Elon vs. BC

Comparable Facts

Compare Elon University in Elon, NC with Bridgewater College in Bridgewater, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Elon University is larger than BC based on total student enrollment (7,239 students vs. 1,448 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elon University is located in Elon, NC (Small Suburban setting); Bridgewater College is in Bridgewater, VA (Small Suburban setting).
• Elon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Bridgewater College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elon University 11:1; Bridgewater College 13:1.

Elon vs. BC Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elon or BC? 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 Bridgewater College than Elon ($11,316 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bridgewater College are 0.9% lower than at Elon University ($14,850 vs. $14,985).
• Elon University is 191.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than BC (about $30,868 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $16,090.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 191.8% higher at Elon than at Bridgewater College (about $30,868 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $16,090.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Bridgewater College than at Elon University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Bridgewater College students is 164.7% larger than aid received by Elon University students ($47,288 vs. $17,867).

Elon vs. BC Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elon University (1210) is 20 points higher than at BC (1190).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 1130/1280; Bridgewater College 1020/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 23/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elon - Test optional; BC - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Elon Jan 10, 2027; BC May 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Elon students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at BC (3.61).
• BC has a higher acceptance rate (91.7%) than Elon (66.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Elon vs. 10.1% at BC.

Elon vs. BC Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elon and BC? 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 Bridgewater College's (59%).
• Graduates from Elon University earn a median of about $13,100 more per year than BC graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,200 vs. $43,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elon University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than BC graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Elon graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than BC graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former BC students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 77%)

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.