College Search
Elon University

Elon University

Elon, NC · Suburb · 6,452 students
WebsiteCommon AppForbes rankingScorecard
Application deadlines: Check the admissions site
$41,555
Average net priceYour net price
2023-24
<30
30–48
48–75
75–110
110+
By household income — tap a bar
84%
Graduation rate
Entered fall 2017 & 2018
58% typical
$74,545
Earnings 10 years on
Measured 2020 & 2021
$55,545 typical
66%
Acceptance rate
Applied for fall 2024
81% typical · not scored
Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
About

Elon University is widely recognized for its national leadership in engaged, experiential learning, boasting premier programs in communications, business, and performing arts. Campus culture is vibrant, collaborative, and globally focused, characterized by a tight-knit community where a majority of students actively participate in study abroad, undergraduate research, and internships. What uniquely sets Elon apart is its signature Elon Experiences framework—which formally integrates hands-on learning into every degree—and its stunning 656-acre campus, which is designated as a botanical garden.

Wikipedia:Elon University is a private university in Elon, North Carolina, United States. Founded in 1889 as Elon College, the university is organized into six schools, most of which offer bachelor's degrees and several of which offer master's degrees or professional doctorate degrees. Located in North Carolina's Piedmont region, Elon is situated on a 656-acre (265 ha) suburban campus between the cities of Greensboro and Raleigh. Elon's athletic teams compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Coastal Athletic Association.

Location
Elon, NC, 27244-2010 · Suburb campus
✈
Nearest airport from college
RDU · Raleigh-Durham
43 mi away
Open in Google Maps
Cost & aid
Cost of attendance
YoursEveryone
Tuition & fees$46,958
Housing & food (on campus)$14,985
Books & supplies$900
Cost of attendance$73,403
Average net price$41,555
Same price for all students
Tuition & fees$46,958
Housing & food (on campus)$14,985
Books & supplies$900
Cost of attendance$73,403
Average net price$41,555
Source: U.S. College Scorecard · published total: www.elon.edu
How it’s made up · 2026-27
Elon University’s own figures for 2026-2027, newer than the 2024-25 federal figures above, so the amounts differ.
Tuition$50,386
Housing$9,306
Food$8,229
Books & supplies$1,000
Personal expenses$2,000
Transportation$1,500
Total published by the school$73,403
Net price by family income · 2023-24
$0–30k
$26,523
$30–48k
$23,514
$48–75k
$24,064
$75–110k
$34,472
$110k+
$49,743
Outcomes
Completion
Within 6 yrs
84%
Entered 2017–18
Within 4 yrs
80%
Back for yr 2
90%
Transferred
0%
8 yrs after starting · first-time, full-time students
83% graduated · 12% transferred · 4% left or unknown · none still enrolled
Earnings · measured 2020 & 2021
6 yrs after entry$58,082
10 yrs after entry$74,545
Debt
Median at graduation$20,500
Monthly payment$217
Middle 50% owe$8k–$27k
90th percentile$27,000
Green marks a figure above the typical Doctoral/Professional University: 58% graduate within 6 yrs, $55,545 earned 10 yrs after entry.
Admissions
Getting in · applied for fall 2024
Admit rate
66%
Test policy
Test optional
Per College Scorecard
SAT average
1208
R 580–650 · M 550–630
SAT middle 50%: 1130–1280
40080012001600

Wondering if Elon University is the right fit for you?

SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search
Essay prompts

If Elon University asks for supplemental essays, the prompts are in the Common App.

The personal essay is separate: see the Common App essay prompts.

Student Body
Gender
Men 41%Women 59%
Who enrolls
Faculty ratio
11 : 1
Pell grant
10%
First-gen
9%
Family income
$112,797
Independent
2%
Age at entry
19.0
Part-time
3%
Race & ethnicity
White
76%
Hispanic
7%
Black
5%
Asian
2%
Two or more
3%
Non-resident
2%
Unknown
4%
Varsity sports
NCAA Division I-FCS · EADA 2024-25
  • Baseball
    Men's
  • Basketball
    Men's · Women's
  • Cross Country
    Men's
  • Football
    Men's
  • Golf
    Men's · Women's
  • Lacrosse
    Women's
  • Soccer
    Men's · Women's
  • Softball
    Women's
  • Tennis
    Men's · Women's
  • Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)
    Women's
  • Volleyball
    Women's
Programs & Earnings
Bachelor's degrees by annual completions · 4yr national median earnings
Median earnings, all programs · measured 2020 & 2021
After 6 yrs
$58,082
After 10 yrs
$74,545
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication167
Marketing144
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication138
Finance and Financial Management Services134
Psychology, General127
Sports, Kinesiology, and Physical Education/Fitness86
Political Science and Government76
Communication and Media Studies48
Business Administration, Management and Operations47
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods45
Biology, General43
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft40
Journalism38
International Business38
Economics37
Computer Science35
Type your major above to highlight and detail relevant programs.
Institutional
Resources
Endowment
$365M
Full-time faculty
82%
Faculty salary
$10,563/mo
Teaching spend
$19,988
per student
Federal loans
24%
Classification
Carnegie type
Doctoral/Professional University
Research activity
Research college or university
$3M research spending
Undergraduate profile
Four-year, more selective admissions

Wondering if Elon University is the right fit for you?

SchoolScout builds a personalized college list — reach, match, and safety schools — tailored to your profile, grades, and goals. Get financial aid estimates, scholarship guidance, and deep dives on every school.

Personalized reach / match / safety list
Financial aid & net cost estimates
Deep dives on any school
Scholarship search