Elon, NC · Private University
Is Elon University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$74,545
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$44,536
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$44,536
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$178,144
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.67x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
4.5 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
83.0%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$20,500
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$41,048
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Elon University graduates earn $29,545 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Elon University ranked by graduate earnings
44 graduates
110 graduates
29 graduates
20 graduates
81 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Elon University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Elon University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other: $92,616) and the lowest (Visual and Performing Arts, Other: $31,442) is $61,174/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, OtherBest ROI | $92,616 | 2.1x |
| Finance and Financial Management Services | $87,590 | 2.0x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $87,359 | 2.0x |
| Computer Programming(1yr data) | $79,819 | 1.8x |
| Marketing | $75,472 | 1.7x |
| Economics | $73,684 | 1.6x |
| Political Science and Government | $67,059 | 1.5x |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations(1yr data) | $62,626 | 1.4x |
| Communication and Media Studies | $60,125 | 1.4x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $55,945 | 1.3x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $52,954 | 1.2x |
| Journalism | $52,310 | 1.2x |
| Biology, General | $48,924 | 1.1x |
| Psychology, General | $48,045 | 1.1x |
| Public Health | $45,011 | 1.0x |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods | $44,611 | 1.0x |
| Community Organization and Advocacy | $38,433 | 0.9x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $34,132 | 0.8x |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication(1yr data) | $33,894 | 0.8x |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management(1yr data) | $32,413 | 0.7x |
| Visual and Performing Arts, OtherLowest | $31,442 | 0.7x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
How It Compares
ROI at similar schools
| School | ROI Ratio | Earnings | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elon University | 1.67x | $74,545 | Good ROI |
| Duquesne University | 1.58x | $74,742 | Good ROI |
| Berry College | 1.33x | $53,800 | Average ROI |
| Adelphi University | 1.60x | $75,482 | Good ROI |
| Lipscomb University | 1.43x | $55,541 | Average ROI |
| Mercer University | 1.43x | $58,354 | Average ROI |
The Bottom Line
Elon University offers solid financial returns relative to its cost. Graduates earn $74,545 10 years after starting, $29,545 above the national median of $45,000. The investment pays for itself in roughly 4.5 years, faster than most colleges.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.