at University of Iowa (about $9,584 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $33,371.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Elmhurst University than at University of Iowa (100% vs. 76%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elmhurst University students is 204.9% larger than aid received by University of Iowa students ($30,079 vs. $9,865).

Elmhurst University vs. Iowa Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Iowa (1230) is 100 points higher than at Elmhurst University (1130).
• Incoming Elmhurst University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at Iowa).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 990/1260; University of Iowa 1130/1330.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 23/30; University of Iowa 21/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elmhurst University - Test optional; Iowa - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Iowa May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Iowa students have a 0.22 point higher average high school GPA (3.81) than students at Elmhurst University (3.59).
• Iowa has a higher acceptance rate (83.6%) than Elmhurst University (73.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Elmhurst University vs. 22.4% at Iowa.

Elmhurst University vs. Iowa Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elmhurst University and Iowa? 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 Iowa's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Elmhurst University's (70%).
• Graduates from University of Iowa earn a median of about $9,600 more per year than Elmhurst University graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,800 vs. $50,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have a $116 lower median loan debt than Iowa graduates ($21,500 vs. $21,616).
• Among borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have an estimated $1 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Iowa graduates ($222 vs. $223).
• More Elmhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Iowa students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 70%)

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.