Skip to content

Elon University vs Livingstone College

Elon University is a private university in Elon, NC, and Livingstone College is a private college in Salisbury, NC. Livingstone College is the more selective of the two, admitting about 59% of applicants against 66% at Elon University. Livingstone College is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $13,479 a year against $41,555 at Elon University. About 84% of students graduate at Elon University, compared with 26% at Livingstone College. Ten years after enrolling, Elon University alumni earn a median of about $74,545, against $32,600 for Livingstone College.

Elon University

Elon, NC · Private

Livingstone College

Salisbury, NC · Private
At a glance
Type
Private
Private
Location
Elon, NC
Salisbury, NC
Setting
Suburban
Suburban
Undergraduates
6,452
924
Acceptance rate
66%
59%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–3.99
3.3–3.8
SAT (middle 50%)
1130–1280
800–960
ACT (middle 50%)
23–28
14–21
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$41,555
$13,479
Full cost / yr
$62,266
$28,305
In-state tuition
$46,958
$18,296
Out-of-state tuition
$46,958
$18,296
Application fee
$60
$25
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$26,523
$13,860
$30k - $48k
$23,514
$14,056
$48k - $75k
$24,064
$11,028
$75k - $110k
$34,472
$14,558
Over $110k
$49,743
$16,018
Outcomes
Graduation rate
84%
26%
Freshman retention
90%
71%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$58,082
$24,024
Median earnings (10 yr)
$74,545
$32,600
Median debt at graduation
$20,500
$31,125
Student body
Pell grant recipients
10%
82%
First-generation students
9%
39%
International students
2%
5%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Not reported
Regular decision
Jan 10
Rolling

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Elon University or Livingstone College harder to get into?
Livingstone College is harder to get into. It admits about 59% of applicants, compared with 66% at Elon University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Elon University or Livingstone College?
Livingstone College is cheaper on average. Students pay about $13,479 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $41,555 at Elon University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Elon University and Livingstone College?
Before aid, Livingstone College costs about $28,305 a year and Elon University about $62,266. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Elon University or Livingstone College?
Livingstone College. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $13,860 there, against about $26,523 at Elon University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Elon University or Livingstone College?
Elon University is the larger of the two, with about 6,452 undergraduates against 924 at Livingstone College.
Does Elon University or Livingstone College have a better graduation rate?
Elon University has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 26% at Livingstone College.
Do graduates of Elon University or Livingstone College earn more?
Elon University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $74,545 ten years after enrolling, against about $32,600 for Livingstone College. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Elon University and Livingstone College require SAT or ACT scores?
Elon University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Livingstone College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Elon University and Livingstone College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1130–1280 at Elon University and 800–960 at Livingstone College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

These lists are a great start, but the one list that actually matters is yours. Blueprint builds it in two free steps.

1 Discovery quiz: find your major2 Matchmaker: your odds + net price at every school