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Elmhurst University vs Northeastern Illinois University

Elmhurst University is a private university in Elmhurst, IL, and Northeastern Illinois University is a public university in Chicago, IL. Elmhurst University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 74% of applicants against 75% at Northeastern Illinois University. Northeastern Illinois University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $14,109 a year against $24,185 at Elmhurst University. About 68% of students graduate at Elmhurst University, compared with 18% at Northeastern Illinois University. Ten years after enrolling, Elmhurst University alumni earn a median of about $61,462, against $52,234 for Northeastern Illinois University.

Elmhurst University

Elmhurst, IL · Private

Northeastern Illinois University

Chicago, IL · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Elmhurst, IL
Chicago, IL
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
3,006
3,982
Acceptance rate
74%
75%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.42–3.92
3.29–3.79
SAT (middle 50%)
990–1260
810–1010
ACT (middle 50%)
23–30
15–21
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$24,185
$14,109
Full cost / yr
$54,679
$26,960
In-state tuition
$42,955
$12,383
Out-of-state tuition
$42,955
$22,726
Application fee
$0
$30
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$17,892
$13,709
$30k - $48k
$18,377
$12,824
$48k - $75k
$23,098
$15,077
$75k - $110k
$25,419
$20,464
Over $110k
$30,232
$25,001
Outcomes
Graduation rate
68%
18%
Freshman retention
80%
52%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$52,803
$43,801
Median earnings (10 yr)
$61,462
$52,234
Median debt at graduation
$20,489
$14,600
Student body
Pell grant recipients
37%
56%
First-generation students
35%
51%
International students
4%
1%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Not reported
Early action
Nov 15
Not reported
Regular decision
Rolling
Aug 1

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Elmhurst University or Northeastern Illinois University harder to get into?
Elmhurst University is harder to get into. It admits about 74% of applicants, compared with 75% at Northeastern Illinois University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Elmhurst University or Northeastern Illinois University?
Northeastern Illinois University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $14,109 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $24,185 at Elmhurst University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Elmhurst University and Northeastern Illinois University?
Before aid, Northeastern Illinois University costs about $26,960 a year and Elmhurst University about $54,679. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Elmhurst University or Northeastern Illinois University?
Northeastern Illinois University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,709 there, against about $17,892 at Elmhurst University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Elmhurst University or Northeastern Illinois University?
Northeastern Illinois University is the larger of the two, with about 3,982 undergraduates against 3,006 at Elmhurst University.
Does Elmhurst University or Northeastern Illinois University have a better graduation rate?
Elmhurst University has the higher graduation rate, at about 68% against 18% at Northeastern Illinois University.
Do graduates of Elmhurst University or Northeastern Illinois University earn more?
Elmhurst University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $61,462 ten years after enrolling, against about $52,234 for Northeastern Illinois University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Elmhurst University and Northeastern Illinois University require SAT or ACT scores?
Elmhurst University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Northeastern Illinois University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Elmhurst University and Northeastern Illinois University look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 990–1260 at Elmhurst University and 810–1010 at Northeastern Illinois University. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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