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Elon University vs University of North Carolina Wilmington

Elon University is a private university in Elon, NC, and University of North Carolina Wilmington is a public university in Wilmington, NC. University of North Carolina Wilmington is the more selective of the two, admitting about 64% of applicants against 66% at Elon University. University of North Carolina Wilmington is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $20,109 a year against $41,555 at Elon University. About 84% of students graduate at Elon University, compared with 71% at University of North Carolina Wilmington. Ten years after enrolling, Elon University alumni earn a median of about $74,545, against $54,967 for University of North Carolina Wilmington.

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Elon University

Elon, NC · Private

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Wilmington, NC · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Elon, NC
Wilmington, NC
Setting
Suburban
Urban
Undergraduates
6,452
14,922
Acceptance rate
66%
64%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.49–3.99
3.49–3.99
SAT (middle 50%)
1130–1280
1230–1340
ACT (middle 50%)
23–28
24–29
Test policy
Test optional
Considered
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$41,555
$20,109
Full cost / yr
$62,266
$26,547
In-state tuition
$46,958
$7,277
Out-of-state tuition
$46,958
$24,152
Application fee
$60
$80
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$26,523
$10,778
$30k - $48k
$23,514
$12,572
$48k - $75k
$24,064
$17,378
$75k - $110k
$34,472
$24,046
Over $110k
$49,743
$25,573
Outcomes
Graduation rate
84%
71%
Freshman retention
90%
88%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$58,082
$46,972
Median earnings (10 yr)
$74,545
$54,967
Median debt at graduation
$20,500
$19,500
Student body
Pell grant recipients
10%
24%
First-generation students
9%
26%
International students
2%
1%
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 University of North Carolina Wilmington harder to get into?
University of North Carolina Wilmington is harder to get into. It admits about 64% 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 Wilmington?
University of North Carolina Wilmington is cheaper on average. Students pay about $20,109 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 Wilmington?
Before aid, University of North Carolina Wilmington costs about $26,547 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 Wilmington?
University of North Carolina Wilmington. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $10,778 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 Wilmington?
University of North Carolina Wilmington is the larger of the two, with about 14,922 undergraduates against 6,452 at Elon University.
Does Elon University or University of North Carolina Wilmington have a better graduation rate?
Elon University has the higher graduation rate, at about 84% against 71% at University of North Carolina Wilmington.
Do graduates of Elon University or University of North Carolina Wilmington earn more?
Elon University alumni earn more on average: a median of about $74,545 ten years after enrolling, against about $54,967 for University of North Carolina Wilmington. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Elon University and University of North Carolina Wilmington 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 Wilmington considers SAT or ACT scores when you submit them.
What SAT scores do Elon University and University of North Carolina Wilmington look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1130–1280 at Elon University and 1230–1340 at University of North Carolina Wilmington. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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