Elmhurst University vs. WSU

Comparable Facts

Compare Elmhurst University in Elmhurst, IL with Wayne State University in Detroit, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wayne State University is larger than Elmhurst University based on total student enrollment (23,803 students vs. 3,997 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elmhurst University is located in Elmhurst, IL (Large Suburban setting); Wayne State University is in Detroit, MI (Large City setting).
• Elmhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wayne State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elmhurst University 15:1; Wayne State University 14:1.

Elmhurst University vs. WSU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elmhurst University or WSU? 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 Wayne State University than Elmhurst University ($14,416 vs. $24,629).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wayne State University are 1.9% lower than at Elmhurst University ($14,252 vs. $14,528).
• Elmhurst University is 182.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than WSU (about $27,765 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $15,190.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 34.1% higher at Elmhurst University than at Wayne State University (about $10,918 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $32,037.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Elmhurst University than at Wayne State University (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elmhurst University students is 132.2% larger than aid received by Wayne State University students ($30,079 vs. $12,953).

Elmhurst University vs. WSU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wayne State University (1170) is 40 points higher than at Elmhurst University (1130).
• Incoming Elmhurst University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 26) as students at WSU (26).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 990/1260; Wayne State University 1060/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 23/30; Wayne State University 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elmhurst University - Test optional; WSU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: WSU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Elmhurst University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at WSU (3.42).
• WSU has a higher acceptance rate (81.2%) than Elmhurst University (73.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Elmhurst University vs. 22.4% at WSU.

Elmhurst University vs. WSU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• Elmhurst University's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Wayne State University's (26%).
• Graduates from Wayne State University earn a median of about $800 more per year than Elmhurst University graduates about ten years after starting college ($51,000 vs. $50,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have a $758 lower median loan debt than WSU graduates ($21,500 vs. $22,258).
• Among borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have an estimated $8 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WSU graduates ($222 vs. $230).
• More Elmhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WSU students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 38%)

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.