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Elon University

Elon, NC

private nonprofitgraduate

Quick Facts

6,402
Total Students
$45K
Tuition (In-State)
$45K
Tuition (Out-State)
$41K
Avg Net Price
67%
Acceptance Rate
83%
Graduation Rate
6-year
90%
Retention Rate
Doctoral/Professional Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Elon University

Elon: Where Engaged Learning Transforms Futures.

Elon University stands out as a vibrant academic community dedicated to transforming students through engaged learning and a commitment to intellectual growth. Originally founded in 1889 by the Christian Connection, Elon has undergone a remarkable evolution from a regional college to a nationally recognized and selective university. Despite a devastating fire in 1923 that reshaped its physical campus, the institution rebuilt and continuously elevated its academic standards, attracting a significant and growing percentage of students from outside North Carolina.

The university's mission emphasizes an academic environment that nurtures freedom of thought and conscience, characterized by deep student engagement with a faculty devoted to excellent teaching and scholarly achievement. This focus has propelled Elon to national distinction, chronicled in academic studies as a model for strategic growth and academic quality. No longer affiliated with the United Church of Christ, Elon maintains its founding vision while embracing a modern, forward-thinking approach to higher education.

Academically, Elon boasts a strong array of professional programs, including the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, the highly accredited School of Communications, and the unique Elon University School of Law, which houses the North Carolina Business Court. The School of Health Sciences offers innovative DPT and PA programs, alongside nursing degrees, while the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education prepares future educators and higher education professionals. This diverse academic landscape, combined with a dynamic student body, creates an experience designed to challenge and inspire.

Key Highlights

  • Transformed from a regional college to a selective, nationally recognized university.
  • By 2013, 82% of incoming students hailed from out-of-state, demonstrating national reach.
  • School of Communications is one of 18 accredited communications programs for private universities in the US by ACEJMC.
  • Elon University School of Law, located in downtown Greensboro, uniquely houses the North Carolina Business Court.
  • Constance "Connie" Ledoux Book became Elon's first female President, beginning her term in 2018.
  • Announced merger with Queens University of Charlotte in 2025, anticipated to take place by August 2026.

Timeline

1889
Charter for Elon College issued by the North Carolina legislature.
1923
A fire destroyed most of the campus, including school records and main buildings.
Mid-1970s
Began enrolling significant numbers of students from mid-Atlantic states.
2000
Approximately 68% of Elon's students came from out-of-state.
2006
Elon University School of Law opened in downtown Greensboro, NC.
2011
School of Health Sciences established, offering DPT and PA programs.
2017
Constance "Connie" Ledoux Book elected as the ninth president of the university.
2025
Elon University announced its merger with Queens University of Charlotte, anticipated by August 2026.

Schools & Colleges

5 notable schools within Elon University

💼

Martha and Spencer Love School of Business

Offers undergraduate degrees in diverse business fields like accounting, entrepreneurship, finance, and international business.

🏫

School of Communications

One of 18 accredited communications programs for private universities in the US, with six main concentrations including Journalism and Cinema & Television Arts.

⚖️

Elon University School of Law

Opened in 2006 in downtown Greensboro, notably housing the working North Carolina Business Court.

🔬

School of Health Sciences

Established in 2011, offering Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Physician Assistant (PA) master's programs, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

📚

Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education

Offers both licensure and non-licensure undergraduate majors, as well as Master of Education (M.Ed.) and Master of Arts in Higher Education (MHE) degrees.

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