Elmhurst University: Top Majors, Admissions, Costs & Scholarships
Table of Content
- Elmhurst University
- Why Choose Elmhurst University, Illinois?
- Elmhurst University Courses
- Undergraduate Courses
- Graduate Courses
- Postgraduate Courses
- Elmhurst University Admission Process
- Elmhurst University Eligibility Criteria & Documents
- Eligibility Criteria
- Required Documents
- Elmhurst University Acceptance Rate
- Elmhurst University Rankings
- Elmhurst University Cost
- Estimated Cost of Attendance (On-Campus Students)
- Financial Aid & Scholarships
- Elmhurst University Scholarships
- Elmhurst University Financial Aids
- Elmhurst University Notable Alumni
- Elmhurst University Student Accommodation
- Off-Campus Accommodation
Elmhurst University
Elmhurst University is located 30 minutes from downtown Chicago. Founded in 1871, it combines liberal arts with career-focused education. The university has about 3,900 students, offering over 70 majors including business, nursing, education, computer science, psychology, and the arts. The average class size is 16 with a student-to-faculty ratio of 13 to 1.
Elmhurst supports first-generation, international, and transfer students. It has a 76 percent acceptance rate and offers financial aid, study abroad, internship, and research opportunities.
Why Choose Elmhurst University, Illinois?
1. Liberal arts foundation with area of focus: There are more than 70 undergraduate majors,17 pre-professional programs, and master's programs in business, healthcare, technology, and education.
2. Community of learners: Student-to-faculty ratio of about 14:1 enables much more individualized attention, mentorship, and value to the interaction.
3. Location: We are a certified arboretum and our campus is just west of Chicago and provides all the calm of an arboretum, while still being in the midst of rich and dynamic culture and proximity to internship opportunities.
4. Career readiness: 92% of undergraduates have an internship, practicum, or some form of service experience and 96% are either employed or pursuing grad work within a year of graduation.
Elmhurst University Courses
Elmhurst University provides a wide range of academic programs designed to meet the needs of diverse learners. Whether you’re just starting your college journey or advancing your education, Elmhurst offers undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate courses that combine strong academics with practical experience.
Undergraduate Courses
Undergraduate programs at Elmhurst University focus on foundational knowledge and skills across various fields. These bachelor’s degree programs prepare students for careers or further study with hands-on learning and personalized faculty support.
| Department | Sample Undergraduate Programs |
|---|---|
| Business | Business Administration, Marketing, Accounting |
Nursing | Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) |
| Education | Early Childhood Education, Secondary Education |
| Computer Science | Computer Science, Information Technology |
| Psychology | Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis |
| Arts & Humanities | English, History, Communication Studies |
| Sciences | Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science |
Graduate Courses
Graduate programs at Elmhurst University offer advanced training for students seeking specialized knowledge and leadership skills in their fields. These master’s degree programs emphasize professional development and research.
| Department | Sample Graduate Programs |
|---|---|
| Business | MBA, Organizational Leadership |
Education | Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership |
| Nursing | Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) |
| Computer Science | Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology |
| Psychology | Information Systems, Data Analytics |
Postgraduate Courses
Postgraduate courses include specialized certifications and doctoral studies aimed at professionals looking to deepen expertise or engage in advanced research.
| Department | Sample Postgraduate Programs |
|---|---|
| Architecture | Master of Architecture (M.Arch) |
Education | Doctorate in Educational Leadership (EdD) |
| Nursing | Post-Master’s Certificates, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) |
Elmhurst University Admission Process
Applying to Elmhurst University Illinois is easy and free, with no application fees and rolling admissions that allow you to apply anytime. Decisions are typically made within 2-3 weeks.
Common Requirements for All Applicants:
1. Online application through Elmhurst or Common App
2. Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo) and financial documents for international students
Undergraduate Applicants:
1. High school or college transcripts
2. Personal statement or essay
3. Recommendation letters (optional but recommended)
4. Test scores (SAT/ACT) are optional
Graduate Applicants:
1. Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
2. Detailed personal statement or essay
3. Three letters of recommendation
4. Current résumé or CV
5. Some programs may require interviews or additional materials
Elmhurst University Eligibility Criteria & Documents
To apply to Harold Washington College, students must meet certain eligibility requirements based on their level of study. Below are the general criteria for undergraduate and graduate applicants, including academic qualifications and English proficiency for international students.
Eligibility Criteria
Undergraduate Applicants:
1. High school diploma or equivalent
2. Strong academic background (GPA of 2.5+ recommended)
3. English proficiency (for international students)
Graduate Applicants:
1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
2. Minimum GPA of 3.0 (varies by program)
3. Relevant academic or professional background (for select programs)
Required Documents
| For Undergraduate Students | For Graduate Students |
|---|---|
| High school transcripts | Bachelor's degree transcripts |
English test scores (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo) | English proficiency test scores |
| Personal statement or essay | Statement of purpose |
| Recommendation letters (optional) | Letters of recommendation (usually 2–3) |
| Passport copy | Passport copy |
| Financial documents (I-20) | Financial support documents (for I-20) |
| Resume or CV (optional) | Resume or CV (if required by the program) |
Elmhurst University Acceptance Rate
Elmhurst University Illinois, has an acceptance rate of approximately 75–80%, indicating a moderately selective admissions process. The university evaluates applicants based on academic performance, personal essays, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular involvement. Both undergraduate and graduate programs offer rolling admissions, providing students with flexibility in application timelines.
Elmhurst University Rankings
U.S. News & World Report 2025 Rankings place Elmhurst as:
1. #7 among Regional Universities Midwest
2. #1 in the Midwest for Veterans
3. #8 for Undergraduate Teaching and Social Mobility
4. #12 in Best Value Schools overall
Niche places Elmhurst in the top 25 universities in USA and ranks it #10 in Illinois, with top marks for education, psychology, and no‑fee applications.
Elmhurst University Cost
Elmhurst University’s estimated cost of attendance for the 2025–2026 academic year depends on housing choices and personal expenses. On average, students can expect to pay between $50,000 and $58,000 per year. Below is a breakdown of tuition, room and board, and other typical costs for on-campus students.
Elmhurst University Tuition & Fees (2025–2026 Academic Year)
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition (Full-Time) | ~$43,983 (Fall + Spring) |
| Room & Board | ~$12,571 ($7,048 + $5,523) |
| Estimated Total | ~$56,554 |
| Additional Fees | Student, parking, lab, graduate, and incidental charges |
Estimated Cost of Attendance (On-Campus Students)
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Housing | ~$7,950 |
| Board (Meal Plan) | ~$7,312 |
| Books | ~$1,290 |
| Transportation | ~$1,644 |
| Personal Expenses | ~$3,590 |
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Elmhurst University offers a variety of financial aid and scholarship options to help make education more affordable for students from all backgrounds. From merit-based awards to need-based grants, most students receive some form of financial assistance. In addition to university-specific aid, students can explore external resources like amberscholar, a platform that helps match students with scholarships tailored to their profile and needs.
Elmhurst University Scholarships
| Scholarship | Amount (per year) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | Up to $25,000 | Top academics + strong test scores or writing |
| Dean’s Scholarship | Up to $22,000 | Strong high school performance |
| Founders Scholarship | Up to $20,000 | Above-average academic record |
| Trustee Scholarship | Up to $15,000 | Good GPA + test or writing proficiency |
| Blue & White Scholarship | Up to $10,000 | Solid academic background |
| Art, Music, Digital Media Scholarships | Up to $2,000 | Based on audition or portfolio |
Elmhurst University Financial Aids
Financial aid helps students pay for college through scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. It’s designed to make education more affordable and accessible.
| Aid Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Need-Based Aid | Based on demonstrated financial need |
| Merit Scholarships | Auto-considered during admission |
| Work-Study | On-campus jobs available (visa rules apply) |
| External Scholarships | Available from third-party providers |
| Net Price Calculator | Estimates your total cost after aid and scholarships |
Elmhurst University Notable Alumni
Elmhurst’s alumni network includes accomplished figures across theology, science, athletics, and coaching:
1. Walter Brueggemann (Class of 1955): Renowned theologian
2. Donald G. Bloesch (1950): Influential religious scholar
3. Ricardo Lamas (2005): UFC featherweight fighter and former All‑American wrestler
4. Steve Finch (1982): Former NFL wide receiver
5. Mike LaFleur: Pro football coach in the NFL
6. Jeff Quinn (1984): Assistant coach at Notre Dame Football
7. Audrey Wagner (1950): AAGPBL legend and Chicago White Sox and Tampa Bay Rays broadcaster
8. Joe Rau (2013): International Greco‑Roman wrestler
Elmhurst University Student Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodation
Off-campus housing allows students to live according to their lifestyle comfortably and conveniently, amber offers various student accommodations in Illinois. Students can choose from a variety of options available here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elmhurst University acceptance rate?
Elmhurst is moderately selective, with an estimated acceptance rate of around 75–85%
How much does it cost to study at Elmhurst University?
For full‑time undergraduates, total annual costs (tuition, room & board, fees) run approximately USD 56,500 (includes housing, meals, books, personal expenses).
Are there scholarships for international students?
Yes — Elmhurst has both internal and external scholarships, and over $30,000 for studying abroad. There are financial aid packages and tools to estimate the net price for cost planning.
What are Elmhurst University rankings?
Ranked #7 in Regional Universities Midwest, #8 in Undergraduate Teaching and Social Mobility, #12 in Best Value Schools, and #1 in Midwest for veterans by U.S. News 2025.
Which majors are Elmhurst University famous for?
Famous programs are Business, Nursing, Psychology, Education, and Arts & Music—offered in a liberal arts tradition, well-aligned with professions.