Elon vs. Winthrop University

Comparable Facts

Compare Elon University in Elon, NC with Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Elon University is larger than Winthrop University based on total student enrollment (7,239 students vs. 4,894 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elon University is located in Elon, NC (Small Suburban setting); Winthrop University is in Rock Hill, SC (Small City setting).
• Elon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Winthrop University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elon University 11:1; Winthrop University 13:1.

Elon vs. Winthrop University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Elon or Winthrop 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 Winthrop University than Elon ($16,108 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Winthrop University are 26.1% lower than at Elon University ($11,072 vs. $14,985).
• Elon University is 219.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Winthrop University (about $32,280 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $14,678.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 63.8% higher at Elon than at Winthrop University (about $18,282 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $28,676.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Winthrop University than at Elon University (99% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elon University students is 13.9% larger than aid received by Winthrop University students ($17,867 vs. $15,686).

Elon vs. Winthrop University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elon University (1210) is 90 points higher than at Winthrop University (1120).
• Incoming Elon students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 23 at Winthrop University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 1130/1280; Winthrop University 1010/1220.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elon University 23/28; Winthrop University 20/27.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Elon - Test optional; Winthrop University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Elon Jan 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Winthrop University students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (4.0) than students at Elon (3.65).
• Winthrop University has a higher acceptance rate (79.3%) than Elon (66.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.4% at Elon vs. 15% at Winthrop University.

Elon vs. Winthrop University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Elon and Winthrop 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 Winthrop University's (58%).
• Graduates from Elon University earn a median of about $16,700 more per year than Winthrop University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,200 vs. $39,500), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elon University graduates have a $3,750 lower median loan debt than Winthrop University graduates ($23,250 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Elon graduates have an estimated $39 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Winthrop University graduates ($240 vs. $279).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Winthrop University students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 49%)

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.