Elmhurst University: Top Majors, Admissions, Costs & Scholarships

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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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)

cost_structure.csv
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_structure.csv
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_structure.csv
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.

financial_aid.csv
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.