Elmhurst College

Founded in 1871, Elmhurst is a private, four-year college affiliated with the United Church of Christ. The curriculum combines liberal learning and professional preparation to equip students for lifelong learning, service and achievement. Our campus is a gathering place for the dynamic interaction of diverse people. We have a simple but resonant phrase for what happens here: the Elmhurst Experience. The phrase refers to a contemporary framing of liberal learning. Its hallmarks are student self-formation and early professional preparation. Its goal is to educate the whole student for life in a global society. This innovative model of higher education does much more than impart information to students. It also stimulates reflection, develops insights, challenges assumptions and sharpens judgments. It asks students to expand well beyond their comfort zones, through study abroad, service learning and rigorous collaborative research with faculty. It seeks the full realization of human potential. The College offers more than 60 majors and 15 graduate degree and certificate programs. It boasts a student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1. The average class has 17 students; the largest class, about 35 students. By keeping our classes small, we promote discussion and inspire exploration. Our robust academic environment is just the start of the Elmhurst Experience. Beyond the classroom, our students get plenty of opportunities to put their passions and talents into action—in more than 100 campus activities, including 20 athletic teams. Our teams participate in NCAA Division and have won conference championships in five sports over the last decade.