Founded in 1871, Elmhurst is a private, four-year college affiliated with the United Church of Christ. The curriculum combines liberal learning and professional preparation to equip students for lifelong learning, service and achievement.

Our campus is a gathering place for the dynamic interaction of diverse people. We have a simple but resonant phrase for what happens here: the Elmhurst Experience.

The phrase refers to a contemporary framing of liberal learning. Its hallmarks are student self-formation and early professional preparation. Its goal is to educate the whole student for life in a global society.

This innovative model of higher education does much more than impart information to students. It also stimulates reflection, develops insights, challenges assumptions and sharpens judgments. It asks students to expand well beyond their comfort zones, through study abroad, service learning and rigorous collaborative research with faculty. It seeks the full realization of human potential.

The College offers more than 50 majors and more than 10 graduate programs. It boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1. The average class has 16 students; the largest class, about 35 students. By keeping our classes small, we promote discussion and inspire exploration.

Our robust academic environment is just the start of the Elmhurst Experience. Beyond the classroom, our students get plenty of opportunities to put their passions and talents into action—in more than 100 campus activities, including 19 athletic teams. Our teams participate in NCAA Division III and have won conference championships in five sports over the last decade.

How We Rank
The College consistently ranks among the best regional institutions of higher learning in the Midwest, according to “America’s Best Colleges,” the annual survey by U.S. News and World Report. The Princeton Review also lists Elmhurst among the best in the Midwest, citing its “excellent” internships, “gorgeous” campus and “intimate academic experience."

Accreditation
Elmhurst College is accredited by the Department of Education of the State of Illinois, and by The Higher LEarning Commission and The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Fast Facts

Reputation
Elmhurst ranks among the top colleges in the Midwest, according to “America’s Best Colleges,” the survey by U.S.News & World Report. The Princeton Review also lists Elmhurst among the region’s premier institutions of higher learning.

Location
The College is located in Elmhurst, Illinois, a quiet suburb that ranks Number 1 in a Chicago magazine survey of the “best places to live.” Downtown Chicago is a 30-minute train ride away.

Campus
The Elmhurst campus is a 48-acre arboretum. It boasts nearly 800 trees and shrubs—and all the modern facilities required of scholarship today.

Programs of Study
The College offers more than 50 majors, a range of accelerated majors for adults, 15 preprofessional programs and 15 graduate programs. The Honors Program provides extra opportunities for students who are especially talented, curious and motivated.

Faculty
All classes at Elmhurst are taught by professors, not teaching assistants. About 84 percent of the College’s 151 full-time faculty hold the highest degree in their field.

Class Size
The average class has 16 students. The student to faculty ratio—13 to 1—is among the best in higher education.

Students
Students come to Elmhurst from many states and countries, and from nearly every religious, racial and ethnic background. The student body comprises about 2,800 traditional full-time undergraduate students, 325 adults pursuing an undergraduate degree and 285 graduate students.

Professional Preparation
Three academic centers devoted to professional practice help you explore your career options, find your calling, land a great internship and make your dreams a working reality. It’s no wonder that 90 percent of graduates are working or in graduate school within six months of graduation.

Student Life
Life at Elmhurst is active and creative. Students get involved in more than 100 activities, from theatre to intramurals to the Mock Trial Team.

Athletics
Student athletes at Elmhurst compete on 20 teams in NCAA Division III. In the past decade, Bluejay teams have won conference championships in five sports. And they compete in first-rate facilities.

Costs & Financial Aid
Full-time tuition for 2015-2016 is $34,200; basic room & board is $9,666. We provide need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships to about 85 percent of entering students.