Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Elmhurst, Illinois |
| Online | elmhurst.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Large Suburban |
| Religious Affiliation | United Church of Christ |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Elmhurst University, located in the suburban community of Elmhurst, Illinois, sits on a 48-acre campus approximately 16 miles west of downtown Chicago. Founded in 1871 by the United Church of Christ, the institution maintains its historical affiliation while operating as a comprehensive private university. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, including the distinctive Frick Center and Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel, set among an urban forest designated as an arboretum. The university offers more than 70 undergraduate programs and 15 graduate programs, with particular strengths in business, nursing, education, and music. Students primarily reside in one of the seven residence halls on campus, and the university competes in NCAA Division III athletics as the Bluejays.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Elmhurst College is rated within the top 40% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Elmhurst College within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#386 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#280 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#15 in Best Colleges in Illinois
#13 in Best Private Colleges in Illinois
#226 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#15 in Best Value Colleges in Illinois
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 960/1210 |
| ACT | 23/28 |
| GPA | 3.59 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Very Low |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,240 |
| Other Fees | $370 |
| Room and Board | $11,858 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $4,710 |
| Total One Year Cost | $59,436 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 20% |
| Health Professions | 15% |
| Education | 12% |
| Psychology | 8% |
| Social Sciences | 8% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Elmhurst College are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=144962 IPEDS survey data for Elmhurst College.
Current students may use the Elmhurst College GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025