About Elon University
The sticker price of $59,914 intimidates many families, but most students pay far less. The average net price drops to $41,048 after aid, though only 17% of students receive institutional grants. Graduates earn a median of $74,545 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $20,500 manageable. Students from families earning under $48,000 pay around $25,000 annually. The investment pays off with a 96% employment rate after graduation.
Women make up 59% of the student body on a campus that feels more Southern prep than diverse. Only 9% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the wealthy student population. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means small classes, while 90% of freshmen return for sophomore year. Division I athletics compete in 15 sports, though academics clearly take priority over athletic prowess.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 81.2%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 83.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 83.0%
- Retention Rate
- 90.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $74,545
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral/Professional University
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $104,061 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $71,854 |
| Computer Programming. | Bachelor | $70,680 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $69,629 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $62,154 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $60,016 |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Bachelor | $54,192 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $50,022 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $44,189 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $44,055 |
Campus Life
Students here embrace the outdoors year-round thanks to mild North Carolina weather that rarely requires heavy winter coats. The Four-One-Four calendar system shapes campus life with traditional fall and spring semesters plus a focused January term for internships or study abroad. Elon leads the nation in study abroad participation, with students often planning their next international experience over weekend gatherings on the academic quad. Greek life, intramural sports, and over 200 student organizations keep weekends busy. The 11:1 student-faculty ratio means professors often join students at campus events, creating an unusually close-knit academic community for a school of this size.
- Setting
- Suburb-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 4,196 beds
- Calendar System
- Four-One-Four
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1889
Campus Safety (2023)
58 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 15 | 15 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 30°–51°F
- July Avg
- 69°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 43.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 1.8"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 41.2%
- Women
- 58.8%
- White
- 78.4%
- Black
- 5.3%
- Hispanic
- 6.8%
- Asian
- 2.3%
- In-State Students
- 18.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 9.2%
Location
- Address
- Elon, North Carolina 27244-2010
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $74,545
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $70,407
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $47,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 83.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $217/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $20,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Elon University?
Elon University accepts 74.46% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1170 and 1360 on the SAT. This private liberal arts university draws students who value its strong study abroad programs and engaged campus community.
How much does Elon University cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Elon University is $41,048, though only 9.15% of students receive federal Pell Grants. Students typically graduate with $20,500 in median debt and monthly loan payments of $217. The school serves a predominantly affluent student body with limited need-based aid distribution.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Elon University?
Elon University maintains an 11:1 student-faculty ratio with 6,402 total students. The school operates on a unique Four-One-Four calendar system that includes a winter term for intensive study abroad experiences. This structure supports Elon's reputation for experiential learning and global education opportunities.
What are the career outcomes for Elon University graduates?
Elon University graduates earn a median salary of $74,545 ten years after graduation with a 96.1% employment rate. The school maintains an 83% six-year graduation rate, reflecting strong student support and academic programs. Alumni find success in communications, business, and entertainment industries.
Where is Elon University located and what is campus life like?
Elon University sits in a midsize suburban setting in Elon, North Carolina, with housing capacity for 4,196 students. The student body is 58.79% female and draws heavily from out-of-state, with only 18.53% of students from North Carolina. Campus life centers around the Phoenix athletic teams competing in NCAA Division I with 451 total athletes across 15 varsity sports.
Is Elon University known for study abroad programs?
Elon University has built a national reputation for its extensive study abroad offerings, supported by its Four-One-Four academic calendar. The winter term allows students to participate in intensive international experiences without disrupting their regular coursework. This focus on global education complements strong programs in communications and business that prepare students for international careers.
