Elon vs. Chatham

Comparable Facts

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

Elon University is larger than Chatham based on total student enrollment (7,239 students vs. 2,309 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Elon vs. Chatham Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elon or Chatham? 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 Chatham University than Elon ($31,280 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Chatham University are 9.2% lower than at Elon University ($13,600 vs. $14,985).
• Elon University is 5.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than Chatham (about $2,332 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $44,626.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 5.2% higher at Elon than at Chatham University (about $2,332 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $44,626.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Chatham University than at Elon University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Chatham University students is 68.4% larger than aid received by Elon University students ($30,095 vs. $17,867).

Elon vs. Chatham Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elon University (1210) is 30 points higher than at Chatham (1180).
• Incoming Elon students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 25) as students at Chatham (25).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 1130/1280; Chatham University 1070/1295.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 23/28; Chatham University 21/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elon - Test optional; Chatham - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Elon Jan 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Chatham students have a 0.21 point higher average high school GPA (3.86) than students at Elon (3.65).
• Elon has a higher acceptance rate (66.3%) than Chatham (62%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Elon vs. 12.7% at Chatham.

Elon vs. Chatham Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elon and Chatham? 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 Chatham University's (60%).
• Graduates from Elon University earn a median of about $19,500 more per year than Chatham graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,200 vs. $36,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Chatham University graduates have a $2,750 lower median loan debt than Elon graduates ($20,500 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, Chatham graduates have an estimated $29 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Elon graduates ($211 vs. $240).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Chatham students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 62%)

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.