DU vs. Elon

Comparable Facts

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

University of Denver is larger than Elon based on total student enrollment (12,813 students vs. 7,239 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

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

DU vs. Elon Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, DU or Elon? 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 Elon University than DU ($44,440 vs. $45,451).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Elon University are 15.6% lower than at University of Denver ($14,985 vs. $17,759).
• University of Denver is 30.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Elon (about $14,440 more per year; $61,398.00 vs. $46,958.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 30.8% higher at DU than at Elon University (about $14,440 more per year; $61,398.00 vs. $46,958.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Denver than at Elon University (99% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Denver students is 90% larger than aid received by Elon University students ($33,955 vs. $17,867).

DU vs. Elon Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, DU or Elon? 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 Elon and DU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Denver (1330) is 120 points higher than at Elon (1210).
• Incoming DU students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 25 at Elon).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Denver 1240/1410; Elon University 1130/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Denver 28/33; Elon University 23/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: DU - Test optional; Elon - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: DU Jan 15, 2027; Elon Jan 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman DU students have a 0.07 point higher average high school GPA (3.72) than students at Elon (3.65).
• DU has a higher acceptance rate (77.8%) than Elon (66.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.1% at DU vs. 13.4% at Elon.

DU vs. Elon Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for DU and Elon? 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 University of Denver's (78%).
• Graduates from University of Denver earn a median of about $7,200 more per year than Elon graduates about ten years after starting college ($63,400 vs. $56,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Elon University graduates have a $449 lower median loan debt than DU graduates ($23,250 vs. $23,699).
• Among borrowers, Elon graduates have an estimated $5 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than DU graduates ($240 vs. $245).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former DU students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 72%)

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.