Elmhurst University
Elmhurst University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Elmhurst University at a Glance
Elmhurst University is a private university in Elmhurst, Illinois, United States. It has a tradition of service-oriented learning and an affiliation with the United Church of Christ. The university changed its name from Elmhurst College on July 1, 2020.
1871
155 years old
$194M
$193.6 million (2025)
3,460
48 acres
Identity
Is Elmhurst University Worth It?
Elmhurst University offers moderate value at $24,185/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $61,462, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.6 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 68% graduation rate means roughly 32% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Elmhurst University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in IL
Ranked #40 of 121 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #2 | University of Detroit Mercy | 79 | $15,232 | $71,030 |
| #3 | Andrews University | 73 | $12,547 | $53,187 |
| #4 | Carroll University | 67 | $15,193 | $58,009 |
| #5 | Lewis University | 63 | $17,028 | $66,099 |
| #6 | Albion College | 61 | $14,301 | $58,799 |
| #40 | Elmhurst University | 43 | $24,185 | $61,462 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Elmhurst University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 7 in IL.
Best Programs at Elmhurst University
The highest-earning program at Elmhurst University is Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at $62,000/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management at $23,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduate from Elmhurst University earns $62,000, while a Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management graduate earns $23,200. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing graduates carry $25,000 in median debt vs. $24,125 for Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $24,185/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing | $62,000 | $62,000 | $25,000 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $55,200 | $55,200 | $21,367 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $48,500 | $48,500 | $21,500 |
| Marketing | $47,300 | $47,300 | $19,116 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $41,800 | $41,800 | $22,250 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations | $41,000 | $41,000 | $22,250 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $34,500 | $34,500 | $27,750 |
| English Language and Literature, General | $34,000 | $34,000 | $19,567 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections | $33,300 | $33,300 | $23,250 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | $32,300 | $32,300 | $21,500 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $30,100 | $30,100 | $25,000 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $29,200 | $29,200 | N/A |
| Psychology, General | $28,600 | $28,600 | $19,750 |
| Biology, General | $26,000 | $26,000 | $21,048 |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management | $23,200 | $23,200 | $24,125 |
Similar Colleges in IL
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Elmhurst, IL
- Student Body
- 3,006 students
- Admission Rate
- 74%
- Graduation Rate
- 68%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $24,185
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $61,462
- Median Student Debt
- $20,489