Elon vs. Southern Adventist University

Comparable Facts

Compare Elon University in Elon, NC with Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, TN on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Elon University is larger than Southern Adventist University based on total student enrollment (7,239 students vs. 3,229 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elon University is located in Elon, NC (Small Suburban setting); Southern Adventist University is in Collegedale, TN (Large Suburban setting).
• Elon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Southern Adventist University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elon University 11:1; Southern Adventist University 19:1.

Elon vs. Southern Adventist University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elon or Southern Adventist 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 Southern Adventist University than Elon ($25,753 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Southern Adventist University are 40.6% lower than at Elon University ($8,900 vs. $14,985).
• Elon University is 72% more expensive for in-state tuition than Southern Adventist University (about $19,658 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $27,300.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 72% higher at Elon than at Southern Adventist University (about $19,658 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $27,300.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Southern Adventist University than at Elon University (99% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elon University students is 38.5% larger than aid received by Southern Adventist University students ($17,867 vs. $12,904).

Elon vs. Southern Adventist University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elon University (1210) is 50 points higher than at Southern Adventist University (1160).
• Incoming Elon students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at Southern Adventist University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 1130/1280; Southern Adventist University 1020/1300.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 23/28; Southern Adventist University 19/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elon - Test optional; Southern Adventist University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Elon Jan 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Elon students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at Southern Adventist University (3.59).
• Elon has a higher acceptance rate (66.3%) than Southern Adventist University (65.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Elon vs. 36.9% at Southern Adventist University.

Elon vs. Southern Adventist University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elon and Southern Adventist 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 Southern Adventist University's (51%).
• Graduates from Elon University earn a median of about $11,600 more per year than Southern Adventist University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,200 vs. $44,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elon University graduates have a $3,250 lower median loan debt than Southern Adventist University graduates ($23,250 vs. $26,500).
• Among borrowers, Elon graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Southern Adventist University graduates ($240 vs. $274).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Southern Adventist University students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 63%)

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.