Concordia University Chicago vs. Elmhurst University

Comparable Facts

Compare Concordia University Chicago in River Forest, IL with Elmhurst University in Elmhurst, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Concordia University Chicago is larger than Elmhurst University based on total student enrollment (4,770 students vs. 3,997 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Concordia University Chicago is located in River Forest, IL (Large Suburban setting); Elmhurst University is in Elmhurst, IL (Large Suburban setting).
• Concordia University Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Elmhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Concordia University Chicago 13:1; Elmhurst University 15:1.

Concordia University Chicago vs. Elmhurst University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Concordia University Chicago or Elmhurst University? 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 Concordia University Chicago than Elmhurst University ($19,073 vs. $24,629).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Concordia University Chicago are 20.8% lower than at Elmhurst University ($11,510 vs. $14,528).
• Elmhurst University is 14.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Concordia University Chicago (about $5,467 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $37,488.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 14.6% higher at Elmhurst University than at Concordia University Chicago (about $5,467 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $37,488.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Elmhurst University than at Concordia University Chicago (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elmhurst University students is 14.1% larger than aid received by Concordia University Chicago students ($30,079 vs. $26,361).

Concordia University Chicago vs. Elmhurst University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Concordia University Chicago or Elmhurst University? 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 Elmhurst University and Concordia University Chicago.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elmhurst University (1130) is 40 points higher than at Concordia University Chicago (1090).
• Incoming Elmhurst University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at Concordia University Chicago).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Concordia University Chicago 990/1180; Elmhurst University 990/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Concordia University Chicago 19/25; Elmhurst University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Concordia University Chicago - Test-free; Elmhurst University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Elmhurst University students have a 0.41 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Concordia University Chicago (3.18).
• Concordia University Chicago has a higher acceptance rate (92.8%) than Elmhurst University (73.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 7.7% at Concordia University Chicago vs. 12.5% at Elmhurst University.

Concordia University Chicago vs. Elmhurst University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Concordia University Chicago and Elmhurst University? 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).

• Elmhurst University's six-year graduation rate (70%) is higher than Concordia University Chicago's (60%).
• Graduates from Elmhurst University earn a median of about $7,900 more per year than Concordia University Chicago graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,200 vs. $42,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have a $3,451 lower median loan debt than Concordia University Chicago graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,951).
• Among borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have an estimated $35 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Concordia University Chicago graduates ($222 vs. $257).
• More Elmhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Concordia University Chicago students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 57%)

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.