Judson University: Courses, Admissions & Fees 2025!

Judson University is a private, Baptist-affiliated liberal arts institution located in Elgin, Illinois, about 36 miles northwest of Chicago. Founded in 1913, its modern campus was established in Elgin in 1963. Today, Judson University Illinois serves around 1,058 students (Fall 2023), including approximately 793 undergraduates and 265 graduate learners.

Nestled on a 90-acre campus along the scenic Fox River, Judson University Illinois offers a peaceful, wooded setting. Around 7% of students are international, representing nearly 30 countries, and nearly one-third (≈32.5%) of undergraduates identify as Hispanic, with the university officially designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) in July 2023.

Judson University Elgin features a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, and 76% of classes have fewer than 20 students, fostering personalised attention and a tight-knit campus culture. With more than 60 academic programs, Judson University Illinois marries Christian values with degree choices spanning arts, education, science, and more.

Why Choose Judson University?

1. Faith-Based Learning: Judson University is Christo-centric across the levels of what they do academically, chapel, and in community life. All students who take twelve credits or more take graded chapel services (~28 a semester). 
2. Location: The college is less than an hour from Chicago, and students can get internship opportunities, cultural experiences, and contacts in the field, while still enjoying the small college feel.
3. Unique Academic Programs: Judson University is the only accredited Master's of Architecture Program (M.Arch.) in an evangelical Christian university (NAAB-accredited), which requires a 1,600-hour professional internship or preceptorship. 
4. Sustainability and Innovation: The Harm A. Weber Academic Center is LEED Gold certified and includes studios for art, design, architecture, and Judson's library.
5. Cultural & Student Diversity: Judson’s status as an HSI shows its growth in diverse student populations, including multiple support groups, such as the Latino Student Union and First-Generation Student Union.

Admission & Acceptance Rate

It follows a rolling admissions policy, which allows prospective students to apply year-round. Its acceptance rate is around 62%, making it moderately selective.

Admission Requirements:

1. Application Fee: $50
2. Standardized Test Scores: SAT scores between 910–1140, ACT between 15–24 (middle 50%).
3. GPA Requirement: Minimum ~2.0 GPA; competitive programs may require higher. Admissions officials highly prioritize GPA and class rank.
4. Documents: High school transcripts, personal essay, and letters of recommendation. Test scores are optional in some circumstances.

Judson University Cost

Nearly 99% of students receive financial aid, with an average package of $20,995–23,776 per year. This brings the net cost down to approximately $20,500–24,000 annually for most students.

Direct & Indirect Costs (2025–26)
Here is a breakdown of the estimated costs for a typical academic year, including tuition, fees, housing, and other expenses. The table shows both semester and annual estimates to help students plan their budget.

Judson University Rankings

Here are some key rankings for the college in 2025, reflecting its regional standing, quality of online bachelor's programs, and strengths in sports management and diversity. It also ranks among the top colleges in Illinois, both overall and among private institutions.

Scholarships & Grants

The college offers strong merit- and need-based aid, including scholarships like the Star Scholarship and City Colleges Foundation Awards. Students can also explore more options through amberscholar for additional support and funding.

Judson University Scholarships

Additional scholarships include:

• Alumni Award: $1,000 for dependents of Judson University alumni.
• Athletic Scholarships: Vary by sport and coach discretion.
• Outside Awards: e.g., Dr. Samuel Bride Scholarship ($1,000), GOTRANSCRIPT scholarship ($5,000).

Special Programs & Inclusion Scholarships

• RISE Program: Designed for students with intellectual disabilities, offering a certificate in liberal arts plus integration into student life.
• Departmental Aid: Scholarships targeted to Architecture, Sport Science, Music, Art & Design, and Education majors to support underrepresented groups.
• Affordable Illinois Program: Illinois residents eligible for Pell or MAP grants may qualify for zero up-front tuition within 45 miles of campus.

Academics & Campus Life

Majors & Academic Strengths

Judson University offers over 60 programs, including:

• Architecture & Interior Design: Unique for its Christian worldview and NAAB-accredited M.Arch with built-in internship. Students benefit from studio-based learning and professional placements.
• Business, Marketing & Accounting: Practical curriculum, internships and exposure to Chicago’s dynamic business environment.
• Sport Sciences & Health Programs: Updated curricula aligned with industry competencies.
• Psychology, Art, Music, Education: Emphasizing creative and service-oriented vocations.

The architecture program enrolls roughly 125 students across undergraduate and graduate tracks as of Fall 2023, with strong mentorship and field experiences in design studios.

Campus Experience

• Chapel Program: Three times per week; a graded one-credit academic course required of undergraduates.
• Athletics & Recreation: Competes in 22 varsity teams in NAIA – CCAC and NCCAA; includes cheerleading and a wide variety of sports. The teams have won multiple conference championships
• Clubs & Student Life: Organizations include cultural unions (Latino, first-generation), arts groups, service clubs, spiritual life groups, and more
• Events & Forums: Hosts the annual Imago Film Festival, the World Leaders Forum featuring speakers like George W. Bush, Tony Blair, Condoleezza Rice, and others

Judson University Notable Alumni

Graduates go on to careers in architecture, education, ministry, business, arts, counselling, and athletics. The internship-focused architecture program and strong networking support contribute to high internship (≈90%) and career placement rates. Judson alumni have made their mark across varied fields:

1. Dave Breese – Evangelical pastor and Christian TV host.
2. Susan Christensen – Former Chief Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court.
3. Kelly Findley – Head men’s soccer coach at NC State University.
4. Citizen Way – Christian music band formed by Judson alumni.
5. Benjamin Glunz – CEO of Anguleris Technologies; 2023 Alumnus of the Year.
6. Elliott Anderson – Pastor and former Judson basketball standout.
7. Anne Davies – Missionary and educator serving refugees abroad.
8. Tracy Scott Miller – Former IBM executive and tech educator.
9. Robb Davidson – Award-winning photographer and media entrepreneur.

Who Should Apply?

This college provides a supportive, faith-based environment where students can grow academically and personally. It’s especially well-suited for those looking for a close-knit campus experience and opportunities tailored to their goals, including:

• Students seeking a small Christian liberal arts setting with close faculty mentorship.
• Those pursuing programs like architecture, interior design, business, psychology, or art are grounded in faith.
• Illinois residents, especially those eligible for the Affordable Illinois Program.
• International students and first-generation learners are aiming for affordable and supportive higher education.
• Student-athletes looking for NAIA-level sports with scholarship opportunities.

Things to Consider:

• It maintains a Title IX exemption, affecting policies toward LGBTQ students.
• Chapel attendance is required and graded.
• Limited size (≈1,000 students) may lack the breadth of large university offerings. Still, the small scale provides community and access.

Student Accommodation at Judson University

Living on campus at Judson University is a wonderful way to dive into college life and make the most of your university experience. Finding the right place to live is important, and Judson University Illinois offers options that cater to different lifestyles. Whether you decide to stay on campus or look for a place nearby, you’ll find something that feels like home. 

1. Off-Campus Housing

Off-campus housing in Illinois offers students greater independence, privacy, and space compared to on-campus dorms. It’s often more affordable, especially when sharing rent with roommates, and provides better amenities like larger living spaces, kitchens, and in-unit laundry. Living off-campus also means closer access to local life, whether it's cafes, shops, or cultural activities, while offering more flexibility with guests and noise. Platforms like amber simplify the search for student housing in Illinois by providing verified listings, transparent pricing, and flexible lease options. Amber’s user-friendly interface allows students to filter by location, budget, and amenities, while their roommate matching service helps find compatible living partners. Additionally, amber offers 24/7 customer support and special assistance for international students, making the housing search easier and stress-free.