Elmhurst University vs North Central College: which has better ROI?
North Central College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $84,176 in 7.2 years versus 7.4 years at Elmhurst University, on median earnings of $60,123 vs $61,462 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Elmhurst University | North Central College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $24,185 | $21,044 |
| Total net cost | $96,740 | $84,176 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $61,462 | $60,123 |
| Median debt | $20,489 | $24,500 |
| Payback | 7.4 yrs | 7.2 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $165,300 | $151,084 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Elmhurst University or North Central College?
North Central College, at $21,044 a year after aid versus $24,185 — a gap of $3,141 a year, or $12,564 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 North Central College graduates earn more?
Elmhurst University graduates report a median $61,462 ten years after entry, $1,339 more than the $60,123 at North Central College. 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 North Central College?
Elmhurst University: its completers carry a median $20,489 in federal loans versus $24,500 at North Central College, a difference of $4,011. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
70% of students finish at Elmhurst University, against 64% at North Central College. 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.