Elon vs. University of Richmond

Comparable Facts

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

Elon University is larger than University of Richmond based on total student enrollment (7,239 students vs. 3,722 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elon University is located in Elon, NC (Small Suburban setting); University of Richmond is in University of Richmond, VA (Midsize City setting).
• Elon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Richmond is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elon University 11:1; University of Richmond 7:1.

Elon vs. University of Richmond Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elon or University of Richmond? 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 University of Richmond than Elon ($30,037 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Elon University are 12.6% lower than at University of Richmond ($14,985 vs. $17,140).
• University of Richmond is 38.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Elon (about $18,272 more per year; $65,230.00 vs. $46,958.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.9% higher at University of Richmond than at Elon University (about $18,272 more per year; $65,230.00 vs. $46,958.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Elon University than at University of Richmond (77% vs. 56%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Richmond students is 185.7% larger than aid received by Elon University students ($51,039 vs. $17,867).

Elon vs. University of Richmond Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elon or University of Richmond? 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 University of Richmond and Elon.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Richmond (1470) is 260 points higher than at Elon (1210).
• Incoming University of Richmond students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 25 at Elon).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 1130/1280; University of Richmond 1410/1530.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 23/28; University of Richmond 33/35.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elon - Test optional; University of Richmond - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Elon Jan 10, 2027; University of Richmond Jan 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman University of Richmond students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.71) than students at Elon (3.65).
• Elon has a higher acceptance rate (66.3%) than University of Richmond (22.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Elon vs. 23.5% at University of Richmond.

Elon vs. University of Richmond Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elon and University of Richmond? 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).

• University of Richmond's six-year graduation rate (83%) is higher than Elon University's (82%).
• Graduates from University of Richmond earn a median of about $17,700 more per year than Elon graduates about ten years after starting college ($73,900 vs. $56,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Richmond graduates have a $2,102 lower median loan debt than Elon graduates ($21,148 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, University of Richmond graduates have an estimated $22 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Elon graduates ($218 vs. $240).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former University of Richmond 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.