Getting in
For Fall 2025, 18,557 first-year students applied to Elon, 11,740 were admitted and 1,333 enrolled: an acceptance rate of 63.3%.
Source: Elon Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), section C1. Read Oct 1, 2026.
By residency, first-year applicants, Fall 2025
| Applicants | Applied | Admitted | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-state | 4,225 | 2,593 | 61.4% |
| Out-of-state | 13,850 | 8,839 | 63.8% |
| International | 482 | 308 | 63.9% |
Source: Elon Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), section C1, residency table. Read Oct 1, 2026.
By school or major. Elon's Common Data Set reports one first-year acceptance rate for the whole university, with no rate by school or major.
Source: Elon Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Early decision. The Common Data Set gives one early decision count for the fall 2025 entering class; it does not split Early Decision I from Early Decision II. It lists a nonbinding early action plan but gives no early action counts.
Early decision, Fall 2025
| Plan | Applied | Admitted | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early decision | 353 | 304 | 86.1% |
Source: Elon Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), sections C21 and C22. Read Oct 1, 2026.
Programs with extra requirements
For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027
You apply to Elon as a whole. Some programs ask for more:
- Nursing (B.S.N.). A direct-admit program: Nursing applicants must send SAT or ACT scores, with at least an 1100 SAT or a 22 ACT to be eligible.
Source: Elon Admissions, Test-Optional Frequently Asked Questions (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
- Acting, Dance Performance & Choreography, Music Performance, Music Production & Recording Arts, Music Theatre, Theatrical Design & Technology, Art (B.F.A.). An audition, portfolio or interview is required.
Source: Elon, Majors, Minors & Programs (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
- Honors and Fellows programs. Apply to Elon by November 1 and to Honors or Fellows by November 10. Notification by April 1.
Source: Elon Admissions, Dates & Deadlines (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
- Accelerated Pathways in PA and PT. A separate application by November 10.
Source: Elon Admissions, Dates & Deadlines (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Source: Elon Admissions, Dates & Deadlines (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Majors
85 majors across 6 schools. Every bachelor's degree major on Elon's official Majors, Minors & Programs list, grouped by the school that offers it, with the degree it leads to. Minors, graduate programs and pre-professional pathways are left out.
Elon College, the College of Arts & Sciences53
- Acting (B.F.A.)Extra requirement: Audition, portfolio or interview required
- Anthropology (A.B.)
- Applied Mathematics (A.B.)
- Applied Mathematics (B.S.)
- Art (A.B.)
- Art (B.F.A.)Extra requirement: Audition, portfolio or interview required
- Art History (A.B.)
- Arts Administration (A.B.)
- Astronomy (A.B.)
- Astrophysics (B.S.)
- Biochemistry (B.S.)
- Biology (A.B.)
- Biology (B.S.)
- Chemistry (A.B.)
- Chemistry (B.S.)
- Classical Studies (A.B.)
- Dance Performance & Choreography (B.F.A.)Extra requirement: Audition, portfolio or interview required
- Dance Science (B.S.)
- Data Analytics (A.B.)
- Drama & Theatre Studies (A.B.)
- English (A.B.)
- Environmental & Ecological Science (B.S.)
- Environmental & Sustainability Studies (A.B.)
- Environmental Studies (B.S.)
- Exercise Science (B.S.)
- French (A.B.)
- History (A.B.)
- Human Service Studies (A.B.)
- Independent Major (A.B. or B.S.)
- International & Global Studies (A.B.)
- Mathematics (A.B.)
- Mathematics (B.S.)
- Music in Liberal Arts (A.B.)
- Music Performance (A.B.)Extra requirement: Audition, portfolio or interview required
- Music Production & Recording Arts (B.S.)Extra requirement: Audition, portfolio or interview required
- Music Theatre (B.F.A.)Extra requirement: Audition, portfolio or interview required
- Neuroscience (A.B.)
- Neuroscience (B.S.)
- Philosophy (A.B.)
- Physics (A.B.)
- Physics (B.S.)
- Political Science (A.B.)
- Professional Writing & Rhetoric (A.B.)
- Psychology (A.B.)
- Public Health (A.B.)
- Public Policy (A.B.)
- Religious Studies (A.B.)
- Sociology (A.B.)
- Spanish (A.B.)
- Spanish with Teacher Licensure (A.B.)
- Statistics (A.B.)
- Statistics (B.S.)
- Theatrical Design & Technology (A.B.)Extra requirement: Audition, portfolio or interview required
Source: Elon, Majors, Minors & Programs (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Martha & Spencer Love School of Business13
- Accounting (B.S.)
- Business Analytics & AI (B.S.B.A.)
- Business Economics & Consulting (B.S.B.A.)
- Economics (A.B.)
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation (B.S.B.A.)
- Finance (B.S.B.A.)
- Financial Technology (B.S.)
- Human Resource Management (B.S.B.A.)
- International Business (B.S.B.A.)
- International Business Dual Degree (B.S.B.A.)
- Marketing (B.S.B.A.)
- Project Management (B.S.B.A.)
- Supply Chain Management (B.S.B.A.)
Source: Elon, Majors, Minors & Programs (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
School of Communications7
- Cinema & Television Arts (A.B.)
- Digital Content Management (A.B.)
- Journalism (A.B.)
- Media Analytics (A.B.)
- Sport Management (B.S.)
- Strategic Communications (A.B.)
- Visual Communication (A.B.)
Source: Elon, Majors, Minors & Programs (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education7
- Elementary Education (A.B.)
- Elementary Education & Special Education (A.B.)
- Middle Grades Education (A.B.)
- Middle Grades Education & Special Education (A.B.)
- Outdoor Leadership & Education (B.S.)
- Science Education (A.B.)
- Secondary Education (A.B. or B.S.)
Source: Elon, Majors, Minors & Programs (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
School of Engineering & Computing3
- Computer Science (A.B.)
- Computer Science (B.S.)
- Engineering (B.S.)
Source: Elon, Majors, Minors & Programs (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
School of Health Sciences2
- Nursing (A.B.S.N.)
- Nursing (B.S.N.)
Source: Elon, Majors, Minors & Programs (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Source: Elon, Majors, Minors & Programs (opens in a new tab), for the extra requirements. Read Oct 1, 2026.
Deadlines for Fall 2027
For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027
| Plan | Apply by | Decision | Binding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Decision | November 1 | December 1 | Yes |
| Early Action | November 1 | December 20 | No |
| Regular Deadline | January 10 | March 20 | No |
| Early Decision II | January 15 | February 10 | Yes |
Enrollment deposits are due January 10 for Early Decision (non-refundable), March 1 for Early Decision II (non-refundable), and May 1 for Early Action and the Regular Deadline. Applications after January 10 are considered on a space-available basis. Spring first-year applicants apply by December 1.
Source: Elon Admissions, Apply (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Both Early Decision plans are binding: you may apply to only one school early decision, you and a parent or guardian sign an Early Decision Agreement, and if admitted you withdraw your applications to all other colleges. A non-refundable $1,000 enrollment deposit is due, and you cannot defer admission.
Source: Elon Admissions, Dates & Deadlines (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Testing
For students applying in fall 2026, entering fall 2027
For students enrolling in fall 2027, Elon is test-optional. Nursing (B.S.N.) applicants and homeschooled students must send SAT or ACT scores. You may self-report scores; if admitted, you send an official score before enrolling. You can ask Elon not to review scores it already has.
Source: Elon Admissions, Test-Optional Frequently Asked Questions (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
The Common Data Set marks the SAT or ACT as required for some fall 2027 applicants, with scores due by December 14.
Source: Elon Common Data Set 2025-2026 (opens in a new tab), section C8. Read Oct 1, 2026.
Applying next year?
For students applying in fall 2027, entering fall 2028
Not announced yet. When we checked Elon's admission pages on October 1, 2026, we found no announced changes for fall 2028 entry. The deadlines and rules above are for fall 2027 entry.
Source: Elon Admissions, Apply (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Cost, and what families paid after aid
The published cost of a year at Elon, 2026-2027:
| Tuition (full time) | $50,386 |
|---|---|
| Student activity fee | $292 |
| Health and wellness fee | $690 |
| Housing (first-year average) | $9,306 |
| Food (basic meal plan) | $8,229 |
| Books and supplies | $1,000 |
| Transportation allowance | $1,500 |
| Miscellaneous expense allowance | $2,000 |
| Total | $73,403 |
The cost of attendance for a newly admitted, full-time undergraduate, fall 2026 and spring 2027. Billed charges (tuition, fees, food and housing) come to $68,903.
Source: Elon Financial Aid, Tuition and Cost of Attendance 2026-2027 (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Average net price per year, by family income, 2023-24:
| Family income | Paid after grants |
|---|---|
| $0 to $30,000 | $26,523 |
| $30,001 to $48,000 | $23,514 |
| $48,001 to $75,000 | $24,064 |
| $75,001 to $110,000 | $34,472 |
| Over $110,000 | $49,743 |
| All incomes | $41,555 |
What first-year, full-time students who received federal aid paid after grants and scholarships, by family income, in 2023-24, the latest year the Department of Education publishes. Your own price comes from Elon's aid offer.
Source: College Scorecard, U.S. Department of Education (opens in a new tab). Read Oct 1, 2026.
Similar schools
Chosen for how close each is to Elon University on acceptance rate, public or private, location and majors offered.
American UniversityWashington, DC · Private65.6% admitted$41,943 average net price
Berry CollegeMount Berry, GA · Private64% admitted$22,320 average net price
Mercer UniversityMacon, GA · Private68.9% admitted$23,847 average net price
Adelphi UniversityGarden City, NY · Private65.9% admitted$30,783 average net price
University of TulsaTulsa, OK · Private61.5% admitted$15,000 average net price
Admitted: each school's latest first-year acceptance rate, so the year can differ from school to school; each school's page names its year and source. Average net price: what federal aid recipients paid per year after grants, 2023-24, and the in-state figure for a public university.