Elmhurst University

Elmhurst University, located in Elmhurst, Illinois, is a private institution founded in 1871 and affiliated with the United Church of Christ. The university offers various programmes, including 26 undergraduate majors and 17 master's degrees, with popular fields such as Psychology, Nursing, and Business Administration. In 2020, Elmhurst College transitioned to Elmhurst University to better reflect its comprehensive educational offerings. Committed to equity and inclusion, the university recently became a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), enhancing its support for diverse student populations.

Things To Consider Before Applying

Applying to your desired university requires a fair amount of work before starting. Preparing crucial documents and degree percentages can decide your course of action. 

Entry Requirements

Elmhurst University entry requirements differ for every programme. These may include specific academic qualifications, submitting a portfolio of your work, or attending an interview. Reviewing the entry requirements for your chosen programme and confirming that you meet them before applying is crucial. 

Undergraduate Admission Requirements

1. Academic Transcripts: Submit official high school transcripts and any relevant college transcripts.
2. GPA Requirement: A minimum GPA of 2.50 is preferred for international students, while a GPA of 3.0 is generally required for domestic applicants.
3. English Proficiency: International students must demonstrate English proficiency through standardised tests:
   • TOEFL iBT: Minimum score of 79
   • IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5
   • SAT: Minimum score of 520 on the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section
   • ACT: Minimum score of 22 on English and Reading subsections
4. Additional Documents: Depending on the programme, applicants may need to submit a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and, for specific majors, portfolios or audition materials.

Graduate Admission Requirements

1. Bachelor's Degree: A completed bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
2. GPA Requirement: A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is typically required.
3. Official Transcripts: Provide official academic transcripts from all institutions attended.
4. English Proficiency: Unlike undergraduate requirements, international graduate applicants must submit proof of English proficiency.
5. Standardised Tests: GRE or GMAT scores may be required for specific programmes.
6. Additional Materials: Applicants may need to submit a resume, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement depending on the programme.

Documents

Gathering all necessary Elmhurst University documents in advance can help streamline your application. Ensuring all required documents are ready before the application process can prevent delays and complications.

1. Academic Transcripts: Official high school transcripts and any relevant college transcripts.
2. Standardised Test Scores (optional): SAT or ACT scores can be submitted but are not mandatory for test-optional applicants.
3. Application Essay: Required if applying test-optional.
4. Financial Documents: Bank statements or affidavits of support for international students.
5. Medical Records: Required for health insurance purposes.
6. Letters of Recommendation: Depending on the programme, some may require additional materials like portfolios or auditions.
7. Current Resume: Documenting work history and professional experiences.
8. Statement of Purpose: A 1,000-word essay outlining personal and professional goals.

Eligibility

Elmhurst University eligibility criteria might vary depending on nationality, residency status, and specific programme requirements. Verify these criteria to determine eligibility and avoid issues during the application process. 

Undergraduate Eligibility

1. High School Diploma: Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
2. GPA Requirement: A minimum GPA of 2.50 is preferred for international students, while a GPA of 3.0 is generally required for domestic applicants.
3. English Proficiency: International students must demonstrate proficiency through standardised tests like TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, or ACT. The minimum scores vary depending on the test.
4. Additional Requirements: Depending on the programme, applicants may need to submit a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and portfolios or audition materials for certain majors.

Graduate Eligibility

1. Bachelor's Degree: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
2. GPA Requirement: A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is typically required for graduate programmes.
3. English Proficiency: Similar to undergraduate requirements, international graduate applicants must submit proof of English proficiency through tests like TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE Academic.
4. Standardised Tests: Specific graduate programmes may require GRE or GMAT scores.
5. Additional Materials: Applicants may need to submit a resume, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement, depending on the programme.

It's important to note that Elmhurst University operates on a rolling admissions basis, and applicants are advised to start the application process well before the deadlines. Students can contact UniScholars, a one-stop solution for all their study abroad plans. Our experts will guide you through the application process, enabling a smoother transition into your student life.

How To Apply To Elmhurst University?

Elmhurst University's admission process is streamlined, with distinct undergraduate and postgraduate programme procedures. The application processes are different but straightforward if you aim to pursue either. Here is a step-by-step process for applying for both undergraduate and doctoral programmes:

Undergraduate Application Process

1. Choose Your Application Type: Elmhurst University accepts the Common Application or their online application.
2. Complete the Application: Fill out the application form with your personal, academic, and extracurricular information.
3. Submit Required Documents:
   • Official high school transcripts
   • SAT or ACT scores (optional)
   • English proficiency test scores for international students (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, or ACT)
   • Application essay
   • Financial documents for international students
   • Additional materials like portfolios or auditions, if required by your programme
4. Pay the Application Fee: There is no application fee for Elmhurst University.
5. Submit Your Application: Submit your completed application and all supporting documents by the deadline.

Graduate Application Process

1. Complete the Online Application: Fill out Elmhurst University's graduate application form.
2. Submit Required Documents:
   • Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
   • GRE or GMAT scores, if required by your programme
   • English proficiency test scores for international students
   • Current resume
   • 2-3 letters of recommendation
   • Personal statement
   • Additional materials as specified by your programme
3. Pay the Application Fee: There is no application fee for Elmhurst University graduate programmes.
4. Submit Your Application: Adhere to the application deadlines for your intended term.

Deadlines

Understanding the Elmhurst University deadlines is essential to ensure your submission is considered for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. While these dates may vary slightly each academic year, the following general timeline is applicable:

Undergraduate Admission Deadlines

• Early Action Deadline: November 1
• Regular Admission Deadline: Rolling admissions, but applications are accepted until:
  • Fall Term: April 15 - July 1
  • Spring Term: July 1 - December 1

Graduate Admission Deadlines

• Fall Term: April 15 - July 1
• Spring Term: July 1 - December 1
• Specific Programme Deadlines:
  • Master of Occupational Therapy: July 15 - November 15
  • Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders: July 15 - January 15
  • Master’s Entry in Nursing Practice: September 1 - January 15

Decision Dates

Elmhurst University's decision dates differ according to programmes. While this university doesn’t openly announce its decision dates, students are advised to apply early for a timely decision based on their application. 

• Elmhurst University has a rolling admission policy, which means it reviews applications and makes decisions on a continuous basis rather than having set deadlines.
• The university aims to notify undergraduate applicants of their admission decision within 2-4 weeks of receiving a completed application.
• International undergraduate applicants should submit their completed application by July 15 for fall enrollment or January 15 for spring enrollment.

Elmhurst University Selection Criteria

Every Elmhurst application is evaluated individually, considering the evidence presented in the application form against the specific criteria of the desired course. Detailed entry and subject-specific requirements are available on the university's prospectus and website.

Undergraduate Selection Criteria

1. Challenging High School Curriculum: Elmhurst looks for applicants who have taken advanced placement and honours courses in high school, demonstrating their academic rigour and potential for success at the university level.
2. Extracurricular Involvement: The university values participation in extracurricular activities, leadership roles, and community service, as it reflects a well-rounded applicant.
3. Legacy Consideration: Students with direct family members (parents, grandparents, siblings) who have graduated from or are currently enrolled at Elmhurst University are eligible for legacy consideration.
4. United Church of Christ Affiliation: First-year, transfer, and adult students who belong to congregations of the United Church of Christ or Disciples of Christ are eligible for a specific scholarship.

Graduate Selection Criteria

1. Bachelor's Degree from an Accredited Institution: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
2. Relevant Work Experience: Some graduate programmes may require relevant work experience and academic qualifications.
3. Interviews: Certain graduate programmes conduct interviews as part of the admission process to assess the applicant's fit for the programme.
4. Educator Licence: An official educator licence is required for non-degree graduate programmes.

These unique criteria and the standard academic performance and English proficiency requirements make up Elmhurst University's holistic approach to selecting students who will thrive in their educational programmes and contribute to the campus community.

Elmhurst University Acceptance Rate

Elmhurst University’s acceptance rate is 76%, with an impressive early acceptance rate of 98.6%. Among applicants who submitted test scores, 50% of those admitted had SAT scores ranging from 980 to 1240 or ACT scores between 20 and 27. Notably, 25% of admitted students scored above this range, while another 25% scored below it. The university employs a rolling admissions process, placing significant emphasis on a student's GPA as a critical academic factor, while letters of recommendation are also valued; however, high school class rank is not considered.

Fees

Elmhurst University charges a tuition fee of $41,628 for the past academic year, which is lower than the national average of $43,477. The average net price after aid for students receiving financial aid is about $28,452. Elmhurst University offers various financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and loans, to help reduce out-of-pocket student expenses.