Elmhurst University vs. Wilkes

Comparable Facts

Compare Elmhurst University in Elmhurst, IL with Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Wilkes University is larger than Elmhurst University based on total student enrollment (5,381 students vs. 3,997 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elmhurst University is located in Elmhurst, IL (Large Suburban setting); Wilkes University is in Wilkes-Barre, PA (Small City setting).
• Elmhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Wilkes University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elmhurst University 15:1; Wilkes University 13:1.

Elmhurst University vs. Wilkes Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elmhurst University or Wilkes? 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 Elmhurst University than Wilkes ($24,629 vs. $28,511).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Elmhurst University are 10.1% lower than at Wilkes University ($14,528 vs. $16,166).
• Wilkes University is 1.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Elmhurst University (about $541 more per year; $43,496.00 vs. $42,955.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.3% higher at Wilkes than at Elmhurst University (about $541 more per year; $43,496.00 vs. $42,955.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Elmhurst University as at Wilkes University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elmhurst University students is 6.2% larger than aid received by Wilkes University students ($30,079 vs. $28,324).

Elmhurst University vs. Wilkes Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Wilkes University (1140) is 10 points higher than at Elmhurst University (1130).
• Incoming Elmhurst University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Wilkes).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 990/1260; Wilkes University 1020/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elmhurst University 23/30; Wilkes University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elmhurst University - Test optional; Wilkes - Test optional.
• Accepted freshman Elmhurst University students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at Wilkes (3.56).
• Wilkes has a higher acceptance rate (90.6%) than Elmhurst University (73.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.5% at Elmhurst University vs. 9.3% at Wilkes.

Elmhurst University vs. Wilkes Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elmhurst University and Wilkes? 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 Wilkes University's (58%).
• Graduates from Wilkes University earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than Elmhurst University graduates about ten years after starting college ($58,200 vs. $50,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Wilkes graduates ($21,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have an estimated $46 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Wilkes graduates ($222 vs. $268).
• More Wilkes graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Elmhurst University students, three years after graduation. (75% 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.