Elmhurst University vs. ISU

Comparable Facts

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

Illinois State University is larger than Elmhurst University based on total student enrollment (21,546 students vs. 3,997 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elmhurst University is located in Elmhurst, IL (Large Suburban setting); Illinois State University is in Normal, IL (Small City setting).
• Elmhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Illinois State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elmhurst University 15:1; Illinois State University 19:1.

Elmhurst University vs. ISU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elmhurst University or ISU? 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 Illinois State University than Elmhurst University ($21,369 vs. $24,629).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Illinois State University are 19.1% lower than at Elmhurst University ($11,754 vs. $14,528).
• Elmhurst University is 166.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than ISU (about $26,811 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $16,144.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 52.3% higher at Elmhurst University than at Illinois State University (about $14,745 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $28,210.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Elmhurst University than at Illinois State University (100% vs. 96%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elmhurst University students is 131.8% larger than aid received by Illinois State University students ($30,079 vs. $12,974).

Elmhurst University vs. ISU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elmhurst University (1130) is 30 points higher than at ISU (1100).
• Incoming Elmhurst University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at ISU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 990/1260; Illinois State University 990/1210.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 23/30; Illinois State University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elmhurst University - Test optional; ISU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: ISU Apr 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Elmhurst University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at ISU (3.41).
• ISU has a higher acceptance rate (88.2%) than Elmhurst University (73.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Elmhurst University vs. 22.5% at ISU.

Elmhurst University vs. ISU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elmhurst University and ISU? 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).

• Illinois State University's six-year graduation rate (71%) is higher than Elmhurst University's (70%).
• Graduates from Elmhurst University earn a median of about $1,200 more per year than ISU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,200 vs. $49,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have a $500 lower median loan debt than ISU graduates ($21,500 vs. $22,000).
• Among borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ISU graduates ($222 vs. $227).
• More ISU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Elmhurst University students, three years after graduation. (74% vs. 72%)

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.