Elmhurst University vs. SAU

Comparable Facts

Compare Elmhurst University in Elmhurst, IL with Spring Arbor University in Spring Arbor, MI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Elmhurst University is larger than SAU based on total student enrollment (3,997 students vs. 2,441 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elmhurst University is located in Elmhurst, IL (Large Suburban setting); Spring Arbor University is in Spring Arbor, MI (Small Suburban setting).
• Elmhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Spring Arbor University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elmhurst University 15:1; Spring Arbor University 12:1.

Elmhurst University vs. SAU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elmhurst University or SAU? 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 Spring Arbor University than Elmhurst University ($21,067 vs. $24,629).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Spring Arbor University are 21.3% lower than at Elmhurst University ($11,440 vs. $14,528).
• Elmhurst University is 26.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than SAU (about $8,941 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.3% higher at Elmhurst University than at Spring Arbor University (about $8,941 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $34,014.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Elmhurst University as at Spring Arbor University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elmhurst University students is 26% larger than aid received by Spring Arbor University students ($30,079 vs. $23,877).

Elmhurst University vs. SAU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elmhurst University (1130) is the same as at SAU (1130).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 990/1260; Spring Arbor University 1010/1240.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elmhurst University - Test optional; SAU - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman SAU students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Elmhurst University (3.59).
• Elmhurst University has a higher acceptance rate (73.6%) than SAU (51.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Elmhurst University vs. 16.5% at SAU.

Elmhurst University vs. SAU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elmhurst University and SAU? 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 Spring Arbor University's (56%).
• Graduates from Elmhurst University earn a median of about $7,600 more per year than SAU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,200 vs. $42,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have a $2,543 lower median loan debt than SAU graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,043).
• Among borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SAU graduates ($222 vs. $248).
• More Elmhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SAU students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 58%)

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.