Elmhurst University vs. Stephens College

Comparable Facts

Compare Elmhurst University in Elmhurst, IL with Stephens College in Columbia, MO on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Elmhurst University is larger than Stephens College based on total student enrollment (3,997 students vs. 568 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elmhurst University is located in Elmhurst, IL (Large Suburban setting); Stephens College is in Columbia, MO (Midsize City setting).
• Elmhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Stephens College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elmhurst University 15:1; Stephens College 8:1.

Elmhurst University vs. Stephens College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elmhurst University or Stephens College? 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 Stephens College than Elmhurst University ($23,194 vs. $24,629).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Stephens College are 8% lower than at Elmhurst University ($13,366 vs. $14,528).
• Elmhurst University is 51.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Stephens College (about $14,655 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51.8% higher at Elmhurst University than at Stephens College (about $14,655 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $28,300.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Elmhurst University as at Stephens College (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elmhurst University students is 28.9% larger than aid received by Stephens College students ($30,079 vs. $23,341).

Elmhurst University vs. Stephens College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Stephens College (1200) is 70 points higher than at Elmhurst University (1130).
• Incoming Elmhurst University students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 19 at Stephens College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 990/1260; Stephens College 1130/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 23/30; Stephens College 16/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elmhurst University - Test optional; Stephens College - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Stephens College Nov 1, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Elmhurst University students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Stephens College (3.27).
• Stephens College has a higher acceptance rate (77.2%) than Elmhurst University (73.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Elmhurst University vs. 14.6% at Stephens College.

Elmhurst University vs. Stephens College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elmhurst University and Stephens College? 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 Stephens College's (55%).
• Graduates from Elmhurst University earn a median of about $12,800 more per year than Stephens College graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,200 vs. $37,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Stephens College graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Stephens College graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Elmhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Stephens College students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 63%)

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.