Students at Elon University achieve exceptional long-term financial outcomes, with graduates consistently earning more than peers at similar private institutions nationwide.
The university's combination of strong career preparation and alumni networks translates into sustained earning power that places it among the top-performing institutions nationally.
Elon University delivers exceptional long-term financial outcomes for its graduates, ranking in the top 10% nationally for earnings performance among all four-year institutions. What makes Elon distinctive is its ability to combine the personalized experience of a selective private university with remarkably strong career preparation that translates into sustained earning power.
Graduates earn a median of $74,545 ten years after enrollment, placing Elon among the highest-earning institutions in North Carolina and well above typical outcomes for similar private universities. The university's strength spans multiple fields, with particularly robust outcomes in business, finance, and digital marketing programs that connect directly to high-paying career paths.
As a selective private institution in North Carolina, Elon serves a focused student body where about 9% receive Pell Grants and nearly 83% graduate within six years. The university falls into the "Selective Achievers" category, meaning it delivers outstanding outcomes for the students it enrolls, though access remains limited primarily to higher-income families. For families who can manage the investment, Elon provides a clear path to strong long-term financial returns.
Elon University's program portfolio reflects its strength in preparing students for business and professional careers. Banking and Financial Support Services stands out as the highest-return program, combining substantial enrollment of 178 graduates with strong median earnings of $62,154. This program exemplifies Elon's ability to connect students directly to lucrative financial services careers.
Digital Marketing represents Elon's largest program with 147 graduates earning $50,022, while Accounting programs produce 71 graduates with solid early-career earnings around $60,016. These business-focused programs benefit from Elon's extensive alumni network and strong employer relationships, particularly in finance and marketing sectors. Even programs with more modest early earnings, such as Psychology at $23,649, often lead to graduate school or professional development paths that build long-term earning potential.
The university's focused program scale creates meaningful industry connections and concentrated alumni networks. This approach allows Elon to maintain strong employer relationships and provide personalized career guidance that helps explain the consistently high earnings outcomes across different fields of study.
Elon University graduates achieve exceptionally strong long-term earnings, with a median income of $74,545 ten years after enrollment. This performance places Elon in the top 10% nationally for graduate earnings, reflecting the university's success in preparing students for high-paying careers across multiple industries. The university's career preparation and alumni network strength contribute significantly to these outcomes.
The strongest financial returns come from Elon's business and finance programs. Banking and Financial Support Services leads with 178 graduates earning a median of $62,154, creating the highest aggregate return among all programs. Digital Marketing, the university's largest program with 147 graduates, produces solid outcomes at $50,022 median earnings. Accounting programs also perform well, with graduates earning around $60,016 early in their careers. Even programs like Psychology, while showing more modest early earnings at $23,649, benefit from Elon's strong alumni network and career services that help graduates advance over time.
Elon University requires a significant financial investment, particularly for families across all income levels. Low-income students face annual net costs of about $27,108, while middle-income families pay around $32,133 per year, and high-income families see costs reaching $48,382 annually. These price points place Elon among the more expensive private universities, reflecting its positioning as a selective institution with extensive resources and small class sizes.
Most families rely on a combination of federal loans and Parent PLUS borrowing to manage costs. Typical graduates leave with about $20,500 in federal student loan debt, which is manageable given Elon's strong earnings outcomes. However, Parent PLUS debt averages $43,981, representing a more substantial family investment that requires careful financial planning. The university maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully, though the higher debt levels mean affordability remains a primary consideration for most families.
Elon University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
