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Elon University vs North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Elon University is a private university in Elon, NC. North Carolina State University at Raleigh is a public university in Raleigh, NC. North Carolina State University at Raleigh admits about 42% of applicants and Elon University about 66%, making North Carolina State University at Raleigh the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $17,303 a year at North Carolina State University at Raleigh after aid, and about $41,555 at Elon University. About 85% of students graduate at North Carolina State University at Raleigh, compared with 84% at Elon University. Ten years after enrolling, Elon University alumni earn a median of about $74,545, against $68,758 for North Carolina State University at Raleigh.

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Elon University

Elon, NC · Private

North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Elon, NC
Raleigh, NC
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
6,452
27,371
Acceptance rate
66%
42%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–3.99
~3.83 avg
SAT (middle 50%)
1130–1280
1300–1470
ACT (middle 50%)
23–28
28–32
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$41,555
$17,303
Full cost / yr
$62,266
$26,425
In-state tuition
$46,958
$8,799
Out-of-state tuition
$46,958
$32,847
Application fee
$60
$85
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$26,523
$6,382
$30k - $48k
$23,514
$8,758
$48k - $75k
$24,064
$13,334
$75k - $110k
$34,472
$20,087
Over $110k
$49,743
$24,652
Outcomes
Graduation rate
84%
85%
Freshman retention
90%
94%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$58,082
$57,623
Median earnings (10 yr)
$74,545
$68,758
Median debt at graduation
$20,500
$20,121
Student body
Pell grant recipients
10%
20%
First-generation students
9%
19%
International students
2%
2%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 10
Jan 15

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 North Carolina State University at Raleigh harder to get into?
North Carolina State University at Raleigh is harder to get into. It admits about 42% 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 North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
North Carolina State University at Raleigh is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,303 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 North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
Before aid, North Carolina State University at Raleigh costs about $26,425 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 North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
North Carolina State University at Raleigh. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $6,382 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 North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
North Carolina State University at Raleigh is the larger of the two, with about 27,371 undergraduates against 6,452 at Elon University.
Does Elon University or North Carolina State University at Raleigh have a better graduation rate?
North Carolina State University at Raleigh has the higher graduation rate, at about 85% against 84% at Elon University.
Do graduates of Elon University or North Carolina State University at Raleigh earn more?
Elon University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $74,545 ten years after enrolling, against about $68,758 for North Carolina State University at Raleigh. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Elon University and North Carolina State University at Raleigh require SAT or ACT scores?
Elon University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. North Carolina State University at Raleigh considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Elon University and North Carolina State University at Raleigh look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1130–1280 at Elon University and 1300–1470 at North Carolina State University at Raleigh. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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