Elmhurst University
Elmhurst, Illinois · Private Nonprofit · 73.6% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 68/100 · Fair Value
Elmhurst University posts an overall ROI score of 68 out of 100, putting it in the Fair Value tier and making it one of the stronger private nonprofit options in suburban Chicago. The score is driven by a solid 70% completion rate, median earnings of $42,700 six years after enrollment (rising to $61,462 by year 10), and a manageable median debt of $20,489 -- which translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.48 and a payback period under nine years. Sticker tuition is $42,955, but the average net price drops to $24,185 thanks to meaningful institutional aid, which is the central economic story here: list price says private-college expensive, actual price says private-college reasonable. The 76.8% three-year repayment rate is solid, indicating most borrowers are paying down principal. Sub-score weaknesses cluster around earnings premium (60/100) and repayment rate, which keep this from being a Strong Value rating. For students who complete one of the high-ROI programs (nursing, accounting, finance, communication disorders), Elmhurst delivers the kind of ROI that justifies the private-college tag.
Elmhurst University
Quick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $42,955/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $42,955/yr |
| Average net price | $24,185/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $96,740 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $61,462 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $42,700 |
| Median debt at graduation | $20,489 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $217 |
| Estimated payback period | 8.9 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 70.0% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 3,006 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Elmhurst University is $42,955/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $24,185/year, or roughly $96,740 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $17,892/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $30,232/year.
The median graduate leaves with $20,489 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $217 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $61,462 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.48 - well within manageable territory.
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,892 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $18,377 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,098 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $25,419 |
| $110,001+ | $30,232 |
Cost by Income Bracket Explained
Lower-income families (under $30K)
Families under $30,000 pay a net price of $17,892 per year -- about $6,300 below the listed average net price and significantly less than the $42,955 sticker. Pell grants plus institutional need-based aid absorb the bulk of cost. Over four years that is roughly $72,000 against median graduate earnings of $42,700. The math works, especially for nursing and accounting tracks.
Middle-income families ($30K-$110K)
The $30,001-$48,000 bracket pays $18,377, and the $48,001-$75,000 bracket pays $23,098 -- both well below sticker. Middle-income families gain the most from Elmhurst's institutional aid structure relative to a public flagship like UIUC. Combined with a 70% completion rate, this is one of the more defensible private-college choices in Illinois at this income level.
Higher-income families ($110K+)
Families above $110,000 pay $30,232, the published top-bracket rate. That is real money -- roughly $121,000 over four years -- but still below sticker. At this price, high-income families need to weigh whether Elmhurst's program strength (especially nursing) and 9-year payback justify the premium over UIUC, Illinois State, or Loyola Chicago, all of which serve high-achieving Chicago suburb students.
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Elmhurst University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $79,372 | B+ |
| Psychology | $52,264 | D |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $76,678 | B |
| Finance and Financial Management | $76,433 | B+ |
| Teacher Education | $52,106 | C+ |
| Teacher Education, Subject-Specific | $56,411 | C |
| Biology | $60,161 | D |
| Communication Disorders Sciences | $60,158 | B+ |
| Kinesiology and Exercise Science | $66,244 | D |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $49,480 | D |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
Program Analysis
Why these programs deliver their earnings outcomes.
Registered Nursing
Nursing is Elmhurst's flagship and the highest-volume program at 114 graduates per year. First-year median earnings of $73,820 climb to $79,372 by year four, with median debt of $25,000 producing a 0.339 debt-to-earnings ratio and a B+ ROI grade. This is the single best argument for choosing Elmhurst: graduates enter Chicago-area hospitals with strong NCLEX pass rates and command competitive starting wages. The program is also the principal driver of Elmhurst's overall Fair Value tier rating.
Accounting
Accounting is a sleeper high-ROI program with 17 graduates, $59,734 first-year earnings climbing to $79,654 by year four, and median debt of just $18,125. The 0.303 debt-to-earnings ratio is among the school's strongest, earning a B+ grade. Graduates pipeline into Big Four firms, Chicago corporate accounting departments, and CPA tracks. For students who can handle the major, this is one of the highest-leverage choices on the menu.
Finance and Financial Management
Finance graduates 42 students per year with $57,171 first-year earnings rising to $76,433 in year four and median debt of $18,250 -- a 0.319 ratio earning a B+ grade. Chicago's financial services labor market (banking, insurance, asset management) absorbs Elmhurst grads at reasonable starting wages. The program rivals Accounting as the highest-ROI non-nursing track.
Business Administration, Management, and Operations
Business Administration graduates 84 students annually with $49,771 first-year earnings rising to $76,678 by year four. Median debt of $19,750 produces a 0.397 ratio and a B grade -- solid, though not as strong as the specialized business majors. This is the high-volume default for business-minded students; the more selective specializations (accounting, finance) deliver materially better outcomes for the same investment.
Psychology
Psychology graduates 88 students -- the second-largest cohort -- with first-year earnings of just $32,553 climbing to $52,264 by year four. Median debt of $23,000 against year-one wages produces a 0.707 ratio and a D ROI grade. Like most psychology programs, ROI improves materially with graduate study, but the undergraduate-only path delivers weak returns. Students who are unsure of post-graduate plans should weigh this carefully.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 74.8% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 76.8% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 76.2% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 79.3% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 73.6% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 480-620 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 510-640 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 23-30 |
| Enrollment | 3,006 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 36.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $8,989 |
Elmhurst's admission rate is 73.6%, with SAT mid-ranges of 480-620 math and 510-640 reading, and ACT composite mid-range of 23-30. The school is moderately selective -- not a reach, but it does screen for academic preparation. The relatively wide ACT band (23-30) suggests Elmhurst admits both solidly average students and high achievers chasing institutional merit aid. The 70% completion rate aligns with this selectivity level: students arrive prepared enough to finish at meaningfully higher rates than open-enrollment regional schools.
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
Elmhurst's peer set spans the private regional-college tier. School of the Art Institute of Chicago is the priciest peer with weaker ROI fundamentals. Augustana College (IL) is the closest like-for-like peer -- another suburban Illinois private with similar enrollment, comparable nursing strength, and an ROI score in the same Fair Value range. York College of Pennsylvania matches on size, region, and program mix. University of La Verne and Concordia University-Saint Paul are mid-tier peers with similar private nonprofit economics. Among this group, Elmhurst's payback period of 8.9 years and 0.48 debt-to-earnings ratio are above average.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elmhurst University (this school) | 68 | $24,185 | $61,462 |
| University of La Verne | 70 | $20,161 | $65,464 |
| York College of Pennsylvania | 68 | $18,556 | $61,012 |
| Augustana College | 67 | $22,736 | $62,971 |
| Concordia University-Saint Paul | 67 | $18,462 | $59,871 |
| School of the Art Institute of Chicago | 21 | $49,790 | $40,151 |
Who Thrives Here
Enrollment of 3,006 with a 36.8% Pell rate signals a school that serves a meaningful share of low-to-moderate-income students while pulling significantly from the comfortable suburban Chicago middle class. The 70% completion rate is well above regional averages. Strong fit: students targeting nursing, accounting, finance, or communication disorders -- the four B+ ROI programs. Weak fit: humanities and arts majors who will face the same debt loads against materially lower earnings. The campus profile favors career-oriented students who want a smaller, more personal environment than the Big Ten state schools.
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
Elmhurst University offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $24,185 per year leads to $96,740 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $61,462 a decade out. The payback period of 8.9 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
The data highlights several strengths: a 70.0% graduation rate, manageable debt relative to earnings.
Median debt of $20,489 against $61,462 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
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Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.