Butler vs. Elon

Comparable Facts

Compare Butler University in Indianapolis, IN with Elon University in Elon, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Elon University is larger than Butler based on total student enrollment (7,239 students vs. 5,746 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Butler University is located in Indianapolis, IN (Large City setting); Elon University is in Elon, NC (Small Suburban setting).
• Butler University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Elon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Butler University 11:1; Elon University 11:1.

Butler vs. Elon Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Butler or Elon? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Butler University than Elon ($38,438 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Elon University are 8.8% lower than at Butler University ($14,985 vs. $16,430).
• Butler University is 1.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Elon (about $602 more per year; $47,560.00 vs. $46,958.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.3% higher at Butler than at Elon University (about $602 more per year; $47,560.00 vs. $46,958.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Butler University than at Elon University (97% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Butler University students is 55.5% larger than aid received by Elon University students ($27,790 vs. $17,867).

Butler vs. Elon Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Butler or Elon? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Elon and Butler.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Butler University (1260) is 50 points higher than at Elon (1210).
• Incoming Butler students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (28 vs. 25 at Elon).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Butler University 1160/1350; Elon University 1130/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Butler University 26/31; Elon University 23/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Butler - Test optional; Elon - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Butler Aug 1, 2027; Elon Jan 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Butler students have a 0.27 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at Elon (3.65).
• Butler has a higher acceptance rate (85.1%) than Elon (66.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12.9% at Butler vs. 13.4% at Elon.

Butler vs. Elon Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Butler and Elon? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Elon University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Butler University's (72%).
• Graduates from Butler University earn a median of about $12,200 more per year than Elon graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,400 vs. $56,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elon University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Butler graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Elon graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Butler graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Butler students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 84%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.