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 runs a solid financial return that depends heavily on what you study. At roughly $41,000 a year in net price, you're paying private-school rates, but median debt at graduation stays around $20,500 and median earnings ten years out clear $74,000. An 83% graduation rate and 90% retention mean you're likely to finish and finish on time, which is the biggest factor in whether the price pays off.
The business and tech majors carry the ROI here. Computer Programming graduates lead at just under $71,000, with finance and accounting close behind in the low-to-mid $60,000s. These programs pair strong pay with debt loads near $19,500, so the math works. Marketing sits at the bottom of the listed majors near $50,000 while carrying the highest debt of the group at $20,500 , still workable, but a noticeably thinner margin. Elon does not list humanities or arts salary data, so if you're drawn to those fields, assume the payoff runs below these business figures and budget accordingly.
The specific risk at Elon is the gap between the low debt figure and the high net price. Median debt stays modest, which means many families are covering the cost out of pocket or through non-loan sources , you need real family resources or aid to make this work without borrowing beyond the median.
Look at the income tiers before committing. Families under $48,000 pay in the $23,000-$27,000 range, the best value on the list. But the $48,000-$75,000 tier jumps to $32,000, and anything above $110,000 pays over $48,000 with no discount. If you land in a business or computing track and your family fits the lower tiers, Elon pays off cleanly. If you're aiming at a non-listed major and paying the full $48,000, look hard at cheaper options first.
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.