Elon University

Elon offers 70+ undergraduate majors, with standout programs in communications (PR ranked #1 nationally), business (especially finance and marketing), and psychology. The Princeton Review named it a 2025 'Best Value College,' and U.S. News lauds its undergraduate teaching. Small classes are the norm—many first-year courses like COR 1100 are cohort-based—and the curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through study abroad (over 80% participation) and internships.

Notable programs:

• Elon College Fellows: Selective interdisciplinary honors program
• School of Communications: Produces grads with $51,637 average starting salaries
• Elon Innovation Quad: STEM-focused hub with maker spaces

Graduate offerings include 9 programs, though the focus remains solidly undergraduate.

Life at Elon revolves around its stunning, walkable campus (often called one of America's most beautiful) and a strong Greek scene—about 30% of students join fraternities/sororities. The vibe is social but studious, with traditions like College Coffee (weekly faculty-student mingling) and Festival of Holiday Lights fostering community. Students describe the culture as friendly but somewhat homogeneous, with active partying balanced by 200+ clubs.

Housing: Required for first two years in residential neighborhoods themed by academic interests Dining: Meal plans mandatory for on-campus students Athletics: Division I (CAA), though more for school spirit than elite competition

Elon delivers strong ROI, with an 83% six-year graduation rate (top 8% nationally for private universities) and 79% four-year rate. Alumni earn $77,800 mid-career (per College Scorecard), outperforming the national average. Communications grads report $51,637 starting salaries, and the university's career services boast a high job placement rate—though specific figures beyond communications aren't publicly broken down.

The school is working toward ambitious goals: 85% four-year graduation and 90% six-year rates by 2025.

At $68,903 total annual cost (tuition + room/board), Elon isn't cheap, but 31.5% of students receive aid, averaging $35,637 per package. Merit scholarships range from $4,500–$5,500 for programs like the Elon Scholars. The net price?Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. after aid is $41,527—still steep, but competitive for a private university of its caliber.

Key details:

• FAFSA Code: 002927
• CSS Profile: Not required
• Priority Deadline: February 15 for need-based aid?Need-based aidFinancial aid awarded based on your family's ability to pay, as measured by forms like the FAFSA, rather than on achievements.
• Work-Study: Available for eligible students

Elon excels at blending academic rigor with Southern charm—think small classes taught by accessible professors, plus a campus that feels like a resort. Its #1-ranked PR program and D1 sports (unusual for a school its size) attract ambitious students who want both career prep and classic college fun. The study abroad culture (80%+ participation) and emphasis on undergrad research set it apart from peer institutions. While costs are high, the 83% graduation rate and strong alumni outcomes justify the investment for many.