EIU vs. Elmhurst University

Comparable Facts

Compare Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, IL with Elmhurst University in Elmhurst, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Eastern Illinois University is larger than Elmhurst University based on total student enrollment (8,505 students vs. 3,997 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Eastern Illinois University is located in Charleston, IL (Remote Town setting); Elmhurst University is in Elmhurst, IL (Large Suburban setting).
• Eastern Illinois University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Elmhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Eastern Illinois University 14:1; Elmhurst University 15:1.

EIU vs. Elmhurst University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, EIU 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 Eastern Illinois University than Elmhurst University ($13,787 vs. $24,629).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Eastern Illinois University are 15.5% lower than at Elmhurst University ($12,282 vs. $14,528).
• Elmhurst University is 214% more expensive for in-state tuition than EIU (about $29,276 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $13,679.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 164.9% higher at Elmhurst University than at Eastern Illinois University (about $26,738 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $16,217.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Elmhurst University than at Eastern Illinois University (100% vs. 95%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elmhurst University students is 132.1% larger than aid received by Eastern Illinois University students ($30,079 vs. $12,960).

EIU vs. Elmhurst University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, EIU 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 EIU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elmhurst University (1130) is 140 points higher than at EIU (990).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Eastern Illinois University 880/1090; Elmhurst University 990/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted studentsElmhurst University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: EIU - Test optional; Elmhurst University - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Elmhurst University students have a 0.2 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at EIU (3.39).
• Elmhurst University has a higher acceptance rate (73.6%) than EIU (65.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.8% at EIU vs. 12.5% at Elmhurst University.

EIU vs. Elmhurst University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for EIU 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 Eastern Illinois University's (59%).
• Graduates from Elmhurst University earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than EIU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,200 vs. $43,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have a $2,150 lower median loan debt than EIU graduates ($21,500 vs. $23,650).
• Among borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than EIU graduates ($222 vs. $244).
• More Elmhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former EIU students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 59%)

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.