Overview
Enrollment
| Location | Elgin, Illinois |
| Online | judsonu.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Midsize City |
| Religious Affiliation | Baptist |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Judson University, located in Elgin, Illinois, sits on a 90-acre campus alongside the Fox River approximately 45 miles northwest of Chicago. Founded in 1963 as a branch of Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, Judson operates as a private evangelical Christian liberal arts institution. The campus features traditional collegiate Gothic architecture alongside modern academic buildings, with student residence halls concentrated on the river-facing portion of the grounds. While maintaining its Christian heritage, the university offers undergraduate programs across multiple disciplines, with notable strengths in architecture, education, and business, alongside an NAIA Division II athletic program where the Judson Eagles compete in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference. The university maintains a residential campus environment, requiring most undergraduate students to live in campus housing during their academic career.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Judson University is rated within the lower 47% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 5 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Judson University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#648 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#435 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#32 in Best Colleges in Illinois
#25 in Best Private Colleges in Illinois
#68 in Best Value Colleges in Illinois
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 860/1080 |
| ACT | 16/23 |
| GPA | 3.16 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | - |
| Applicant Competition | Low |
| Application Fee | $50 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,270 |
| Other Fees | $1,060 |
| Room and Board | $11,820 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,500 |
| Total One Year Cost | $46,500 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 38% |
| Education | 15% |
| Human Services | 10% |
| Architecture | 6% |
| Theology and Religious Vvocations | 5% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Judson University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=146339 IPEDS survey data for Judson University.
Current students may use the Judson University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025