Elmhurst University vs. Wartburg College

Comparable Facts

Compare Elmhurst University in Elmhurst, IL with Wartburg College in Waverly, IA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Elmhurst University is larger than Wartburg College based on total student enrollment (3,997 students vs. 1,483 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elmhurst University is located in Elmhurst, IL (Large Suburban setting); Wartburg College is in Waverly, IA (Distant Town setting).
• Elmhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wartburg College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elmhurst University 15:1; Wartburg College 13:1.

Elmhurst University vs. Wartburg College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elmhurst University or Wartburg 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 Wartburg College than Elmhurst University ($24,031 vs. $24,629).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Wartburg College are 19.1% lower than at Elmhurst University ($11,750 vs. $14,528).
• Elmhurst University is 63.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Wartburg College (about $16,705 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $26,250.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 63.6% higher at Elmhurst University than at Wartburg College (about $16,705 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $26,250.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Elmhurst University than at Wartburg College (100% vs. 97%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Wartburg College students is 34.1% larger than aid received by Elmhurst University students ($40,336 vs. $30,079).

Elmhurst University vs. Wartburg College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elmhurst University (1130) is 60 points higher than at Wartburg College (1070).
• Incoming Elmhurst University students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 24 at Wartburg College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 990/1260; Wartburg College 930/1200.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 23/30; Wartburg College 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elmhurst University - Test optional; Wartburg College - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Elmhurst University students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Wartburg College (3.48).
• Wartburg College has a higher acceptance rate (75.8%) than Elmhurst University (73.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Elmhurst University vs. 16.6% at Wartburg College.

Elmhurst University vs. Wartburg College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elmhurst University and Wartburg 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 Wartburg College's (63%).
• Graduates from Elmhurst University earn a median of about $2,100 more per year than Wartburg College graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,200 vs. $48,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have a $5,500 lower median loan debt than Wartburg College graduates ($21,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have an estimated $57 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wartburg College graduates ($222 vs. $279).
• More Wartburg College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Elmhurst University students, three years after graduation. (81% 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.