Skip to main content
Return on Investment Analysis

Elon University ROI Analysis

Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.

Quick answer

USACollegeData.com ROI analysis (College Scorecard data): four years at Elon University costs about $178,144 in in-state tuition, and graduates earn a median of $58,082 five years after graduation — the investment breaks even in roughly 7.7 years (20-year ROI: 159%).

ROI Summary

Total 4-Year Cost

$178,144

In-state tuition x 4

Earnings Premium

$23,082/yr

above high school diploma avg

Break-Even Point

7.7 years

After graduation

20-Year ROI

159%

Return on investment

ROI Analysis

One year after graduation, Elon University graduates earn a median salary of $45,880. Five years after graduation, the median salary increases to $58,082, and after ten years, graduates earn $74,545. The in-state tuition cost is $44,536. The median debt for graduates is $20,500, and 24.5% of students receive financial aid.

The debt-to-income ratio for Elon University graduates is favorable. The median debt of $20,500 is less than the one-year post-graduation salary of $45,880. The break-even timeline, or the time it takes for a graduate to earn the cost of tuition, is less than one year based on the one-year post-graduation salary.

Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data

The Numbers

Annual Tuition (In-State)

$44,536

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,500

Median Earnings (5yr)

$58,082

Graduation Rate

83%

Receive Financial Aid

25%

Avg Aid Amount

N/A

Program-Level ROI

Program 4yr Cost Median Earnings (5yr) Est. 20yr ROI
Finance and Financial Management Services $178,144 $87,590 490%
Marketing $178,144 $75,472 354%
Radio, Television, and Digital Communication $178,144 $60,900 191%
Business Administration, Management and Operations $178,144 $80,152 407%
Law $178,144 $66,563 254%
Psychology, General $178,144 $48,045 46%
Political Science and Government $178,144 $67,059 260%
Accounting and Related Services $178,144 $87,359 488%
Public Health $178,144 $45,011 12%
Health and Physical Education/Fitness $178,144 $55,945 135%
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions $178,144 $73,200 329%
Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft $178,144 $34,132 N/A
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods $178,144 $44,611 8%
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions $178,144 $114,055 788%
Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations $178,144 $0 N/A
Journalism $178,144 $52,310 94%
Biology, General $178,144 $48,924 56%
Communication and Media Studies $178,144 $60,125 182%
English Language and Literature, General $178,144 $52,954 102%
Economics $178,144 $73,684 334%
Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management $178,144 $0 N/A
Community Organization and Advocacy $178,144 $38,433 -61%
Computer Programming $178,144 $0 N/A
Visual and Performing Arts, Other $178,144 $31,442 N/A

Peer Comparison

Elon University Current

159%

20yr ROI

Chapman University

84%

20yr ROI

Nova Southeastern University

212%

20yr ROI

Saint Martin's University

160%

20yr ROI

Drake University

133%

20yr ROI

Financial Aid Impact

Before Aid

4-Year Tuition$178,144
Median Debt$20,500

After Aid (Estimated)

Estimated Total Aid$0
Net 4-Year Cost$178,144

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on government data, Elon University has an estimated 20-year ROI of 159%. The total 4-year cost is $178,144 and graduates earn a median of $58,082 within 5 years.

Methodology

ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).

The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.

Back to Elon University Colleges in North Carolina Compare Schools ROI Rankings