Elon University

  • 8/10 Overall Rating
  • 4 Year
  • Elon, NC
  • 4.0 1 review
#4 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina

Overview

Total enrollment

7,239
Elon University overview
Elon University overview
  • Size Mid-size
  • Status Non-profit
  • Housing Yes
  • Level of Study Undergrad/Graduate

Elon University is a private institution situated in the town of Elon, North Carolina, positioned between Greensboro and Durham in the state's Piedmont region. The campus spans 656 acres featuring Georgian-style architecture and has been recognized for its landscaping, particularly its historic oak trees and designated botanical gardens. Established in 1889 as a Christian college, Elon has evolved into a nonsectarian university known for its experiential learning approach and selective admission standards. The School of Communications, Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, and School of Education are among its notable academic programs, with a significant portion of students participating in global study programs. Students are required to live on campus for their first two years in residential neighborhoods designed around "learning communities," while the university competes in NCAA Division I athletics as a member of the Coastal Athletic Association.

Ratings

Elon is rated within the top 25% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 8 out of 10.

  • Overall Rating
    8 out of 10
  • Academics
    7 out of 10
  • Resources
    9 out of 10
  • Outcomes
    9 out of 10
  • Value
    4 out of 10

Admissions

Admission Standards

Challenging
Elon University admission standards
  • SAT (enrolled mid-50) 1130/1280
  • ACT (enrolled mid-50) 23/28

Acceptance Rate

66.3%
Elon University applications overview
  • Applications Due Jan 10, 2027
  • Enrollment Rate 13.4%
  • Application Fee $60

Applicant Competition Low

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Annual Cost to Attend

Tuition

$46,958
Costs for Elon University
Fee Cost
Tuition $46,958
Books and Supplies $900
Other Fees $507
Room and Board $14,985
Budget for Other Expenses $2,600
Total One Year Cost $65,950

Student Outcomes

Average Salary After 10 Years

$56,200 per year

Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate

82% within 6 years

Popular Areas of Study

Popular majors at Elon University are Business, Communication, and Social Sciences. 22% of students major in Business, 19% in Communication, and 15% in Social Sciences.

  • Business 22%
  • Communication 19%
  • Social Sciences 15%
  • Visual and Performing Arts 7%
  • Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies 6%

More Colleges to Consider

Students considering Elon University are frequently interested in these similar colleges.

Data source: NCES / IPEDS https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=198516.

GPA calculator: Elon University GPA calculator.

Last updated: August 2026