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Elon University vs University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Elon University is a private university in Elon, NC, and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public university in Chapel Hill, NC. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the more selective of the two, admitting about 15% of applicants against 66% at Elon University. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $11,655 a year against $41,555 at Elon University. About 92% of students graduate at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, compared with 84% at Elon University. Ten years after enrolling, Elon University alumni earn a median of about $74,545, against $72,200 for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

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Elon University

Elon, NC · Private

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Chapel Hill, NC · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Elon, NC
Chapel Hill, NC
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
6,452
20,752
Acceptance rate
66%
15%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–3.99
3.49–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1130–1280
1390–1530
ACT (middle 50%)
23–28
28–34
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$41,555
$11,655
Full cost / yr
$62,266
$26,055
In-state tuition
$46,958
$8,994
Out-of-state tuition
$46,958
$41,203
Application fee
$60
$85
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$26,523
$2,004
$30k - $48k
$23,514
$3,918
$48k - $75k
$24,064
$8,538
$75k - $110k
$34,472
$16,415
Over $110k
$49,743
$24,396
Outcomes
Graduation rate
84%
92%
Freshman retention
90%
97%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$58,082
$57,057
Median earnings (10 yr)
$74,545
$72,200
Median debt at graduation
$20,500
$14,000
Student body
Pell grant recipients
10%
20%
First-generation students
9%
20%
International students
2%
6%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Nov 1
Oct 15
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 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill harder to get into?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is harder to get into. It admits about 15% 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 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is cheaper on average. Students pay about $11,655 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 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
Before aid, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill costs about $26,055 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 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $2,004 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 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the larger of the two, with about 20,752 undergraduates against 6,452 at Elon University.
Does Elon University or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have a better graduation rate?
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has the higher graduation rate, at about 92% against 84% at Elon University.
Do graduates of Elon University or University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill earn more?
Elon University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $74,545 ten years after enrolling, against about $72,200 for University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Elon University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill require SAT or ACT scores?
Elon University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Elon University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1130–1280 at Elon University and 1390–1530 at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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