Elmhurst University vs. Abilene Christian University

Comparable Facts

Compare Elmhurst University in Elmhurst, IL with Abilene Christian University in Abilene, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Abilene Christian University is larger than Elmhurst University based on total student enrollment (5,219 students vs. 3,997 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elmhurst University is located in Elmhurst, IL (Large Suburban setting); Abilene Christian University is in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Elmhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Abilene Christian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elmhurst University 15:1; Abilene Christian University 13:1.

Elmhurst University vs. Abilene Christian University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elmhurst University or Abilene Christian 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 Elmhurst University than Abilene Christian University ($24,629 vs. $28,760).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Elmhurst University are 0.1% lower than at Abilene Christian University ($14,528 vs. $14,540).
• Abilene Christian University is 2.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Elmhurst University (about $1,245 more per year; $44,200.00 vs. $42,955.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 2.9% higher at Abilene Christian University than at Elmhurst University (about $1,245 more per year; $44,200.00 vs. $42,955.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Elmhurst University as at Abilene Christian University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Abilene Christian University students is 1.5% larger than aid received by Elmhurst University students ($30,542 vs. $30,079).

Elmhurst University vs. Abilene Christian University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elmhurst University or Abilene Christian 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 Abilene Christian University and Elmhurst University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Abilene Christian University (1170) is 40 points higher than at Elmhurst University (1130).
• Incoming Elmhurst University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Abilene Christian University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 990/1260; Abilene Christian University 1070/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 23/30; Abilene Christian University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elmhurst University - Test optional; Abilene Christian University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Abilene Christian University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Abilene Christian University students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Elmhurst University (3.59).
• Elmhurst University has a higher acceptance rate (73.6%) than Abilene Christian University (66%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Elmhurst University vs. 12.1% at Abilene Christian University.

Elmhurst University vs. Abilene Christian University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elmhurst University and Abilene Christian 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 Abilene Christian University's (60%).
• Graduates from Elmhurst University earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than Abilene Christian University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,200 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have a $3,825 lower median loan debt than Abilene Christian University graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,325).
• Among borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Abilene Christian University graduates ($222 vs. $261).
• More Elmhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Abilene Christian University students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 69%)

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.