Understanding Elon University Tuition and Costs

Elon University, a medium-sized private institution in Elon, North Carolina, founded in 1889, offers a variety of undergraduate degrees across 74 majors. Understanding the cost of attendance is crucial for prospective students and their families. This article breaks down the various components of Elon's tuition, fees, and financial aid options.

The Cost of Attendance: A Comprehensive Overview

Currently, Elon's total cost of attendance is $65,663. This figure encompasses not only tuition and fees, but also estimates for living expenses, books, and other miscellaneous costs associated with education. It's important to differentiate between direct and indirect charges.

Direct Charges: These include tuition, fees, and mandatory health insurance (for full-time students only).
Indirect Charges: These are estimates for expenses like books, living costs, and other miscellaneous expenses associated with education.

Tuition and Fees: The Direct Costs

Elon University's tuition for undergraduates is $48,723, making it more expensive than the national average cost of tuition of $47,097. This "sticker price" includes both tuition and fees which support various campus services such as library facilities, student gyms, technology resources, and health centers.

Historical Tuition Increases

Elon's tuition has seen increases in recent years:

For 2024-25 academic year, Elon’s tuition increased by 4.96%.
For 2023-24, Elon had a 5.14% increase in tuition.
For 2022-23, Elon’s tuition increased by 9%.

Additional Fees and Considerations

Overload Tuition Rate: Students taking more than 18 credit hours per semester will be charged an hourly rate of $1,604.00 per additional credit hour in addition to the flat rate.
Part-Time Students: Students taking less than 12 credit hours are charged an hourly rate of $1,604.00 per credit hour, along with reduced fees ($73.00 Student Activity Fee and $345.00 Health and Wellness Fee).
Winter Term Tuition: Students who were full time in the Fall (registered for 12-18 credit hours) may take up to four (4) hours during winter term with no additional tuition charged. Students who take a winter term course but were not full-time during the fall semester will be charged an hourly rate per credit hour of $1,604.00. For students who are charged for winter tuition (i.e. student was not full time in the Fall), a credit for up to four (4) hours of winter tuition will be issued if the student is enrolled full time in the following Spring semester.
Course-Specific Fees: Some courses include additional fees, particularly in performing arts, music, art, and physical education.
Greek Life Fees: Greek organization and pledge fees will be included on bills when applicable.

Room and Board: Living Expenses

Elon University has a two-year residency requirement, and many students continue to live on campus in their third and fourth years. Housing costs vary, with apartments billed differently depending on the lease term. All first-year and sophomore students living in university housing are required to have a meal plan, with minimum requirements varying by their academic standing and residence. For juniors and seniors, meal plan requirements depend on their specific housing assignment.

Meal Plans

Winter meal plans are included in the fall semester cost.
Block meal plans carry forward from fall into winter.
Sophomores are required to have at least the All Access Basic meal plan in all residence halls and Greek houses.
Juniors/Seniors are required to have at least All Access Basic meal plan in all residence halls.
Students in Danieley K, Greek houses, Colonnades and Academic Village must select at least the 300 block meal plan.
Phoenix Card balances from meal plans are restricted for meals and food purchases only and are not refundable if not used.
Meal plan money may not be used in the Campus Shop.
Authorized changes in meal plans are permitted through the second week of fall and spring semesters.

Financial Aid: Making Elon Affordable

Despite the sticker price, Elon University is committed to providing an exceptional education at a reasonable cost. The university offers various forms of financial aid, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

Types of Financial Aid

Need-Based Aid: This type of aid considers a student's financial status. In fall 2023, 38% of first-year students received need-based financial aid.
Merit-Based Aid: Also known as non-need-based aid, this is awarded for specific talents or academic achievements. The average non-need-based scholarship or grant awarded to first-year students at Elon University - excluding any athletic scholarships, if applicable - was $12,923.
Scholarships: These are a type of funding that you don’t need to pay back. You might qualify for a scholarship based on your community service involvement, unique hobbies or traits, your personal background, or a parent’s employer or military affiliation.

Key Financial Aid Statistics

Average Need-Based Scholarship or Grant Award (First-year Students): $24,635.
Average Need-Based Self-Help Aid (First-year Students): $4,271.
Average Aid Package: $35,637.
Students Receiving Financial Aid: 31.5%.
Elon University met: 65% of its students’ financial aid need.
Average Net Price: $41,849 per year.

Applying for Financial Aid

Application Due: March 15.
Priority Application Due: Not available.
Notification Date: January 31.
Newly admitted students should apply early for need-based aid by filing a CSS Profile.
All students are encouraged to complete their FAFSA annually to apply for federal and state aid.

Student Loan Debt: Planning for the Future

Understanding potential student loan debt is crucial for financial planning. At Elon University, the median federal loan debt among borrowers who completed their undergraduate degree is $20,500.

Loan Statistics

Median Federal Loan Debt: $20,500.
Median Monthly Federal Loan Payment: $217 (assuming a 10-year repayment at 5.05% interest).
Students with Private Loans: 10% of graduating students at Elon University took out private loans.
Average Private Loan Debt: $64,680 at graduation.
Average Total Indebtedness of 2024 Graduating Class: $36,129.
Graduating students who have borrowed (any loan type, 2024): 34%.

Additional Educational Opportunities: Master of Arts in Higher Education

For those considering graduate studies, the Master of Arts in Higher Education (MHE) program at Elon offers a reasonable cost and strong financial resources.

MHE Program Costs and Financial Aid

Tuition Cost for 2026-2027: $18,520.
Health Service Fee: $215.
Tuition Guarantee: Tuition will not increase for the student’s second year.
Scholarships: Every MHE applicant is automatically considered for merit scholarships upon submission of a completed MHE application and all students admitted to the Elon MHE program are guaranteed a scholarship offer along with admission. Merit scholarships typically cover 50% - 60% of tuition costs.
Graduate Apprenticeships: Every full-time MHE student is hired as a paid graduate apprentice on the Elon campus.
Apprenticeship Stipends for 2025-2026: $17,000, except for Residence Life GAs whose stipends are $14,000 with room and meal plan.

Elon Law: A Cost-Effective Legal Education

Elon University also offers a Juris Doctor (J.D.) program at Elon Law in Greensboro. The total tuition cost for Elon Law’s 2½ year, full-time J.D. program in Greensboro for the entering class of 2025 is $136,000, or lower for recipients of Elon’s substantial scholarship and fellowship awards. Elon Law’s distinctive program is designed to lower the cost of legal education and prepare students for early entry into the job market.

Important Considerations and Disclaimers

Elon University reserves the right to add or drop programs and courses, to institute new requirements when such changes are desirable, and to change the calendar.
Financial Aid questions? Contact the Financial Aid Office.

Read also: Affording ECU

Read also: Withdrawals for College: A Guide

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