Elon vs. Abilene Christian University

Comparable Facts

Compare Elon University in Elon, NC with Abilene Christian University in Abilene, TX on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Elon University is larger than Abilene Christian University based on total student enrollment (7,239 students vs. 5,219 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elon University is located in Elon, NC (Small Suburban setting); Abilene Christian University is in Abilene, TX (Midsize City setting).
• Elon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Abilene Christian University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elon University 11:1; Abilene Christian University 13:1.

Elon vs. Abilene Christian University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elon or Abilene Christian University? 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 Abilene Christian University than Elon ($28,760 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Abilene Christian University are 3% lower than at Elon University ($14,540 vs. $14,985).
• Elon University is 6.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Abilene Christian University (about $2,758 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $44,200.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.2% higher at Elon than at Abilene Christian University (about $2,758 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $44,200.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Abilene Christian University than at Elon University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Abilene Christian University students is 70.9% larger than aid received by Elon University students ($30,542 vs. $17,867).

Elon vs. Abilene Christian University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elon or Abilene Christian University? 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 Abilene Christian University and Elon.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elon University (1210) is 40 points higher than at Abilene Christian University (1170).
• Incoming Elon students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 25) as students at Abilene Christian University (25).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 1130/1280; Abilene Christian University 1070/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 23/28; Abilene Christian University 22/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elon - Test optional; Abilene Christian University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Elon Jan 10, 2027; Abilene Christian University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Elon students have the same average high school GPA (3.65) as students at Abilene Christian University (3.65).
• Elon has a higher acceptance rate (66.3%) than Abilene Christian University (66%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Elon vs. 12.1% at Abilene Christian University.

Elon vs. Abilene Christian University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elon and Abilene Christian University? 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 Abilene Christian University's (60%).
• Graduates from Elon University earn a median of about $10,200 more per year than Abilene Christian University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,200 vs. $46,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elon University graduates have a $2,075 lower median loan debt than Abilene Christian University graduates ($23,250 vs. $25,325).
• Among borrowers, Elon graduates have an estimated $21 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Abilene Christian University graduates ($240 vs. $261).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Abilene Christian University students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 69%)

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.