Elon vs. Saint Francis University

Comparable Facts

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

Elon University is larger than Saint Francis University based on total student enrollment (7,239 students vs. 2,963 students).

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elon University is located in Elon, NC (Small Suburban setting); Saint Francis University is in Loretto, PA (Distant Town setting).
• Elon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Saint Francis University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elon University 11:1; Saint Francis University 16:1.

Elon vs. Saint Francis University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elon or Saint Francis 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 Saint Francis University than Elon ($28,326 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Saint Francis University are 9.9% lower than at Elon University ($13,500 vs. $14,985).
• Elon University is 6.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Saint Francis University (about $2,958 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $44,000.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 6.7% higher at Elon than at Saint Francis University (about $2,958 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $44,000.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Saint Francis University than at Elon University (99% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Saint Francis University students is 76.9% larger than aid received by Elon University students ($31,610 vs. $17,867).

Elon vs. Saint Francis University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elon or Saint Francis University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (midpoint estimates from the mid-50% ranges in the table above), enrolled-tester score ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Saint Francis University and Elon.

• The typical SAT score (midpoint estimate) at Elon University (1210) is 70 points higher than at Saint Francis University (1140).
• Incoming Elon students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (midpoint estimate) (25 vs. 24 at Saint Francis University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Elon University 1130/1280; Saint Francis University 1050/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) among enrolled freshmen who submitted scores: Elon University 23/28; Saint Francis University 21/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elon - Test optional; Saint Francis University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Elon Jan 10, 2027.
• Enrolled freshman Saint Francis University students have a 0.04 point higher average high school GPA (3.69) than students at Elon (3.65).
• Saint Francis University has a higher acceptance rate (76.8%) than Elon (66.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Elon vs. 19.6% at Saint Francis University.

Elon vs. Saint Francis University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elon and Saint Francis University? Where federal data is available for both schools, the bullets below compare graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt using the same College Scorecard / IPEDS fields as the comparison table. If a metric is missing for one school, that school is noted separately.

• Elon University's six-year graduation rate (82%) is higher than Saint Francis University's (64%).
• Graduates from Elon University earn a median of about $2,200 more per year than Saint Francis University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,200 vs. $54,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elon University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Saint Francis University graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Elon graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Saint Francis University graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Saint Francis 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.