Elon vs. Alvernia University

Comparable Facts

Compare Elon University in Elon, NC with Alvernia University in Reading, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Elon University is larger than Alvernia University based on total student enrollment (7,239 students vs. 2,796 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elon University is located in Elon, NC (Small Suburban setting); Alvernia University is in Reading, PA (Small City setting).
• Elon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Alvernia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elon University 11:1; Alvernia University 14:1.

Elon vs. Alvernia University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elon or Alvernia 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 Alvernia University than Elon ($28,645 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Elon University are 3.1% lower than at Alvernia University ($14,985 vs. $15,460).
• Elon University is 4.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Alvernia University (about $1,958 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $45,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 4.4% higher at Elon than at Alvernia University (about $1,958 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $45,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Alvernia University than at Elon University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Alvernia University students is 62.5% larger than aid received by Elon University students ($29,034 vs. $17,867).

Elon vs. Alvernia University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elon or Alvernia 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 Alvernia University and Elon.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elon University (1210) is 20 points higher than at Alvernia University (1190).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 1130/1280; Alvernia University 1093/1286.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 23/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elon - Test optional; Alvernia University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Elon Jan 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Elon students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Alvernia University (3.41).
• Elon has a higher acceptance rate (66.3%) than Alvernia University (58.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Elon vs. 13.3% at Alvernia University.

Elon vs. Alvernia University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elon and Alvernia 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 Alvernia University's (53%).
• Graduates from Elon University earn a median of about $11,400 more per year than Alvernia University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,200 vs. $44,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elon University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Alvernia University graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Elon graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Alvernia University graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Alvernia University students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 61%)

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.