Western Illinois University vs Elmhurst University: 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 8.9 years at Western Illinois University, on median earnings of $61,462 vs $54,163 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Western Illinois University | Elmhurst University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $12,937 | $24,185 |
| Total net cost | $51,748 | $96,740 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $54,163 | $61,462 |
| Median debt | $25,251 | $20,489 |
| Payback | 8.9 yrs | 7.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $64,312 | $165,300 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Western Illinois University or Elmhurst University?
Western Illinois University, at $12,937 a year after aid versus $24,185 — a gap of $11,248 a year, or $44,992 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Western Illinois University or Elmhurst University graduates earn more?
Elmhurst University graduates report a median $61,462 ten years after entry, $7,299 more than the $54,163 at Western Illinois 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, Western Illinois University or Elmhurst University?
Elmhurst University: its completers carry a median $20,489 in federal loans versus $25,251 at Western Illinois University, a difference of $4,762. 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 45% at Western Illinois 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.