At $41,048/yr net price, Elon University graduates earn $74,545/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $40,545/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $41,048 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $164,192 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $74,545/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$40,545/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 83.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $20,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $27,108/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $23,103/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $32,133/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $37,712/yr |
| $110,001+ | $48,382/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $104,061 | $131,302 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $71,854 | $60,825 |
| Computer Programming. | Bachelor | $70,680 | $19,500 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $69,629 | $148,375 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $62,154 | $19,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $60,016 | $20,000 |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other. | Bachelor | $54,192 | $19,500 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $50,022 | $20,500 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $44,189 | $19,500 |
| Law. | Doctoral | $44,055 | $119,023 |
The Risk Factor
83.0% of students at Elon University graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Elon University delivers mixed financial returns with significant variation by major. The $41,000 annual net price translates to reasonable debt loads for most graduates, but your choice of program will make or break the investment.
Computer Programming and Finance majors see the strongest returns, graduating with just $19,500 in debt while earning solid salaries. Business Administration graduates earn well above the university median but carry triple the debt. Allied Health programs produce the highest earners at $104,000, but the $131,000 debt burden creates a concerning debt-to-income ratio that could strain your finances for years.
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions present the worst financial picture. The $148,000 debt load against $69,600 in earnings creates an unsustainable financial burden that will likely require income-driven repayment plans.
Elon works best financially for students whose families can cover most costs out of pocket. Only 9% of students receive need-based aid, signaling limited financial support for middle and lower-income families. The high retention rate suggests students can afford to stay, but this points to a student body that doesn't rely heavily on financial aid.
You should look elsewhere if you need substantial financial aid or plan to study health professions with high debt loads. The school makes financial sense for business, finance, or computer programming students from families with significant college savings. The strong graduation rate means you're likely to finish your degree, but the limited aid availability makes this a poor choice for families stretching financially to afford the tuition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elon University worth the high tuition cost?
Elon's $41,000 annual net price is steep for graduates earning $74,545 after 10 years. The ROI works better for allied health majors who earn over $100,000, but business and finance graduates may struggle to justify the cost compared to cheaper state schools.
What are the best paying majors at Elon University?
Allied health diagnostic programs lead at $104,061 starting salary, followed by business administration at $71,854. Computer programming and rehabilitation professions also clear $70,000, while finance lags behind at $62,154 despite the high tuition.
How much student debt do Elon University graduates typically have?
Elon graduates leave with a median debt of $20,500, which is manageable compared to the school's high sticker price. This suggests decent financial aid, though families still pay over $40,000 annually on average.
Does Elon University have good job placement after graduation?
Elon's 83% graduation rate is solid, and specific programs like allied health show strong earning potential. However, the 74% acceptance rate indicates it's not highly selective, and many graduates may find similar outcomes at less expensive schools.