Elon vs. Union University

Comparable Facts

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

Elon University is larger than Union University based on total student enrollment (7,239 students vs. 2,713 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elon University is located in Elon, NC (Small Suburban setting); Union University is in Jackson, TN (Small City setting).
• Elon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elon University 11:1; Union University 9:1.

Elon vs. Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elon or Union 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 Union University than Elon ($28,452 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Union University are 14.7% lower than at Elon University ($12,780 vs. $14,985).
• Elon University is 17.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Union University (about $6,933 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $40,025.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.3% higher at Elon than at Union University (about $6,933 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $40,025.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Union University than at Elon University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Union University students is 68.6% larger than aid received by Elon University students ($30,120 vs. $17,867).

Elon vs. Union University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Union University (1280) is 70 points higher than at Elon (1210).
• Incoming Union University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (26 vs. 25 at Elon).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 1130/1280; Union University 1160/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 23/28; Union University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elon - Test optional; Union University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Elon Jan 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Union University students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Elon (3.65).
• Elon has a higher acceptance rate (66.3%) than Union University (60.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Elon vs. 30.1% at Union University.

Elon vs. Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elon and Union 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 Union University's (61%).
• Graduates from Elon University earn a median of about $8,000 more per year than Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,200 vs. $48,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elon University graduates have a $1,590 lower median loan debt than Union University graduates ($23,250 vs. $24,840).
• Among borrowers, Elon graduates have an estimated $16 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Union University graduates ($240 vs. $256).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union University students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 66%)

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.