Elon vs. Liberty University

Comparable Facts

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

Liberty University is larger than Elon based on total student enrollment (104,327 students vs. 7,239 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elon University is located in Elon, NC (Small Suburban setting); Liberty University is in Lynchburg, VA (Small City setting).
• Elon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Liberty University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elon University 11:1; Liberty University 18:1.

Elon vs. Liberty University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elon or Liberty 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 Liberty University than Elon ($29,532 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Liberty University are 7.7% lower than at Elon University ($13,835 vs. $14,985).
• Elon University is 109% more expensive for in-state tuition than Liberty University (about $24,493 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 109% higher at Elon than at Liberty University (about $24,493 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $22,465.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Liberty University than at Elon University (97% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elon University students is 43.1% larger than aid received by Liberty University students ($17,867 vs. $12,489).

Elon vs. Liberty University Admissions comparison

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

• Liberty University reports an open admissions policy.
• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elon University (1210) is 60 points higher than at Liberty University (1150).
• Incoming Elon students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 25) as students at Liberty University (25).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 1130/1280; Liberty University 1040/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 23/28; Liberty University 21/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elon - Test optional; Liberty University - Open admission.
• Typical fall application deadline: Elon Jan 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Elon students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Liberty University (3.56).
• Liberty University has a higher acceptance rate (99%) than Elon (66.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Elon vs. 24.4% at Liberty University.

Elon vs. Liberty University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elon and Liberty 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 Liberty University's (47%).
• Graduates from Elon University earn a median of about $17,100 more per year than Liberty University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,200 vs. $39,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elon University graduates have a $916 lower median loan debt than Liberty University graduates ($23,250 vs. $24,166).
• Among borrowers, Elon graduates have an estimated $9 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Liberty University graduates ($240 vs. $249).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Liberty University students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 36%)

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.