Elon University
Elon University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Elon University at a Glance
Elon University is a private university in Elon, North Carolina, United States. Founded in 1889 as Elon College, the university is organized into six schools, most of which offer bachelor's degrees and several of which offer master's degrees or professional doctorate degrees. Located in North Carolina's Piedmont region, Elon is situated on a 656-acre (265 ha) suburban campus between the cities of Greensboro and Raleigh. Elon's athletic teams compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Coastal A…
1889
137 years old
$412M
$411.5 million (2025)
7,117
6,337 undergrad · 826 grad
447
656 acres
Identity
Is Elon University Worth It?
At a value score of 37/100, Elon University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $74,545 — 39% above average — while paying $41,555/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.2-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 84% graduation rate means roughly 16% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Elon University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Elon University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #12 of 26 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Milwaukee School of Engineering | 69 | $22,453 | $89,070 |
| #2 | St. Joseph's University-New York | 56 | $19,035 | $63,905 |
| #3 | York College of Pennsylvania | 51 | $18,556 | $61,012 |
| #4 | Calvin University | 48 | $22,992 | $58,375 |
| #5 | Widener University | 45 | $25,759 | $70,920 |
| #6 | Mercer University | 44 | $23,847 | $58,354 |
| #12 | Elon University | 37 | $41,555 | $74,545 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Elon University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in NC.
Best Programs at Elon University
The highest-earning program at Elon University is Finance and Financial Management Services at $59,400/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at $18,500/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Finance and Financial Management Services graduate from Elon University earns $59,400, while a Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduate earns $18,500. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $41,555/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $59,400 | $59,400 | $20,500 |
| Accounting and Related Services | $58,600 | $58,600 | $23,625 |
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other | $51,000 | $51,000 | N/A |
| Marketing | $46,000 | $46,000 | $21,019 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $38,200 | $38,200 | $19,500 |
| Communication and Media Studies | $37,700 | $37,700 | $23,200 |
| Journalism | $34,000 | $34,000 | N/A |
| Political Science and Government | $33,600 | $33,600 | $21,500 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $31,100 | $31,100 | $20,450 |
| Biology, General | $29,000 | $29,000 | $21,000 |
| International Relations and National Security Studies | $25,700 | $25,700 | N/A |
| Community Organization and Advocacy | $24,200 | $24,200 | N/A |
| Visual and Performing Arts, Other | $23,700 | $23,700 | N/A |
| Psychology, General | $18,700 | $18,700 | $21,000 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $18,500 | $18,500 | N/A |
Similar Colleges in NC
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Elon, NC
- Student Body
- 6,452 students
- Admission Rate
- 66%
- Graduation Rate
- 84%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $41,555
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $74,545
- Median Student Debt
- $20,500