Elmhurst University vs. WLC

Comparable Facts

Compare Elmhurst University in Elmhurst, IL with Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Elmhurst University is larger than WLC based on total student enrollment (3,997 students vs. 1,027 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elmhurst University is located in Elmhurst, IL (Large Suburban setting); Wisconsin Lutheran College is in Milwaukee, WI (Large City setting).
• Elmhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elmhurst University 15:1; Wisconsin Lutheran College 11:1.

Elmhurst University vs. WLC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elmhurst University or WLC? 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 Wisconsin Lutheran College than Elmhurst University ($24,095 vs. $24,629).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wisconsin Lutheran College are 15.7% lower than at Elmhurst University ($12,250 vs. $14,528).
• Elmhurst University is 19% more expensive for in-state tuition than WLC (about $6,845 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $36,110.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19% higher at Elmhurst University than at Wisconsin Lutheran College (about $6,845 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $36,110.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Elmhurst University as at Wisconsin Lutheran College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elmhurst University students is 22.2% larger than aid received by Wisconsin Lutheran College students ($30,079 vs. $24,624).

Elmhurst University vs. WLC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elmhurst University (1130) is 30 points higher than at WLC (1100).
• Incoming Elmhurst University students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 26) as students at WLC (26).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 990/1260; Wisconsin Lutheran College 970/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 23/30; Wisconsin Lutheran College 23/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elmhurst University - Test optional; WLC - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Elmhurst University students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at WLC (3.54).
• WLC has a higher acceptance rate (78.2%) than Elmhurst University (73.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Elmhurst University vs. 20.2% at WLC.

Elmhurst University vs. WLC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elmhurst University and WLC? 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 Wisconsin Lutheran College's (63%).
• Graduates from Elmhurst University earn a median of about $7,200 more per year than WLC graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,200 vs. $43,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have a $3,500 lower median loan debt than WLC graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have an estimated $36 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WLC graduates ($222 vs. $258).
• More WLC graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Elmhurst University students, three years after graduation. (77% 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.