Elon vs. SU

Comparable Facts

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

Elon University is larger than SU based on total student enrollment (7,239 students vs. 4,454 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elon University is located in Elon, NC (Small Suburban setting); Shenandoah University is in Winchester, VA (Small City setting).
• Elon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Shenandoah University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elon University 11:1; Shenandoah University 12:1.

Elon vs. SU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elon or SU? 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 Shenandoah University than Elon ($27,181 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Shenandoah University are 16.6% lower than at Elon University ($12,490 vs. $14,985).
• Elon University is 27.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than SU (about $10,008 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $36,950.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 27.1% higher at Elon than at Shenandoah University (about $10,008 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $36,950.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Shenandoah University than at Elon University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Shenandoah University students is 38.5% larger than aid received by Elon University students ($24,747 vs. $17,867).

Elon vs. SU Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elon University (1210) is 90 points higher than at SU (1120).
• Incoming Elon students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at SU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 1130/1280; Shenandoah University 1010/1230.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 23/28; Shenandoah University 19/26.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elon - Test optional; SU - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Elon Jan 10, 2027; SU Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman SU students have a 0.05 point higher average high school GPA (3.7) than students at Elon (3.65).
• SU has a higher acceptance rate (77%) than Elon (66.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Elon vs. 16.7% at SU.

Elon vs. SU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elon and SU? 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 Shenandoah University's (45%).
• Graduates from Elon University earn a median of about $7,900 more per year than SU graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,200 vs. $48,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elon University graduates have a $1,750 lower median loan debt than SU graduates ($23,250 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, Elon graduates have an estimated $18 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than SU graduates ($240 vs. $258).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former SU students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 60%)

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.