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Colleges / NC / Elon
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Elon University

Private nonprofit Elon, NC · Suburban · Southeast · 100% data reported · Agent Insights
84%
Graduation Rate
$74,545
Earnings (10yr)
$41,555
Net Price
66%
Acceptance Rate

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Overview

Elon University is a great fit for students looking for a vibrant campus life and a strong sense of community. With around 6,452 students, it strikes a balance between personal attention and diverse opportunities. Many students dive into programs like Business & Marketing, Communications, Psychology, and Biology, which are among the most popular. The acceptance rate of 66% suggests it welcomes a broad range of applicants, making it accessible for many.

When considering life after graduation, the numbers reveal a promising outlook. Graduates from Elon can expect to earn about $74,545 a decade after finishing their degrees. That’s a solid income, especially when you factor in the relatively low percentage of students receiving Pell Grants, which is just 10%. This indicates that many students come from diverse economic backgrounds, and while we don’t have specific mobility rates, the overall graduation rate stands at 84%, hinting that most students are completing their degrees and likely finding success afterward.

Looking at the practical aspects, the net price after aid comes to about $41,555, with a median debt of $20,500, which is manageable compared to many private institutions. Students who tend to thrive here are those who appreciate a close-knit environment and are eager to engage in campus life. With a supportive community and a strong alumni network, graduates often find their footing in their careers after leaving Elon.

Rankings

How Elon Compares

Dot right of center = above national average.

NATIONAL AVGGraduation84%Earnings 10yr$75KNet Price$42KRetention90%Median Debt$21KPell Grant Rate10%

Net Price by Family Income

What families actually pay after aid, by income bracket.

$27K$0-30K$24K$30-48K$24K$48-75K$50K$110K+

The Mobility Equation

Mobility = Access x Success. How many low-income students get in, and how many reach the top 20%?

ACCESS% from bottom 20%206.3%SUCCESS% who reach top 20%3085.4%MOBILITY63.65%

Cost & Financial Aid

$46,958
In-State Tuition
$46,958
Out-of-State
$41,555
Avg Net Price
$20,500
Median Debt
10%
Pell Grant Rate
24%
Federal Loan Rate

What Families Actually Pay

$26,523
Family Income $0–$30K
$23,514
Family Income $30K–$48K
$24,064
Family Income $48K–$75K
$49,743
Family Income $110K+

Graduate Outcomes

$58,082
6 Years After Entry
$65,954
8 Years
$74,545
10 Years
0.28x
Debt-to-Earnings
80%
Earning > $25K

Earnings Trajectory

$58,082 6yr $65,954 8yr $74,545 10yr

Social Mobility

Data: Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card · 30M+ anonymized tax records

63.65%
Mobility Rate
Bottom 20% → Top 20%
3085.4%
Success Rate
If bottom 20% get in
206.3%
From Bottom 20%
Share of students
$146,000
Parent Median Income

Social Capital

Data: Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas

1.82
Economic Connectedness
Cross-class friendships
0.00
Friending Bias
Lower = more inclusive
7.7%
Volunteering Rate
1.00
Support Ratio
Community support

Academics & Admissions

Acceptance Rate 66%
Retention Rate 90%
SAT Average 1208
SAT Range 1130–1280
ACT Range 23–28
Full-Time Faculty 82%
Faculty Salary (mo) $10,563
Diversity Index 0.42
First-Gen Students 9%

Top Programs

Business & Marketing 29%
Communications 20%
Psychology 6%
Social Sciences 6%
Biology & Biomedical 5%
Visual & Performing Arts 5%
Health Professions 3%
Education 3%