Elon vs. W&J

Comparable Facts

Compare Elon University in Elon, NC with Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Elon University is larger than W&J based on total student enrollment (7,239 students vs. 1,309 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elon University is located in Elon, NC (Small Suburban setting); Washington & Jefferson College is in Washington, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Elon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington & Jefferson College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elon University 11:1; Washington & Jefferson College 11:1.

Elon vs. W&J Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elon or W&J? 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 Washington & Jefferson College than Elon ($22,702 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Washington & Jefferson College are 1.8% lower than at Elon University ($14,710 vs. $14,985).
• Elon University is 59.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than W&J (about $17,566 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $29,392.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 59.8% higher at Elon than at Washington & Jefferson College (about $17,566 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $29,392.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington & Jefferson College than at Elon University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington & Jefferson College students is 12.8% larger than aid received by Elon University students ($20,152 vs. $17,867).

Elon vs. W&J Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Elon or W&J? 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 W&J and Elon.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elon University (1210) is 80 points higher than at W&J (1130).
• Incoming Elon students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at W&J).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 1130/1280; Washington & Jefferson College 1010/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 23/28; Washington & Jefferson College 19/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elon - Test optional; W&J - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Elon Jan 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Elon students have a 0.11 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at W&J (3.54).
• W&J has a higher acceptance rate (80.6%) than Elon (66.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Elon vs. 12.6% at W&J.

Elon vs. W&J Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elon and W&J? 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 Washington & Jefferson College's (74%).
• Graduates from Washington & Jefferson College earn a median of about $700 more per year than Elon graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,900 vs. $56,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elon University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than W&J graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Elon graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than W&J graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former W&J students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 79%)

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.