Elon University
Elon, North Carolina · Private
Elon University admitted 63% of 18,557 applicants (Common Data Set 2025-2026). First-year students who sent the SAT scored 1190–1340 in the middle half. Test scores are optional. 83% of students graduate within six years.
Your chances at Elon University
Enter a score to see whether Elon University is a reach, target or likely school for you.
Based on the admit rate (63%) alone. Add a score for a sharper read.
A rough read from the admit rate and test scores only. Grades, courses, essays and activities matter as much or more. To see your whole list at once, use the chances calculator.
Application deadlines
Elon University’s first-year deadlines for 2026–27 on the Common App:
- Early decision
- November 1, 2026
- Early decision II
- January 15, 2027
- Early action
- November 1, 2026
- Regular decision
- January 10, 2027
The application fee is $60, and Elon University accepts the Common App fee waiver. Elon University asks for the Common App personal essay and a counselor recommendation.
Deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone. From Common App’s requirements grid, updated September 25, 2026. Check Elon University’s admissions site before you submit. See every college’s deadlines or early decision vs. early action.
Early decision and early action
Early decision applicants were admitted at 86% (304 of 353), compared with 63% for all applicants.
Elon University offers early action but didn’t report its early admit rate.
Early applicants often include recruited athletes and students with stronger applications, so the gap overstates how much applying early helps one student.
4,214 students were offered a spot on the waitlist, 835 took it, and 98 were admitted from it.
What admissions weighs
How Elon University rates each part of an application, from its Common Data Set.
Very important
- Course rigor
- GPA
- Essay
- Recommendations
- Volunteering
- Work experience
- Showing interest
Important
- Activities
- Talent or ability
- Legacy
Considered
- Class rank
- Character
- First generation
- Where you live
- State residency
Not considered
- Test scores
- Religion
High school GPA
First-year students averaged a 3.88 GPA. 20% of those who reported a class rank were in the top 10% of their class.
Some colleges report weighted GPAs, so compare loosely.
What it costs
Full price with housing is $62,514 a year. After grants, students paid $41,849 on average.
Average price after grants, by family income:
Quick answers
What is Elon University’s acceptance rate?
Elon University admitted 63% of applicants: 11,740 of 18,557 (Common Data Set 2025-2026).
When is Elon University’s early decision deadline?
For 2026–27, early decision is due November 1, 2026, early decision II is due January 15, 2027, early action is due November 1, 2026, and regular decision is due January 10, 2027. Common App deadlines end at 11:59 p.m. in your own time zone.
What SAT score do you need for Elon University?
The middle half of admitted students who sent the SAT scored 1190 to 1340, with a median around 1270. A score at or above 1270 puts you in the top half of admitted students who sent one.
How much is Elon University’s application fee?
The application fee is $60 for 2026–27, and Elon University accepts the Common App fee waiver.
What does Elon University require?
Besides the application and transcript, Elon University asks for the Common App personal essay and a counselor recommendation.
Does Elon University have supplemental essays?
Yes. For 2026–27, Elon University asks 3 questions of its own on top of the main essay (answer all three). Its supplemental essays page lists each one word for word with the word limit.
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