Elmhurst University vs. UNI

Comparable Facts

Compare Elmhurst University in Elmhurst, IL with University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Northern Iowa is larger than Elmhurst University based on total student enrollment (9,278 students vs. 3,997 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elmhurst University is located in Elmhurst, IL (Large Suburban setting); University of Northern Iowa is in Cedar Falls, IA (Small City setting).
• Elmhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Northern Iowa is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elmhurst University 15:1; University of Northern Iowa 18:1.

Elmhurst University vs. UNI Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elmhurst University or UNI? 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 University of Northern Iowa than Elmhurst University ($16,437 vs. $24,629).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at University of Northern Iowa are 31.3% lower than at Elmhurst University ($9,986 vs. $14,528).
• Elmhurst University is 332.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than UNI (about $33,019 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $9,936.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 97.8% higher at Elmhurst University than at University of Northern Iowa (about $21,243 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $21,712.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Elmhurst University than at University of Northern Iowa (100% vs. 83%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elmhurst University students is 412.9% larger than aid received by University of Northern Iowa students ($30,079 vs. $5,865).

Elmhurst University vs. UNI Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Northern Iowa (1150) is 20 points higher than at Elmhurst University (1130).
• Incoming Elmhurst University students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 22 at UNI).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 990/1260; University of Northern Iowa 1020/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 23/30; University of Northern Iowa 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elmhurst University - Test optional; UNI - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman UNI students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.61) than students at Elmhurst University (3.59).
• UNI has a higher acceptance rate (92.7%) than Elmhurst University (73.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Elmhurst University vs. 31.1% at UNI.

Elmhurst University vs. UNI Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elmhurst University and UNI? 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 University of Northern Iowa's (67%).
• Graduates from Elmhurst University earn a median of about $2,500 more per year than UNI graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,200 vs. $47,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Northern Iowa graduates have a $875 lower median loan debt than Elmhurst University graduates ($20,625 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, UNI graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Elmhurst University graduates ($213 vs. $222).
• More UNI graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Elmhurst University students, three years after graduation. (72% 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.