Elmhurst University vs. WMU

Comparable Facts

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

Western Michigan University is larger than Elmhurst University based on total student enrollment (16,744 students vs. 3,997 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elmhurst University is located in Elmhurst, IL (Large Suburban setting); Western Michigan University is in Kalamazoo, MI (Small City setting).
• Elmhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Western Michigan University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elmhurst University 15:1; Western Michigan University 16:1.

Elmhurst University vs. WMU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elmhurst University or WMU? 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 Western Michigan University than Elmhurst University ($17,331 vs. $24,629).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Western Michigan University are 16.2% lower than at Elmhurst University ($12,174 vs. $14,528).
• Elmhurst University is 181.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than WMU (about $27,703 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $15,252.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 125.7% higher at Elmhurst University than at Western Michigan University (about $23,921 more per year; $42,955.00 vs. $19,034.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Elmhurst University than at Western Michigan University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elmhurst University students is 172.3% larger than aid received by Western Michigan University students ($30,079 vs. $11,048).

Elmhurst University vs. WMU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elmhurst University (1130) is 20 points higher than at WMU (1110).
• Incoming Elmhurst University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 23 at WMU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 990/1260; Western Michigan University 990/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 23/30; Western Michigan University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elmhurst University - Test optional; WMU - Test-free.
• Accepted freshman Elmhurst University students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at WMU (3.5).
• WMU has a higher acceptance rate (84.6%) than Elmhurst University (73.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Elmhurst University vs. 13.5% at WMU.

Elmhurst University vs. WMU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elmhurst University and WMU? 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 Western Michigan University's (56%).
• Graduates from Elmhurst University earn a median of about $1,300 more per year than WMU graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,200 vs. $48,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have a $5,133 lower median loan debt than WMU graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,633).
• Among borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have an estimated $53 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than WMU graduates ($222 vs. $275).
• More Elmhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former WMU students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 54%)

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.