Elms College vs. Muhlenberg College

Comparable Facts

Compare College of Our Lady of the Elms in Chicopee, MA with Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Muhlenberg College is larger than Elms College based on total student enrollment (1,788 students vs. 1,268 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• College of Our Lady of the Elms is located in Chicopee, MA (Large Suburban setting); Muhlenberg College is in Allentown, PA (Midsize City setting).
• College of Our Lady of the Elms is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Muhlenberg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: College of Our Lady of the Elms 11:1; Muhlenberg College 9:1.

Elms College vs. Muhlenberg College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elms College or Muhlenberg College? 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 College of Our Lady of the Elms than Muhlenberg College ($19,870 vs. $34,739).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Muhlenberg College are 6.8% lower than at College of Our Lady of the Elms ($14,548 vs. $15,605).
• Muhlenberg College is 45% more expensive for in-state tuition than Elms College (about $19,480 more per year; $62,805.00 vs. $43,325.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 45% higher at Muhlenberg College than at College of Our Lady of the Elms (about $19,480 more per year; $62,805.00 vs. $43,325.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at College of Our Lady of the Elms than at Muhlenberg College (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Muhlenberg College students is 25.9% larger than aid received by College of Our Lady of the Elms students ($42,545 vs. $33,794).

Elms College vs. Muhlenberg College Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elms College or Muhlenberg College? 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 Muhlenberg College and Elms College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Muhlenberg College (1330) is 90 points higher than at Elms College (1240).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: College of Our Lady of the Elms 1150/1320; Muhlenberg College 1250/1410.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsMuhlenberg College 29/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elms College - Test optional; Muhlenberg College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Muhlenberg College Feb 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Muhlenberg College students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.44) than students at Elms College (3.42).
• Elms College has a higher acceptance rate (85.3%) than Muhlenberg College (72%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.9% at Elms College vs. 13% at Muhlenberg College.

Elms College vs. Muhlenberg College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elms College and Muhlenberg College? 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).

• Muhlenberg College's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than College of Our Lady of the Elms's (58%).
• Graduates from Muhlenberg College earn a median of about $17,400 more per year than Elms College graduates about ten years after starting college ($63,700 vs. $46,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, College of Our Lady of the Elms graduates have a $1,490 lower median loan debt than Muhlenberg College graduates ($25,000 vs. $26,490).
• Among borrowers, Elms College graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Muhlenberg College graduates ($258 vs. $273).
• More Muhlenberg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Elms College students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 61%)

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.