Elon University Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit scholarships and eligibility ranges
- Competitive full-tuition Fellowships and Honors programs
- Leadership, research, and service-based opportunities
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~78%
- Middle 50% ACT: 25–30
- Middle 50% SAT: 1180–1370
- Average GPA (HS): ~4.0 (weighted)
Source: Elon University Common Data Set and Office of Admissions (2024–25). Middle 50% = range where half of admitted students fall.
Comparing multiple schools? Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
Elon at a Glance
Intro FAQs
Does Elon award automatic scholarships?
Yes. All admitted students are automatically considered for academic scholarships, typically $6,000–$15,000 per year.
What are Elon’s top competitive awards?
Honors Fellows and several Fellows programs can reach full tuition with stipends, and the Odyssey Scholars program can cover the full cost of attendance with additional support.
How do the Fellows programs work?
Fellows (Business, Communications, Leadership, STEM, Global, Elon College, etc.) offer faculty mentoring, research support, and global study opportunities. Admission is separate and highly competitive.
Is Elon test-optional?
Yes. Students may apply without SAT/ACT scores; if submitted, scores are considered within a holistic review.
When should students apply?
Submit applications by January 15 for Fellows and Honors consideration, and file the FAFSA/CSS Profile by February 1.
Elon University Admissions — Class Profile & Testing — https://www.elon.edu/u/admissions/undergraduate/explore/first-year-class-profile/
Elon University Scholarships — Merit-Based — https://www.elon.edu/u/admissions/undergraduate/financial-aid/scholarships/merit-based-scholarships/
Honors, Fellows & Scholars Programs — https://www.elon.edu/u/admissions/undergraduate/financial-aid/fellows-and-scholars-programs/
Honors Program (scholarship amounts) — https://www.elon.edu/u/admissions/undergraduate/financial-aid/fellows-and-scholars-programs/honors-fellows/
Odyssey Scholars (scope/coverage) — https://www.elon.edu/u/academics/access-and-success/odyssey-scholars/scholarships/
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (Average Annual Cost $41,048) — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?198516-Elon-University=
Elon University Common Data Set 2024–25 — https://www.elon.edu/u/oir/common-data-set/
💰 Cost of Attendance at Elon University
| Expense | In-State | Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (12–18 credits) | $48,723 | $48,723 |
| Housing & Meals | $16,940 | $16,940 |
| Total (billed by the university) | $65,663 | $65,663 |
Other estimated costs not paid directly to Elon—such as books & supplies, transportation, and personal expenses (roughly $3,500 combined on Elon’s COA page)—are excluded from the table because they are not billed by the university.
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 $41,048 per year after grants and scholarships. That’s lower than the $69k total COA (which includes indirect allowances) 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.
Elon Tuition & Aid (2025–26 COA totals and housing/meal figures) — https://www.elon.edu/u/admissions/undergraduate/financial-aid/tuition-and-aid/
Student Financial Services: Undergraduate Tuition & Fees (fee components totaling $48,723) — https://www.elon.edu/u/fa/sfs/tuition-and-fees/
Applying for Financial Aid (CSS Profile required for institutional need-based aid) — https://www.elon.edu/u/admissions/undergraduate/financial-aid/applying-for-financial-aid/
College Scorecard (Average Annual Cost $41,048, 2022–23) — https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?198516-Elon-University=
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships (Elon University)
These awards are made during admission review—no separate scholarship application unless noted. All admitted students are considered automatically for the scholarships below.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Presidential Scholarship | $8,000–$12,000 per year | High-achieving admitted students; strong high school record (academics, rigor, and optional scores) | No | Yes (good standing required) | Roughly top 15% of admits; 3.8+ GPA, strongest transcripts, and test scores (if submitted) strengthen chances | November 1 (application deadline for priority consideration) |
| Elon Engagement Scholarship | $5,000 per year + one-time $2,000 Elon Experience grant |
All first-year applicants are considered; academic record and application essay reflecting fit with experiential learning | No | Yes (meet academic standards) | Wide range; strong academics & a compelling, engaged application essay | November 1 (priority deadline) |
| International Scholar Award | $5,000–$10,000 per year | Outstanding international students (non-U.S. citizens); merit based (academics, English proficiency, leadership) | No | Yes | International applicants with excellent records, leadership, and English skills | November 1 (priority deadline) |
Automatic Merit FAQs
Do they superscore SAT/ACT?
Yes—Elon combines your highest section scores across test dates for admission and scholarship review. Always check the current testing policy page for any updates.
Is Elon test-optional?
Yes. Most first-year applicants can apply without test scores. Homeschooled and Nursing applicants must submit SAT/ACT scores. Self-reported scores are accepted at application (official scores required if you enroll and reported them).
Can Presidential and Engagement stack?
No—students receive either a Presidential or Engagement Scholarship, not both. Program-based and need-based awards can sometimes stack with merit; official eligibility appears in your package.
What financial forms are needed for merit aid?
None. All automatic merit awards are admission-based and do not require FAFSA/CSS Profile. (FAFSA and CSS Profile are needed for Elon’s need-based and select programmatic scholarships.)
https://www.elon.edu/u/admissions/undergraduate/financial-aid/scholarships/
https://www.elon.edu/u/admissions/undergraduate/financial-aid/institutional-scholarships/
https://www.elon.edu/u/admissions/undergraduate/financial-aid/dates-deadlines/
https://eloncdn.blob.core.windows.net/admissions/FinancialAidScholarships.pdf
🏆 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.)
https://www.elon.edu/u/admissions/undergraduate/financial-aid/scholarships/
https://www.elon.edu/u/admissions/undergraduate/financial-aid/institutional-scholarships/
https://www.elon.edu/u/admissions/undergraduate/financial-aid/dates-deadlines/
https://eloncdn.blob.core.windows.net/admissions/FinancialAidScholarships.pdf
🎖️ 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? | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | November 10 |
| 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 | November 10 |
| 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 | November 10 |
| 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 | November 10 |
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.
https://www.elon.edu/u/academics/honors-program/
https://www.elon.edu/u/admissions/undergraduate/financial-aid/scholarships/
https://www.elon.edu/u/admissions/undergraduate/financial-aid/dates-deadlines/
https://www.elon.edu/u/academics/health-sciences/jane-macon-baird-scholarship/
https://eloncdn.blob.core.windows.net/admissions/FinancialAidScholarships.pdf
⭐ 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.”
📎 Official Links
- 📎 Elon University — Homepage
- 📎 Elon University — Honors Program
- 📎 Elon University — Scholarships & Financial Aid