School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. Elmhurst University

Comparable Facts

Compare School of the Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, IL with Elmhurst University in Elmhurst, IL on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Elmhurst University is larger than School of the Art Institute of Chicago based on total student enrollment (3,997 students vs. 3,394 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• School of the Art Institute of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Elmhurst University is in Elmhurst, IL (Large Suburban setting).
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Elmhurst University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: School of the Art Institute of Chicago 10:1; Elmhurst University 15:1.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. Elmhurst University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, School of the Art Institute of Chicago or Elmhurst University? 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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago ($24,629 vs. $55,631).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Elmhurst University are 12.2% lower than at School of the Art Institute of Chicago ($14,528 vs. $16,550).
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago is 31.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Elmhurst University (about $13,465 more per year; $56,420.00 vs. $42,955.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 31.3% higher at School of the Art Institute of Chicago than at Elmhurst University (about $13,465 more per year; $56,420.00 vs. $42,955.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Elmhurst University than at School of the Art Institute of Chicago (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elmhurst University students is 50% larger than aid received by School of the Art Institute of Chicago students ($30,079 vs. $20,050).

School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. Elmhurst University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, School of the Art Institute of Chicago or Elmhurst University? 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 Elmhurst University and School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at School of the Art Institute of Chicago (1150) is 20 points higher than at Elmhurst University (1130).
• Incoming Elmhurst University students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 23 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: School of the Art Institute of Chicago 1048/1260; Elmhurst University 990/1260.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: School of the Art Institute of Chicago 22/25; Elmhurst University 23/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: School of the Art Institute of Chicago - Test-free; Elmhurst University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: School of the Art Institute of Chicago Nov 15, 2026.
• Accepted freshman Elmhurst University students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.59) than students at School of the Art Institute of Chicago (3.51).
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago has a higher acceptance rate (77.5%) than Elmhurst University (73.6%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 11.8% at School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. 12.5% at Elmhurst University.

School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs. Elmhurst University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for School of the Art Institute of Chicago and Elmhurst University? 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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago's (60%).
• Graduates from Elmhurst University earn a median of about $11,100 more per year than School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,200 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have a $4,213 lower median loan debt than School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates ($21,500 vs. $25,713).
• Among borrowers, Elmhurst University graduates have an estimated $43 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates ($222 vs. $265).
• More Elmhurst University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former School of the Art Institute of Chicago students, three years after graduation. (72% vs. 62%)

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.