Elon vs. Providence

Comparable Facts

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

Elon University is larger than Providence based on total student enrollment (7,239 students vs. 4,666 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Elon vs. Providence Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elon or Providence? 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 Elon University than Providence ($44,440 vs. $48,618).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Elon University are 16% lower than at Providence College ($14,985 vs. $17,840).
• Providence College is 35.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Elon (about $16,592 more per year; $63,550.00 vs. $46,958.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 35.3% higher at Providence than at Elon University (about $16,592 more per year; $63,550.00 vs. $46,958.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Providence College than at Elon University (83% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Providence College students is 78.4% larger than aid received by Elon University students ($31,873 vs. $17,867).

Elon vs. Providence Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Providence College (1320) is 110 points higher than at Elon (1210).
• Incoming Providence students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 25 at Elon).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 1130/1280; Providence College 1250/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 23/28; Providence College 29/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elon - Test optional; Providence - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Elon Jan 10, 2027; Providence Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Elon students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Providence (3.47).
• Elon has a higher acceptance rate (66.3%) than Providence (50.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Elon vs. 19.2% at Providence.

Elon vs. Providence Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elon and Providence? 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).

• Providence College's six-year graduation rate (85%) is higher than Elon University's (82%).
• Graduates from Providence College earn a median of about $11,800 more per year than Elon graduates about ten years after starting college ($68,000 vs. $56,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elon University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Providence graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Elon graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Providence graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Providence students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 80%)

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.