Acceptance Rate
66%
Avg. SAT
1280
75th percentile
“Small-town North Carolina liberal arts school where communications students run their own TV network and nearly everyone studies abroad.”
Elon, NC
Location
Midsize Suburb
Campus Setting
Elon University traces its roots to 1889, when local leaders in a rural tobacco-farming community founded Elon College under the auspices of the Christian Church; it evolved into a secular university focused on undergraduate teaching while retaining a close-knit, values-driven atmosphere. You'll thrive here if you're outgoing and eager to build deep connections in a residential setting—think collaborative students who dive into clubs, study abroad, and campus events rather than solitary grinders seeking urban anonymity. The campus personality blends Southern warmth with polished ambition, set amid Elon, North Carolina's quiet Piedmont hills, where rolling farmland and low-slung brick buildings create a postcard setting but require road trips to Greensboro or Raleigh for bigger-city energy. Tradeoffs include the town's sleepy pace, which keeps distractions minimal but can feel isolating on weekends, and a higher tuition that demands weighing against the intimate community experience.
Photo Gallery
+8
Admissions
Acceptance Rate
Average GPA
Application Fee
Academics
Student-Faculty Ratio
Programs Offered
Full-Time Faculty
Women Faculty
Research Spending
Degree Levels Offered
Elon's classrooms buzz with hands-on energy, especially in communications, where students produce live broadcasts through the acclaimed Elon News Network, alongside strengths in business, education, and performing arts that emphasize real-world projects over rote lectures. With around 6,500 undergraduates, expect smaller upper-level seminars led by approachable professors who prioritize mentoring, though introductory courses for popular majors draw larger crowds of 100 or more. Research opportunities abound for motivated students through faculty-led projects or the honors program, fostering an intellectual culture that's engaged yet not overwhelmingly competitive. Tradeoffs surface in competitive entry to high-demand programs like communications or business, where strong high school preparation helps, and the focus on teaching means fewer massive research labs compared to larger universities.
Student Body
Total Enrollment
6,452 undergrad • 787 grad
Undergraduate
Graduate
International
White
77%
Black / African American
6%
Hispanic / Latino
7%
Asian
2%
Other / Multi-racial
8%
Campus Life
Campus Setting
Elon, NC
Varsity Athletics
NCAA Athletics
Campus life revolves around residence halls housing most students through sophomore year, fostering instant communities through hall programs, intramurals, and village-themed events that turn ordinary weeks into a mix of classes, club meetings, and spontaneous gatherings. Traditions like the fall Convocation procession and spring Family Weekend knit everyone together, while Division I Phoenix athletics, moderate Greek life, and over 250 clubs fill evenings with soccer games, a cappella shows, or service trips. The social scene feels spirited and inclusive, with on-campus parties and coffeehouse hangs dominating, though the small town's limited nightlife pushes many toward group road trips or quiet nights in. Summers bring humid heat, but mild winters and green spaces invite outdoor study sessions by the campus lakes.
Housing
On-Campus Housing
Housing Capacity
Meal Plan Available
Average Room & Board
Athletics
Athletic Association
Coastal Athletic Association
ROTC & Veteran Support
Army
Yes
Navy
No
Air Force
Yes
Veteran’s Programs Available
Yellow Ribbon Program (Post-9/11 GI Bill)
Yes
Dedicated point of contact for veteran support services
Yes
Cost & Aid
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Room & Board
Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
Students Receiving Aid
Receiving Pell Grants
Average Grant
Average Federal Loan
Net Annual Cost by Household Income
Household Income
Avg. Net Cost
$0 – $30K
$24,048
$30K – $48K
$22,133
$48K – $75K
$30,596
$75K – $110K
$38,312
$110K+
$46,055
Apply for Financial Aid
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Costs shown are before financial aid. Most students receive some form of aid. Complete the FAFSA to see what you qualify for.
Outcomes & Earnings
Retention Rate
90%
4 Years Graduation Rate
78%
6 Years Graduation Rate
83%
Median 10-Year Earnings
$74,545
90% of first-time, full-time students complete their freshman year at Elon University and return in the fall. 78% of first-time, full-time students graduate in 4 years, and 83% graduate within 6 years.
Graduation Rate
4-year grads
78%
4-6 years
5%
Non-grad
17%
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Key Statistics
Type
Private
Tuition
$41,734
Acceptance
66%
Undergrads
6,452
4-Year Grad Rate
78%
Endowment
$223M
Elon, NC 27244-2010
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