About Elon University

Founded in 1889, Elon University. is a Private college. Located in North Carolina, which is a city setting in North Carolina, the campus itself is Suburban. The campus is home to 6,008 full time undergraduate students, and 731 full time graduate students.

The Elon University Academic calendar runs on a Four-one-four plan basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 12:1. There are 425 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Elon University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.

Quick Facts

Acceptance Rate60%
Application Deadline1-Nov
Application Fee50
SAT Range1100-1280
ACT Range25-29

Admissions at EU are considered Selective, with ,67% of all applicants being admitted.

In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 15 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.

94% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 67% were in the top quarter, and 32% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.

STUDENT LIFE Reviews

We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Elon University.

4%
“We”re apathetic”
34%
“We know about current events and vote”
54%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
8%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
6%
“We save it for the classroom”
25%
“Sometimes, but not often”
48%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
20%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
10%
“I only go out in groups”
31%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
58%
“I feel extremely safe”
42%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
47%
“We bought the gear”
10%
“We live for the big game”
5%
“It”s not really our thing”
23%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
55%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
17%
“We”re a very artistic group”
2%
“Haven”t met them”
2%
“Available in class”
28%
“They keep regular office hours”
67%
“They”re always available”
1%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
7%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
68%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
23%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
1%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
4%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
43%
“We only party on weekends”
52%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
7%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
43%
“There might be people who do”
41%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
8%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
4%
“We”re apathetic”
34%
“We know about current events and vote”
54%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
8%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
6%
“We save it for the classroom”
25%
“Sometimes, but not often”
48%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
20%
“All the time, including weekends”
1%
“I”m always terrified”
10%
“I only go out in groups”
31%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
58%
“I feel extremely safe”
42%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
47%
“We bought the gear”
10%
“We live for the big game”
5%
“It”s not really our thing”
23%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
55%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
17%
“We”re a very artistic group”
2%
“Haven”t met them”
2%
“Available in class”
28%
“They keep regular office hours”
67%
“They”re always available”
1%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
7%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
68%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
23%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
1%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
4%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
43%
“We only party on weekends”
52%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
7%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
43%
“There might be people who do”
41%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
8%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
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  • How would you rate on-campus housing?

    137 Students rated on-campus housing 4 stars. 29 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate off-campus housing?

    83 Students rated off-campus housing 4 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus food?

    138 Students rated campus food 3.7 stars. 22 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate campus facilities?

    138 Students rated campus facilities 4.5 stars. 59 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate class size?

    138 Students rated class size 4.7 stars. 68 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate school activities?

    138 Students rated school activities 4.3 stars. 49 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate local services?

    138 Students rated local services 3.8 stars. 29 % gave the school a 5.0.

  • How would you rate academics?

    138 Students rated academics 4.3 stars. 45 % gave the school a 5.0.

Elon University REVIEWS

What's your overall opinion of Elon University?

44 Students rated Elon University

Ayanna - 01/16/2023

I think overall it's a pretty good school but It could definitely be a lot better. To start the housing is great depending on where you live. Some dorms are newly renovated with suite style bathrooms and kitchens others are run down and in need of rejuvenation. The classroom facilities are pretty good as well as the professors but it often depends on the department.

Chloe - 03/07/2022

Buyer BEWARE. This faux educational institution is not what polished tour guides and faculty members portray it it to be. Unfortunately, I was psychologically conditioned to fall instantly in love with Elon's seemingly sprawling campus, vibrant social life, fine dining and top notch educations, however, once the last tire tracks from parents' vehicles disappeared from the manicured streets of the step-ford like town, the facade dissipated and I saw Elon in its true form as a haven for mentally deficient students accustomed to nothing other than wealth or hereditary privilege and have an aversion to hard work. The vast majority of the students are drunken, mentally deficient imbeciles who are already addicted to drugs at 18 and spend their weekends drowning in clouds of smoke or choking on their own vomit due to alcohol poisoning. When I envisioned the college experience, I was excited at the possibility of meeting young scholars with intellectual fervor, a firm grasp on world issues and the competency to debate the musings of Aristotle concerning democracy, Plato's Theory of Forms or Meta-ethics, instead, I was greeted by close-minded, insolent, supercilious individuals clinging to a deluded sense of self importance. To my dismay, the professors at Elon cosign the idiotic behavior of students by coddling them and catering to their demands. For instance, in one of my courses the students thought that having to create discussion questions on their own to review for a test was "too much" so the professor ceased this activity. The students complained further about how hard the tests were and asked for specific answers to test questions so that they would not have to work as hard, which was unbelievable in my opinion! Education is characterized by stepping outside of your comfort zone and completing tasks that make you uncomfortable. Furthermore, Elon's professors are incompetent with low self-esteem themselves and posses little competency in educational techniques. I knew more than many of my instructors, who were routinely intimidated by my knowledge and attempted to break my spirit. I was regularly infantilized and condescended to, making me feel like I was in a public high school were a teachers' word is law and there is little room for free thought. Socially, the students are exclusionary and hostile. I attempted to say hello to a group of girls in an attempt to make friends and was blatantly ignored as well as laughed at, bringing back visions of the middle school lunchroom which I loathed. It is difficult to have a friend circle if you abstain from drinking, smoking and have religious or strong moral principles. Many of the clubs advertised are not active, but look great on paper if you plan to attend graduate school, so there is nothing to do on the weekends. The school has a movie theater, although the movies shown are either decades old or unappealing. On top of that, some dining halls are closed for a day or two on weekends and short breaks, especially the only vegan dining hall on campus, leaving students with dietary restrictions stranded. Most of the students that I encountered were Liberal, which is fine, however, I did not appreciate being given dirty looks/talked about poorly behind my back for carrying a Chick-fil-a bag or expressing a reasonable opinion that countered the majority of the class. Please do not misunderstand my grievances. I harbor no prejudice against wealthy or economically privileged young adults as I believe that we are all privileged in some form. My qualms are with the entitled and obnoxious behavior specific to the culture of Elon's students. I attended a private high school which costs upwards of 26,000 a year, yet, the majority of the school's attendee's were polite, humble and down to earth intellectuals who valued education. If you are highly intelligent, value your mental health and desire to grow, please do not come to Elon! You will regret it and waste thousands of valuable dollars as the financial aid department leaves much to be desired. Thankfully, I realized that one semester was enough and transferred out of this God forsaken University. I have recovered from this hideous experience, and am grateful that the damage to my psyche was not more extensive. This is NOT a real university for serious students.

Nehmiah - 02/06/2022

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Madison - 03/11/2021

I love most the close-knit environment. The professors are very helpful and usually willing to go out of their way to make sure you have the chance to succeed. The campus grounds are also very well-maintained. Officially designated as a botanical garden, the campus boasts a botanical variety, contributing greatly to the university's beauty. I could go on and on about the educational supports from Disabilities Resources to the Writing Center. The price is a bit high, but if you can afford it and/or are able to secure a significant enough scholarship, I would recommend Elon to anyone interested in a liberal arts education with a school that treats you like family.

Elon University FAQS

  1. What is the Acceptance Rate at Elon University?

    The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Elon University is 60%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020 , _____ students were offered admission. The number of males who applied was _____ vs the number of females which was _____.

  2. What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

    Look at ALL possibilities. See the big schools and the small ones. Look at urban vs. rural. look at diverse schools and homogenious ones. When I looked at schools I never even considered looking at a big school, but now i feel suffocated by the mear 5,000 on my campus. People grow and change so much in the fist year of college, and that growth also needs to be taken into account. Look at where you have come from and think about where you want to go. Its important that you not only see yourself at a school your freshman year, but for all four years of the traditional college education. Choose with your head, but also your heart.

    Read all 117 answers

  3. Describe the students at your school.

    My classmates can be really cold in the classroom because everyone wants to be the smartest person in class. But outside of the classroom they transform into your best friend, especially if they need help with something.

    Read all 75 answers

  4. What is your overall opinion of this school?

    Overall as a school I love Elon. The students there are incredibly friendly and the campus is outrageously beautiful. It is a great size so you will most likely see someone you know on the way to class, but can also meet new people all the time. The one thing I would change is the heavy security. Elon is trying to change its appeal as a party school by increasing the number of security, and as a result cited almost half of the incoming freshman clas. In my building every suite has been busted with the exeption of one.The town of Elon is very small if you are looking for a bustling urban setting this is not for you. The town is basically the college with a few resturaunts and bars, but personally I like it this way because there is not a lot of distractions and older people always around campus. The biggest contraversy on campus was the public masturbater, who last year almost every weekend got away after exposing himself to a girl. There is a lot of school pride and almost everyone I met loves the school, but there is not a lot of pride in the sports team and althought you can get into the games, most people dont.

    Read all 49 answers

  5. What are the academics like at your school?

    The academics at Elon are suprisingly rigorous. Students work several hours a day on work almost every day. The classes are small with no more than thirty students in one class. You get to know your proffesor and they are very friendly and approachable. My favorite class this year was World Religions because in this class, like many of my classes, the teachers are more concerned about intelectual discussion and theory more than memorizing facts and taking tests all the time. My major is Environmental Science and although it is a newer feild of study, Elon has done a fantastic job staying current with environmental issues, technologies, and theories. I enjoy going to class and I feel that it adequately prepares me for a proffessional career after college.

    Read all 47 answers

  6. What is the stereotype of students at your school?

    very greek life oriented, preppy, average students, rich, mini- SMU

    Read all 45 answers

  7. What are the most popular student activities/groups?

    You can choose to make Elon the experience you want to and Elon offers hundreds of programs and activities to suit the interests of all of its students. If there isnt a group that reflects something you are passionate about it is easy to start a new organization. It is an incredibly safe campus and students regualrly leave their doors open or unlocked. Athletic events are not that popular but Elon gets great guest speakers and are almost always sold out or booked. The theatre department is also really good and the productions are fantastic. Students at Elon don't usually date as much as students I have heard about at other schools but "hooking up" is prevalent on campus. As a member of a fraternity I would say that it is a large part of the social scene but there is a wide variety of fraternities and sororities that appeal to all kinds of interests. If you are not interested in a fraternity you can still have fun and there are many parties and other activities for non-greek students. Unfortunately Elon is located in the middle of nowhere and the nearest large city is twenty minutes away so most activities are on-campus.

    Read all 45 answers

  8. Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?

    Partly, although I do beleive students on campus drink more than the average person, I dont beleive this is that much different from any other college. Also it is easy to have a good time without drinking and there is many activities to do as alternatives to drinking. Also while some students do try harder drugs it is not a large number and Elon is cracking down on all drug use.

    Read all 44 answers

  9. Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!

    Small ratio of student to teachers, teachers know there students on a first name basis. Beautiful campus

    Read all 35 answers

  10. What's the one thing you wish someone had told you about freshman year?

    Nothing

    Read all 23 answers

  11. What do you consider the worst thing about your school? Why?

    The overwhelming presence of greek life.

    Read all 23 answers

  12. What's unique about your campus?

    The professors are some of the most intelligent and intruiging people I have ever encountered. They are well established in their respective fields and are excited to bring their knowledge into the classroom. For the most part, they are willing to work with students and make themselves VERY available to students. For me, the excellence of the faculty has made my Elon experience as valuable as it is.

    Read all 23 answers

  13. Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.

    Full of very rich, upper class Northern white kids, but with a wonderful academic program and very supportive and knowledgable teachers

    Read all 20 answers

  14. What kind of person should attend this school?

    People who like a small town, and who love to get involved with student organizations. Also those who like to volunteer.

    Read all 19 answers

  15. What kind of person should not attend this school?

    The typical Elon student has a hunger for knowledge, a zest for life, and is firm in their beliefs. If a student does not have these core values they will probably not want to attend Elon University.

    Read all 18 answers

  16. Describe your favorite campus traditions.

    This school is a liberal arts institution. They also provide a school for communications, business, and other areas of interest. This scool provides many diverse and open opportunities.

    Read all 15 answers

  17. What do you brag about most when you tell your friends about your school?

    The campus is absolutley beautiful! Its kept in perfect condition all the time, regardless of how the students treat it, there are always people to pick up after things students leave behind.

    Read all 15 answers

  18. What's the most frustrating thing about your school?

    At this time since I am a nontraditional student who is going to be taking classes on line the most frustrating thing is that there is not the personal interaction that I was use to at a traditional school. I have had mostly a good experience with the online registration. My biggest frustration is that there is not a lot of clear discription as to working all of the computer systems in order to get started ealy for the onlien class.

    Read all 11 answers

  19. What is the stereotype of students at your school? Is this stereotype accurate?

    Very little diversity, many white upper class students who want to simply socialize, spend their parents' money and drink.

    Read all 5 answers

  20. Describe the dorms.

    An Elon take on MTV Cribs

    Read all 3 answers

  21. Tell us about the food and dining options.

    The best Elon tradition is Leo Lambert’s, our president’s, Holiday party. He invites all students to his house, the week before winter break, for a Christmas party. There is great food, caroling and you can wait in line to have your picture taken with Leo. THEN he mails it home to your family in a Christmas card. Such a good PR move! Another fun Holiday tradition is the luminaries, when all the campus comes out for free hot chocolate, caroling, and the lighting of the campus. It’s always a fun way to wrap up the fall semester and welcome the holidays.

    Read all 2 answers

Student Body

Students

59%

female

41%

male

6,008

Total Undergrad Enrollment

731

Total Grad Students

80%

Out-Of-State

16%

In-State

4%

International

Organizations

150

Student Organizations

11

Fraternities

12

Sororities

Housing

Yes

On-Campus Housing

54%

of students living on campus

Student Diversity

% American Indian/Alaskan Native
N/A
% Asian/Pacific Islander
2%
% Black or African-American
5%
% Hispanic/Latino
6%
% White or Caucasian
81%

TUITION & AID

All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA. Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.

63% of students attending Elon University receive some sort of financial aid. 7% were awarded federal grants. While 30% received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.

Cost Out of State

$33,104

Tuition and fees(Out of state)

$900

Books and Supplies

$11,495

Room and Board

45,499

Total On Campus

Actual Cost By Income Level(W/Financial Aid)

Family Income
Cost
$0 - $30K
$22,121
$30 - $48K
$24,182
$48 - $75K
$25,784
$75 - $110K
$34,205
$110K & UP
$41,476

We use student reviews and the most current publicly available data on our school pages. As such, we don't typically remove or edit college information. Sources for school statistics and data include the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. Portions of college data include copyrighted material, which is reproduced on this website by permission of Wintergreen Orchard House, a division of Carnegie Communications. © 2009-2016 by Wintergreen Orchard House. All rights reserved.

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