Students at Elmhurst University achieve earnings that consistently exceed expectations, with graduates earning nearly $7,400 more than similar students at comparable institutions nationwide.
This private college combines meaningful access for first-generation and Pell-eligible students with financial outcomes that place it among the top performers for long-term career success.
Elmhurst University delivers consistently strong outcomes for students across a range of backgrounds, combining the personalized attention of a private institution with financial results that compete with much larger universities. Located in Illinois, this medium-sized private nonprofit university serves a diverse student body where 37% receive Pell Grants and 35% are first-generation college students, yet graduates still achieve earnings that place the institution in the top 25% nationally for long-term financial outcomes.
What makes Elmhurst distinctive is its ability to help students exceed earnings expectations. Graduates earn a median of $61,462 ten years after enrollment, with the university delivering nearly $7,400 more in earnings than similar students achieve at comparable institutions. This earnings advantage reflects both the quality of academic programs and the institution's success in preparing students for careers that continue to pay dividends over time.
As a designated "Mobility Engine," Elmhurst combines meaningful access for underrepresented students with strong upward mobility outcomes. The university maintains a 65% six-year graduation rate while serving substantial numbers of first-generation and low-income students, demonstrating that a private college environment can deliver both academic support and long-term financial success for students from diverse economic backgrounds.
Elmhurst University's program portfolio balances professional preparation with liberal arts breadth, creating multiple pathways to strong career outcomes. Psychology leads enrollment with 107 graduates, serving as both a standalone major and preparation for graduate study in counseling, social work, and related fields. While Psychology shows more moderate early earnings at $30,771, it provides the foundation for careers that often require advanced degrees and offer long-term growth potential.
Business Administration represents the university's highest aggregate-return program, combining solid enrollment of 92 students with median earnings of $45,383 ten years post-graduation. This program serves as an economic engine for the institution, preparing students for management, finance, and entrepreneurship roles across diverse industries. The combination of strong enrollment and competitive earnings makes Business Administration a cornerstone of Elmhurst's value proposition.
Nursing programs deliver the university's highest individual earnings outcomes, with Adult Health Nursing graduates earning $63,832 ten years after enrollment. With 64 graduates, this program demonstrates how specialized professional training can lead to excellent financial outcomes while serving critical workforce needs in healthcare. The nursing program's success reflects both strong clinical preparation and the ongoing demand for qualified healthcare professionals in the Chicago metropolitan area.
Elmhurst University graduates achieve strong long-term earnings that consistently outperform expectations. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $61,462, placing the university in the top 25% nationally for earnings outcomes. More importantly, Elmhurst delivers nearly $7,400 in higher-than-expected earnings compared with similar students at other institutions, reflecting the university's ability to add meaningful value to student outcomes beyond what their academic preparation alone would predict.
The university's strongest financial returns come from its nursing and business programs, which combine solid enrollment with excellent career outcomes. Adult Health Nursing graduates earn around $63,832 ten years out, representing some of the highest early-career earnings among Elmhurst programs and reflecting strong demand in healthcare markets. Business Administration, the university's highest aggregate-return major with 92 graduates, produces median earnings of $45,383 while serving as a key economic engine for the institution. Psychology, Elmhurst's largest program with 107 graduates, shows more moderate earnings at $30,771 but provides a foundation for graduate study and diverse career paths.
The university's medium size allows for focused program development while maintaining breadth across business, healthcare, liberal arts, and professional fields. This balanced approach helps explain why Elmhurst graduates consistently exceed earnings expectations, as students benefit from both specialized training and the comprehensive support that comes with a more intimate educational environment.
Elmhurst University's private college pricing reflects its positioning as an accessible option within the private nonprofit sector. Low-income students pay about $14,641 annually after aid, while middle-income families see net costs around $20,115 per year, and higher-income families pay approximately $28,795. These price points, while higher than public alternatives, include the comprehensive support services and smaller class sizes that characterize the private college experience.
The university's financial aid approach helps make the private college premium manageable for many families. With 37% of students receiving Pell Grants, Elmhurst demonstrates a commitment to serving students across income levels while maintaining the resources needed to deliver personalized education. The institution's aid packaging typically combines federal grants, institutional scholarships, and work-study opportunities to reduce the sticker-to-net price gap, particularly for students with the greatest financial need.
Debt levels remain within reasonable bounds given the institution's private status and strong earnings outcomes. Most borrowers can manage their obligations comfortably, supported by the university's above-average earnings performance and the career preparation that comes with a more individualized educational approach. The combination of manageable debt loads and strong post-graduation earnings helps justify the private college investment for many families.
Elmhurst University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
