Elmhurst University vs Lake Forest College: which has better ROI?
Elmhurst University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $96,740 in 7.4 years versus 8.5 years at Lake Forest College, on median earnings of $61,462 vs $61,825 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Elmhurst University | Lake Forest College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $24,185 | $28,673 |
| Total net cost | $96,740 | $114,692 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $61,462 | $61,825 |
| Median debt | $20,489 | $26,158 |
| Payback | 7.4 yrs | 8.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $165,300 | $154,608 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Elmhurst University or Lake Forest College?
Elmhurst University, at $24,185 a year after aid versus $28,673 — a gap of $4,488 a year, or $17,952 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Elmhurst University or Lake Forest College graduates earn more?
Lake Forest College graduates report a median $61,825 ten years after entry, $363 more than the $61,462 at Elmhurst University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Elmhurst University or Lake Forest College?
Elmhurst University: its completers carry a median $20,489 in federal loans versus $26,158 at Lake Forest College, a difference of $5,669. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
78% of students finish at Lake Forest College, against 70% at Elmhurst University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.