William Carey University vs. Elon

Comparable Facts

Compare William Carey University in Hattiesburg, MS with Elon University in Elon, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Elon University is larger than William Carey University based on total student enrollment (7,239 students vs. 5,321 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• William Carey University is located in Hattiesburg, MS (Small City setting); Elon University is in Elon, NC (Small Suburban setting).
• William Carey University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Elon University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: William Carey University 14:1; Elon University 11:1.

William Carey University vs. Elon Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, William Carey University 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 William Carey University than Elon ($15,469 vs. $44,440).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at William Carey University are 46% lower than at Elon University ($8,094 vs. $14,985).
• Elon University is 203.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than William Carey University (about $31,478 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $15,480.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 203.3% higher at Elon than at William Carey University (about $31,478 more per year; $46,958.00 vs. $15,480.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at William Carey University than at Elon University (100% vs. 77%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Elon University students is 22.2% larger than aid received by William Carey University students ($17,867 vs. $14,621).

William Carey University vs. Elon Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, William Carey University 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 William Carey University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Elon University (1210) is 40 points higher than at William Carey University (1170).
• Incoming Elon students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (25 vs. 22 at William Carey University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: William Carey University 1040/1290; Elon University 1130/1280.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: William Carey University 19/25; Elon University 23/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: William Carey University - Required; Elon - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Elon Jan 10, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Elon students have a 0.19 point higher average high school GPA (3.65) than students at William Carey University (3.46).
• Elon has a higher acceptance rate (66.3%) than William Carey University (60.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 48.3% at William Carey University vs. 13.4% at Elon.

William Carey University vs. Elon Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for William Carey University 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 William Carey University's (51%).
• Graduates from Elon University earn a median of about $15,300 more per year than William Carey University graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,200 vs. $40,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, William Carey University graduates have a $3,058 lower median loan debt than Elon graduates ($20,192 vs. $23,250).
• Among borrowers, William Carey University graduates have an estimated $32 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Elon graduates ($208 vs. $240).
• More Elon graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former William Carey University students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 47%)

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.