Elon University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit ranges and who typically qualifies
- Competitive and hidden-gem scholarships worth a look
- Honors perks and how to stack awards the smart way
If you’re looking at Elon, you’re not alone—this private North Carolina university is nationally known for study abroad and strong undergraduate teaching. For first-gen families especially, understanding how the costs work (and where the scholarships are hiding) can make all the difference. This guide breaks down Elon’s tuition, merit aid, and special programs in plain English, with links to our North Carolina aid guide and the full College Scholarships Hub.
💰 Cost of Attendance at Elon University
| Category | Cost (All Students) |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits) | $48,723 |
| Housing & Meals | $16,940 |
| Books, Travel & Personal (allowance) | $3,500 |
| Total (before aid) | $69,163 |
Reciprocity or Regional Programs: Elon is a private university with one tuition rate for all students. It does not participate in WUE, MSEP, or state reciprocity programs. Families employed at a Tuition Exchange member institution may be eligible for exchange benefits, and North Carolina residents can explore state programs like Teaching Fellows (covered later).
Example: Unlike a public flagship that discounts out-of-state tuition, Elon charges the same rate to all students—so merit aid and need-based aid matter most for lowering the bill.
💡 Note: Elon requires the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA for families seeking need-based aid. That means you’ll fill out more detailed financial forms, but it also opens the door to institutional grants beyond federal aid.
Cost of Attendance FAQs
Who qualifies for lower tuition rates at Elon?
There’s no in-state discount—everyone pays the same sticker price. Savings come through scholarships and aid.
How much do most families actually pay?
The federal average net price is $41,849 per year after grants and scholarships. That’s lower than the $69k sticker price but still above many public universities.
Do I have to apply separately for reciprocity programs?
Not at Elon—since it’s private, reciprocity doesn’t apply. Focus on automatic merit and competitive scholarships listed below.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships (Elon University)
These awards are made during admission review—no separate scholarship application unless noted.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility (Plain English) | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | $8,000–$12,000/yr | Strong high school record; considered automatically during admission. | No | Yes (good standing) | Applicants at or above Elon’s enrolled profile; *est.* 3.8+ weighted GPA; SAT ~1250+ / ACT ~28+ strengthens odds (test-optional considered holistically).* |
| Elon Engagement Scholarship | $5,000/yr + one-time $2,000 Elon Experience grant | All first-year applicants considered; emphasis on academics and application essay fit with experiential learning. | No | Yes | Solid academics and compelling essay reflecting engagement/initiative.* |
| International Scholar Award (non-U.S. citizens) | $5,000–$10,000/yr | Outstanding international applicants; awarded by Admissions. | No | Yes | High rigor and leadership; strong English proficiency and academic fit. |
Note on ranges: Elon publishes broad merit ranges and does not post fixed GPA/test cutoffs; bands above use the latest class profile to give parent-friendly context.*
Automatic Merit FAQs
Do they superscore SAT/ACT?
Yes—Elon has historically combined your highest section scores across test dates (superscoring). This policy appears in Elon’s admissions instructions (“Elon combines your best math and best verbal scores”) and is echoed by current testing policy trackers; re-confirm each cycle as pages update.
Is Elon test-optional?
Yes. Elon is test-optional for most applicants; homeschooled and Nursing applicants must submit SAT/ACT. Self-reported scores are accepted for review; official scores required to enroll if you reported them.
Can Presidential and Elon Engagement stack?
Historically, Elon has treated these as non-stackable base academic awards (you receive one or the other), while Fellows/Honors awards can stack with a base merit offer. Always verify your official package in your financial aid portal.
Do I need the CSS Profile or just FAFSA for merit?
Merit awards listed here are admission-based and do not require financial forms. For need-based aid and programs that require it (e.g., Odyssey), Elon requires both FAFSA and the CSS Profile.
*Estimates disclaimer: “Who Actually Wins?” bands are estimates drawn from Elon’s published class profile and recent cohorts. Elon does not publish fixed GPA/test thresholds for automatic awards.
🏆 Flagship Scholarships (competitive, university-level)
At Elon, the most competitive scholarship dollars are typically routed through the Honors and Fellows programs (covered in their own sections). Elon does not publish separate university-level flagship scholarships distinct from Honors or departmental/talent awards. In keeping with CRP standards, we’re showing the flagship (competitive) table below; if Elon adds a true university-wide flagship award, we’ll list it here.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | — | — | — | — |
Note: At Elon, competitive scholarships are primarily delivered through Honors and Fellows cohorts (highly selective, limited slots). Departmental/talent awards (e.g., music/band) are also competitive but live outside this flagship table. We’ve excluded Honors and departmental awards here by design and will detail them in their sections.
Flagship (Competitive) FAQs
Does Elon offer a separate university-wide flagship full-tuition or full-ride scholarship?
Not at this time. The competitive, selective awards most families think of as “flagship” are embedded in Honors and Fellows, which have their own applications and interviews.
Where should we focus if we’re aiming for competitive, selective money?
Prioritize the Honors Program and a relevant Fellows cohort. Both are competitive (limited slots, essays/interviews) and can stack strategically with base merit.
Can competitive (flagship-style) awards stack with automatic merit?
Typically, an Honors or Fellows award can stack with a base academic merit offer (e.g., Presidential). Always confirm stacking in your official award letter.
Do superscored SAT/ACT results help for competitive review?
If you choose to submit tests, Elon superscores, which can strengthen your academic profile for selective reviews. (Test-optional applicants are assessed holistically.)
⭐ Elon’s Signature Strengths
Elon punches above its weight by centering on **undergraduate experience, global engagement, and high-impact learning**. Its reputation is built less on raw research output and more on *how well it teaches* — Elon is consistently ranked **#1 in undergraduate teaching** by U.S. News.
Elon’s undergraduate business program was ranked **#39 nationally** by Poets & Quants in 2023 (and #24 among private institutions).
- Communications & Journalism / Digital Media — Elon ranks in the top 8 nationally for *Radio, Television & Digital Communication* (CollegeFactual) and among top 30–50 in communications overall.
- Education / Teacher Preparation — Historically ranked among the top 60 via CollegeFactual for education programs.
- Entrepreneurial Studies, Parks, Recreation & Leisure Studies — Among Elon’s highest performing majors per CollegeFactual’s specialty rankings (e.g. entrepreneurial studies ranked #4).
- Study Abroad / Global Education — Elon is ranked **#1 among doctoral universities** in percentage of undergraduates participating in study abroad (87.8%).
- Internship / Career Preparation — Elon is Top 10 nationally for “Best Colleges for Internships / Co-Op Programs.”
🎖️ Honors College
Elon’s Honors Program is the university’s premier academic experience—selective, community-oriented, and designed for students who want deep mentorship, research, and global learning. If your student thrives on challenge and small seminars, this is the fast track to the most rigorous version of Elon.
Top-tier GPA with strong rigor (AP/IB/dual enrollment), standout writing, and a clear interest in research or creative inquiry. Leadership and service are common threads. (*Competitive bands, not minimums.*)
- Small, cohort-based seminars and priority registration
- Faculty mentorship and funded research support
- First-year global study opportunity (Winter Term)
- Living–learning community and tailored advising
Honors Scholarships (Competitive)
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honors Program Scholarship | $15,000/yr + $1,000 Global Study grant + $1,000 Thesis grant | Admitted first-years selected for the Honors cohort; must maintain ≥3.3 cumulative GPA and program participation | Yes (essays + finalist interview) | Yes | High-achieving writers/research-minded students with top rigor; many also competitive for later Lumen Prize |
| Stack with Presidential Scholarship | Up to $12,000/yr additional (max honors+presidential ≈ $27,000/yr) | Honors recipients who also qualify for Presidential (admission-based) | No (automatic with admission review) | Yes (per award rules) | Students at or above Elon’s enrolled academic profile with strong overall application |
| William R. Kenan, Jr. Honors Fellow | Full tuition | One Honors student selected annually | Included in Honors selection | Yes | Top Honors finalist with exceptional academic and research potential |
| Jane Macon Baird Pre-medical Scholarship (Honors) | $4,000/yr (in addition to Honors award) | Honors students on a pre-medical path (separate internal selection) | Yes (program application/selection) | Yes | Pre-med Honors students with strong science preparation and service |
Note on stacking: Honors ($15,000) is awarded in addition to Presidential (up to $12,000), allowing totals up to ≈ $27,000/yr in academic merit. Verify your individual package in your aid portal.
Honors FAQs
Is admission automatic if I have top stats?
No. You must submit the separate Honors application (essays) and complete a finalist interview.
Does Honors add time to my degree?
No. The curriculum is planned for four years with room for research and global study.
What GPA do I need to keep the scholarship?
Maintain at least a 3.3 cumulative GPA and remain in good standing with program requirements.
Can Honors stack with other awards?
Yes. Honors stacks with the Presidential Scholarship (up to $12,000/yr). Departmental/talent awards follow their own policies.
📎 Official Links
- 📎 Elon University — Homepage
- 📎 Elon University — Honors Program
- 📎 Elon University — Scholarships & Financial Aid
Final Thoughts
Elon stands out not because it’s the cheapest option on paper, but because of the real value students receive: strong teaching, global experiences, and merit awards that can stack up to serious savings. For families—especially first-gen parents—it’s important to focus on which awards your student is realistically competitive for (like Presidential plus Honors or Odyssey) and how those can shift the net cost closer to your budget. If Elon feels like the right fit, get those applications in early, since the best scholarships here are both selective and time-sensitive.
✅ Last updated: September 27, 2025