A private college in the heart of the Chicago metropolitan area, Elmhurst College is committed to helping students reach their full potential—in college and in the world beyond.
Located in a beautiful suburb just minutes from Chicago, Elmhurst College combines the close-knit learning environment of a small school with the endless opportunities of a world-class city.
Elmhurst ranks in the top 12 regional universities in the Midwest, according to U.S. News & World Report, and among the Midwest's 10 Best Values, according to Forbes.
Wherever you want to go in life, Elmhurst has an academic program for you. Our 60 majors and 16 pre-professional programs give you plenty of opportunities to explore your interests and discover your passions. In small classes, your professors will get to know you and help you find your professional path.
Student life at Elmhurst is active and creative, with endless ways to get involved. Our campus is a 48-acre arboretum with nearly 900 trees, but we're also a 30-minute train ride from the bright lights and unlimited opportunities of downtown Chicago.
More than 80 percent of Elmhurst students gain on-the-job experience through internships or service work, and 93 percent of our students find full-time employment or enter graduate school within a year of graduation.
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Contact
Stephanie Levenson
Director of Admission
Director of Admission
Address
Office of Admissions
190 Prospect Avenue
Elmhurst, IL 60126
190 Prospect Avenue
Elmhurst, IL 60126
Phone
6306173400
Experience College Life
Most Popular Places On Campus
Alumni Circle
Frick Center
Library
Tyrrell Fitness Center
Circle Hall
Frick Center
Library
Tyrrell Fitness Center
Circle Hall
Most Popular Places Off Campus
City of Elmhurst
City of Chicago
City of Chicago
Campus Tours
Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: Varies
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: Varies
On Campus Interview
Campus Interviews
Yes
Information Sessions
Available
Times
varies
Faculty and Coach Visits
Dates/Times Available
Year-round
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Advance Notice
1 week
Contact Email Address for Visit
admit@elmhurst.edu
Class Visits
Dates/Times Available
Year-round
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Overnight Dorm Stays
Overnight Dorm Stays
Available
Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office
Transportation
Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Regional (METRA) Train, bus, taxi. Chicago's O'Hare airport is 10 miles away.
Driving Instructions to Campus
15 miles west of the Chicago Loop, just off Interstate 290
Local Accommodations
Many, most at reasonable prices
Save SchoolAdmissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
It's easy to apply to Elmhurst, and there's no application fee. Our non-binding Early Action deadline is November 1. After that, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Learn more at elmhurst.edu/apply.
Overview
Applicants: 4,186
Acceptance Rate: 68%
Average HS GPA: 3.46
SAT & ACT Test Scores
SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
500 - 600
SAT Math
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
493 - 590
ACT Composite Scores
25th-75th percentile (enrolled students)
20 - 26
Testing Policies
Standardized testing policy for use in admission
Requires applicants to submit either the SAT or ACT
Deadlines
Early Action — November 1
Other Admission Factors
Academic
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Academic GPA
Standardized Test Scores
Selectivity Rating
Get a personalized plan for a competitive application from an admissions expert.
Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Overall
From The School
Academic Programs
Elmhurst offers more than 60 majors, ranging from art and music to business, education and nursing. No matter which major you choose, you'll be the faculty's first priority. Our student-to-faculty ratio is only 14:1, and a faculty member—not a teaching assistant— teaches every course. Your professors will get to know you as an individual.
The Honors Program provides additional opportunities for students who are especially motivated and accomplished academically. Students in the Honors Program take part in small, stimulating seminar courses where class discussions are lively and engaging. They also conduct and present professional-level research.
Elmhurst students gain hands-on experience through internships and many other professional opportunities—working with prestigious medical institutions, schools, corporations, not-for-profits and more. The vast majority of Elmhurst undergraduates— more than 80 percent—gain on-the-job experience through internships or service work, with many internships leading to full-time job offers.
Faculty and Class Information
Student/Faculty
14:1
Total Faculty
with Terminal Degree
Most frequent class size
20 - 29
Most frequent lab / sub section size
2 - 9
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
51%
Graduate in 5 years
62%
Graduate in 6 years
63%
Majors
-
BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biochemistry.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
-
BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Accounting.
Actuarial Science.
Business Administration and Management, General.
Business/Commerce, General.
Finance, General.
International Business/Trade/Commerce.
Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management.
Management Science.
Marketing/Marketing Management, General.
-
COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other.
Computer and Information Sciences, General.
Computer Science.
Computer Software and Media Applications, Other.
Information Science/Studies.
-
EDUCATION.
Art Teacher Education.
Biology Teacher Education.
Chemistry Teacher Education.
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.
Education, General.
Elementary Education and Teaching.
Foreign Language Teacher Education.
French Language Teacher Education.
Geography Teacher Education.
German Language Teacher Education.
History Teacher Education.
Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching.
Mathematics Teacher Education.
Music Teacher Education.
Physical Education Teaching and Coaching.
Physics Teacher Education.
Psychology Teacher Education.
Science Teacher Education/General Science Teacher Education.
Secondary Education and Teaching.
Social Science Teacher Education.
Spanish Language Teacher Education.
Special Education and Teaching, General.
Speech Teacher Education.
-
ENGINEERING.
Engineering, Other.
-
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
English Language and Literature, General.
-
FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
French Language and Literature.
German Language and Literature.
Spanish Language and Literature.
-
HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Health and Wellness, General.
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.
Health/Medical Preparatory Programs, Other.
Pre-Dentistry Studies.
Pre-Medicine/Pre-Medical Studies.
Pre-Pharmacy Studies.
Pre-Veterinary Studies.
Speech-Language Pathology/Pathologist.
-
HISTORY.
History, General.
-
LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES.
General Studies.
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.
-
MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Mathematics and Statistics, Other.
Mathematics, General.
-
MULTI/INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES.
Intercultural/Multicultural and Diversity Studies.
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.
-
PARKS, RECREATION, LEISURE, AND FITNESS STUDIES.
Health and Physical Education/Fitness, General.
Kinesiology and Exercise Science.
Parks, Recreation and Leisure Facilities Management, General.
Sport and Fitness Administration/Management.
-
PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Philosophy.
Religion/Religious Studies.
-
PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry, General.
Chemistry, Other.
Physics, General.
-
PSYCHOLOGY.
Psychology, General.
-
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION AND SOCIAL SERVICE PROFESSIONS.
Human Services, General.
-
SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Economics, General.
Geography.
Political Science and Government, General.
Sociology.
Urban Studies/Affairs.
-
THEOLOGY AND RELIGIOUS VOCATIONS.
Pre-Theology/Pre-Ministerial Studies.
Theology/Theological Studies.
-
VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Art/Art Studies, General.
Design and Applied Arts, Other.
Digital Arts.
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
Graphic Design.
Jazz/Jazz Studies.
Music Performance, General.
Music, General.
Visual and Performing Arts, General.
Students Say
Located just thirty minutes outside of Chicago, Elmhurst College provides its 2,600 undergraduates “an environment of free thought” and a “robust learning experience” across more than sixty majors. The liberal arts education is bolstered by “a lot of resources [that are] available for students to help them succeed in class” and it “provides [them the] opportunity to become well-rounded” individuals. By encouraging students “to engage in a variety of ways outside of class, including research, seminars, [and] internships,” service learning is prevalent here. Added to that are small classes, which mean “getting time with a professor is never a problem.” And based on enthusiastic responses, about these “exceptionally bright, gifted, and educated” faculty, you’ll want to see your “down to earth” teachers, who strive to make sure their students not only “thoroughly understand the material, [but also how to] apply it.” It helps, too, that professors assign “projects [that] are often given a lot of artistic individual choice.” One student shares, “I’ve had professors email me to check in and make sure I was doing alright if I was quieter than usual in class.” It’s clear that the instructors here “do not only teach, they avidly help their students succeed,” all with the goal of “building personal and lasting relationships.”
Degrees
Bachelor's
Master's
Master's
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Opportunities at School
Experiential
Internship
Notable Faculty
Prominent Alumni
William Bauer
Judge, 7th Circuit US Court of Appeals
William Nelson
Medical Ethicist
Terri Hemmert
Chicago Radio Personality
Academic Rating
73/99
Careers
Graduation Rates
Graduate in 4 years
51%
Graduate in 5 years
62%
Graduate in 6 years
63%
Career Services
On-Campus Job Interviews Available
Yes
Career Services
Alumni Network
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Opportunities at School
Experiential
Internship
ROI & Outcomes
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
Full-time undergraduate tuition for 2018–19 is $36,755; basic room and board is $10,366.
Financial Aid
Elmhurst College is committed to making a great education affordable by offering financial aid to nearly all of our full-time students. Financial aid programs include scholarships, grants, loans and federal work-study awards.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Elmhurst offers several merit-based awards to first-year and transfer students. Some awards are based on your academic record, while others are based on your talent (art, music or theater), United Church of Christ membership or other criteria. Scholarship awards range up to $20,000.
Admission decisions at Elmhurst are made independently from any consideration of financial need.
Dates
Application Deadlines
Notification Date
Dec 1
Required Forms
FAFSA
Financial Aid Statistics
Average Freshman Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$24,858
Average Undergraduate Total Need-Based Gift Aid
$23,108
Average Need-Based Loan
$4,220
Undergraduates who have borrowed through any loan program
69%
Average amount of loan debt per graduate
$29,432
Average amount of each freshman scholarship/grant package
$13,009
Financial aid provided to international students
Yes
Expenses per Academic Year
Tuition
$37,464
Required Fees
$300
Average Cost for Books and Supplies
$1,200
Tuition / Fees Vary by Year of Study
No
Board for Commuters
Transportation for Commuters
$1,500
On-Campus Room and Board
$10,710
Comprehensive Fee
Available Aid
Financial Aid Methodology
Federal
Scholarships and Grants
Need-Based
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Non-Need-Based
Institutional non-need-based scholarship or grant aid is available
Federal Direct Student Loan Programs
Direct PLUS Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Federal Family Education Loan Programs (FFEL)
Federal Perkins Loans
Is Institutional Employment Available (other than Federal Work Study)
Yes
Direct Lender
No
Financial Aid Rating
78/99
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
Elmhurst attracts students from across the nation and around the world. In small classes, you'll work closely with faculty members who are accomplished scholars and professionals—but above all, they're dedicated teachers.
On campus, students get involved in more than 100 activities, from theater to Greek life to the Mock Trial Team. The student newspaper wins awards; the radio station has been on the air since 1947. The campus regularly hosts performances, concerts, art exhibits and an outstanding array of guest speakers.
Elmhurst's 20 varsity sports teams compete in the CCIW, one of the top conferences in NCAA Division III athletics. Bluejay teams regularly engage in NCAA post-season play, and have won several conference championships in various sports.
Student Body Profile
Total Undergraduate Enrollment
2,848
Foreign Countries Represented
25
Demographics
5.22%
Asian
4.65%
Black
23.50%
Hispanic
60.44%
Caucasian
2.50%
Unknown
60% female
40% male
9% are out of state
95% are full time
5% are part time
Students Say
As one student puts it, “What sets students at Elmhurst apart from other colleges is the genuine kindness and compassion that is displayed.” As such, this is an “outgoing and social” school where “people will start up a conversation with you and make you feel welcome right away.” That’s good because the Elmhurst community features “a great blend of traditional and nontraditional students, with an environment that intermingles on-campus students with those who commute.” Regardless of where the students live, though, they’re all “very driven and goal-oriented,” and “many typically work at a job and internship, and volunteer every week.” But should you ever feel overwhelmed, the majority of students here are “very welcoming and open to helping other students,” and “it is a very small environment so making friends is easy.” Another student sums it up by saying, “Elmhurst College is a campus that I can feel safe in, and that is largely due to the student body.”
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
The College's gorgeous campus is a green oasis in the heart of a safe, quiet suburb—but it's also just a half-hour train ride from downtown Chicago, giving students unlimited access to world-class cultural and professional opportunities.
A short walk from campus is downtown Elmhurst, where you'll find an eight-screen movie theater, lots of great restaurants and coffee shops, a bowling alley and all the other necessities of college life.
The campus is also a short walk from the Metra commuter train station, where you can catch the train for a 30-minute ride to the Loop. The Chicago region is the Midwest's capital of industry, finance, arts and culture, and scientific discovery. From WGN and Morgan Stanley to the Shedd Aquarium and Lollapalooza, the Chicago area offers plenty of opportunities for internships and fun.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
The Elmhurst campus combines the high-tech necessities of a modern education with the charm of a classic college campus. The 48-acre grounds are an award-winning arboretum with nearly 900 trees. At the same time, we offer the latest technologies in the sciences and beyond.
The College has a long tradition of responsible stewardship of the environment. From its two active beehives atop the science center to a Gold LEED-certified residence hall, Elmhurst incorporates green principles throughout campus life.
Off-Campus Opportunities
Elmhurst offers international education experiences in 68 countries, including Spain, the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, Bulgaria and England. Students can go abroad for a semester, a year or a month during the College's distinctive January Term.
Other off-campus opportunities include a wealth of internship and job-shadowing experiences at sites ranging from WMAQ-NBC5 to Kraft Foods to WorldChicago to Gray Hunter Stenn LLP. In a typical year, students can choose from more than 2,000 internship options.
Campus Life
Undergrads living on campus
30%
Help finding off-campus housing
Yes
87/99
First-Year Students living on campus
56%
Campus Environment
Suburban
89/99
Housing Options
Apartment Single
Dorms Coed
Students Say
Students not only largely agree that “life at Elmhurst is very calm” but they seem to prefer it. Attendees “fill their days mostly by hanging out with friends or spending their time … in different clubs or organizations.” One activity that many tend to gravitate towards is Greek life, which “plays a huge role” for several students—plus, Greek-sponsored events “take place semi-frequently” for the other students to enjoy as well. (Perhaps surprisingly, though, on-campus parties “are mostly sports-related.”) The school’s student center also has a lot going on, as “there always seems to be free food or an activity.” But the student center pulls double duty: “It’s a very comfortable environment for long periods of casual studying” too. Overall, “Elmhurst has a ton to offer in terms of entertainment, dining, outdoor activities, museums, and is a quick drive or train ride to Chicago.” Also notable are claims that “it’s a very safe area where everyone is able to pursue their interests freely and without concern.”
Special Needs Admissions
Director
Corinne Smith
College Entrance Tests Required
No
Interview Required
No
Special Need Services Offered
Student Activities
Registered Student Organizations
106
Number of Honor Societies
15
Number of Social Sororities
6
Number of Religious Organizations
6
Sports
Athletic Division
Division III
Men's Sports (Bluejays)
9 Sports
Baseball
Basketball
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Soccer
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Wrestling
Basketball
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Soccer
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Wrestling
Women's Sports (Bluejays)
9 Sports
Basketball
Bowling
Cross Country
Golf
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Bowling
Cross Country
Golf
Soccer
Softball
Tennis
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Student Services
Health
Womens Center
LGBT Support Groups
Minority Support Groups
Army ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: Wheaton College
Air Force ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: Illinois Institute of Technology
Womens Center
LGBT Support Groups
Minority Support Groups
Army ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: Wheaton College
Air Force ROTC Offered at cooperating institutions: Illinois Institute of Technology
Sustainability
60*
Campus Security Report
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/
Other Information
Campus-wide Internet Network
Yes
Fee for Network Use
Yes
Partnerships with Technology Companies
No
Personal computer included in tuition for each student
No
Discounts Available with Hardware Vendors
Yes
Description
Apple Macintosh, IBM, Dell, Compaq, Omnitech
