Elon vs. Roanoke College

Comparable Facts

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

Elon University is larger than Roanoke College based on total student enrollment (7,239 students vs. 1,804 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

Elon vs. Roanoke College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elon or Roanoke College? 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 Roanoke College than Elon ($26,044 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Elon University are 2.5% lower than at Roanoke College ($14,985 vs. $15,366).
• Elon University is 23.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than Roanoke College (about $8,890 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $38,068.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 23.4% higher at Elon than at Roanoke College (about $8,890 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $38,068.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Roanoke College than at Elon University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Roanoke College students is 57.8% larger than aid received by Elon University students ($28,188 vs. $17,867).

Elon vs. Roanoke College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elon University (1210) is 10 points higher than at Roanoke College (1200).
• Incoming Roanoke College students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (27 vs. 25 at Elon).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 1130/1280; Roanoke College 1090/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 23/28; Roanoke College 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elon - Test optional; Roanoke College - Test optional.
• 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 Roanoke College (3.56).
• Roanoke College has a higher acceptance rate (83.1%) than Elon (66.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Elon vs. 9.7% at Roanoke College.

Elon vs. Roanoke College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elon and Roanoke College? 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 Roanoke College's (69%).
• Graduates from Elon University earn a median of about $5,000 more per year than Roanoke College graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,200 vs. $51,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elon University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Roanoke College graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Elon graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Roanoke College graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Roanoke College students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 75%)

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.