Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Elon, North Carolina |
| Online | elon.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Small Suburban |
| Size | Mid-size |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus 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
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Elon is rated within the top 24% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 8 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Elon University within the 2025 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#134 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#109 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#6 in Best Colleges in North Carolina
#4 in Best Private Colleges in North Carolina
#540 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#14 in Best Value Colleges in North Carolina
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1143/1305 |
| ACT | 23/28 |
| Estimated GPA | 3.65 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Jan 10, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Low |
| Application Fee | $60 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $900 |
| Other Fees | $507 |
| Room and Board | $14,478 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,600 |
| Total One Year Cost | $62,514 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Business | 22% |
| Communication | 19% |
| Social Sciences | 15% |
| Visual and Performing Arts | 7% |
| Recreation, Leisure and Fitness Studies | 6% |
Other Colleges to Consider
Students considering Elon are frequently interested in these similar colleges.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=198516 IPEDS survey data for Elon University.
Current students may use the Elon University GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2025