Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing at Elmhurst University

Elmhurst's nursing program sits right in the middle of Illinois options—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide—but graduates carry more debt than most. With first-year earnings of $73,820 and $25,000 in loans (a manageable 0.34 ratio), new nurses can handle their payments. However, the debt level exceeds 75% of similar programs nationally, and Illinois has several stronger alternatives: Chamberlain, Governors State, and Benedictine all launch graduates $5,000-$9,000 higher.

The bigger concern is minimal income growth—just $1,362 over four years. While nursing salaries tend to plateau more than some fields due to standardized hospital pay scales, the best programs position graduates for higher-earning specialties or leadership tracks. Elmhurst's modest admission selectivity (76% acceptance rate, 1116 average SAT) and the program's middle-of-the-pack outcomes suggest it's producing competent general practice nurses rather than competitive candidates for advanced roles.

For in-state students, this works as a backup option if you can't access the higher-performing Illinois nursing schools. The debt is manageable and first-year earnings cover living expenses while paying down loans. But given that Illinois has 41 nursing programs and at least five deliver notably better financial outcomes, Elmhurst shouldn't be your first choice unless location or specific campus factors make it uniquely suitable for your situation.