Elon vs. Arcadia

Comparable Facts

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

Elon University is larger than Arcadia based on total student enrollment (7,239 students vs. 3,404 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elon University is located in Elon, NC (Small Suburban setting); Arcadia University is in Glenside, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Elon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Arcadia University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elon University 11:1; Arcadia University 10:1.

Elon vs. Arcadia Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elon or Arcadia? 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 Arcadia University than Elon ($30,037 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Elon University are 12.8% lower than at Arcadia University ($14,985 vs. $17,180).
• Arcadia University is 5.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Elon (about $2,652 more per year; $49,610.00 vs. $46,958.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.6% higher at Arcadia than at Elon University (about $2,652 more per year; $49,610.00 vs. $46,958.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Arcadia University than at Elon University (99% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Arcadia University students is 94.2% larger than aid received by Elon University students ($34,705 vs. $17,867).

Elon vs. Arcadia Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elon or Arcadia? 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 Arcadia and Elon.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elon University (1210) is 40 points higher than at Arcadia (1170).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 1130/1280; Arcadia University 1065/1265.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 23/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elon - Test optional; Arcadia - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Elon Jan 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Elon students have a 0.23 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Arcadia (3.42).
• Arcadia has a higher acceptance rate (80.2%) than Elon (66.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Elon vs. 7.4% at Arcadia.

Elon vs. Arcadia Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elon and Arcadia? 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 Arcadia University's (62%).
• Graduates from Elon University earn a median of about $9,800 more per year than Arcadia graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,200 vs. $46,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elon University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Arcadia graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Elon graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Arcadia graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Arcadia 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.