Elon vs. Carroll University

Comparable Facts

Compare Elon University in Elon, NC with Carroll University in Waukesha, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Elon University is larger than Carroll University based on total student enrollment (7,239 students vs. 3,138 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Elon vs. Carroll University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elon or Carroll 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 Carroll University than Elon ($27,031 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Carroll University are 4.7% lower than at Elon University ($14,280 vs. $14,985).
• Elon University is 20.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Carroll University (about $8,068 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $38,890.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 20.7% higher at Elon than at Carroll University (about $8,068 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $38,890.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Carroll University than at Elon University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Carroll University students is 43.5% larger than aid received by Elon University students ($25,634 vs. $17,867).

Elon vs. Carroll University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elon University (1210) is 50 points higher than at Carroll University (1160).
• Incoming Elon students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Carroll University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 1130/1280; Carroll University 1040/1270.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 23/28; Carroll University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elon - Test optional; Carroll University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Elon Jan 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Elon students have a 0.26 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Carroll University (3.39).
• Carroll University has a higher acceptance rate (66.8%) than Elon (66.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Elon vs. 17.5% at Carroll University.

Elon vs. Carroll University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elon and Carroll 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 Carroll University's (57%).
• Graduates from Elon University earn a median of about $12,000 more per year than Carroll University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,200 vs. $44,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elon University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Carroll University graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Elon graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Carroll University graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Carroll University students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 74%)

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.