Exploring Elon University's Student Population: Numbers And Insights

Elon University is a private university in Elon, North Carolina. Founded in 1889, the university has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,402 (as of Fall 2023) and 787 graduate students. The gender distribution of the student body is 41.2% male and 58.8% female. The university is organised into six schools, most of which offer bachelor's degrees, and several of which offer master's degrees or professional doctorate degrees.

Undergraduate vs graduate student numbers

Elon University, a private university in Elon, North Carolina, has a significantly larger number of undergraduate students compared to graduate students. As of 2023, the university had a total undergraduate enrollment of around 6,400-6,500 students, with a gender distribution of approximately 41% male and 59% female students. In contrast, the number of graduate students was much lower, with around 787 graduate students enrolled.

The undergraduate population at Elon University constitutes the majority of its student body, reflecting a common pattern in many universities where the focus is primarily on undergraduate education. The relatively smaller graduate student population suggests that Elon University's programs are designed to cater to a more specialized group of students pursuing advanced degrees.

The undergraduate enrollment numbers indicate a vibrant and diverse community, with students coming from 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and even 52 countries worldwide. This diversity enriches the educational experience and contributes to a dynamic campus environment.

In contrast, the graduate student population, while smaller in number, represents a more focused group of individuals pursuing specific areas of study at a higher level. Graduate programs often require a more intensive and specialized curriculum, attracting students who wish to delve deeper into their chosen fields.

The disparity in undergraduate and graduate student numbers is not uncommon, as many universities offer a broader range of undergraduate programs, attracting a larger number of students at that level. However, it is worth noting that the number of graduate students at Elon University is still significant, and these students contribute to the overall academic and intellectual environment on campus.

Gender distribution

Elon University in North Carolina has a total of 6,402 undergraduate students as of Fall 2023. The gender distribution is 41.2% male students and 58.8% female students. This means that there are approximately 2,640 male students and 3,762 female students. The remaining students did not report a gender or identify as non-binary.

The university's total enrollment for 2024-25 is 6,502 undergraduate students and 787 graduate students. This brings the total number of currently enrolled students at Elon University to 7,289.

Elon University was founded in 1889 and has since grown and changed in many ways. The university's original student body consisted of 76 students. Over time, the university began enrolling more students from out-of-state and raised its academic standards for admission. By 2000, about 68% of Elon's students were from out-of-state, and the university had become known as a selective institution.

The university is organised into six schools and offers a range of bachelor's, master's, and professional doctorate degrees. The largest of these colleges is Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences, which offers 51 undergraduate majors within three divisions: the Arts and Humanities, the Social and Behavioral Sciences, and the Natural, Mathematical and Computational Sciences.

The gender distribution of Elon University's student body reflects a higher proportion of female students than male students. This distribution is also seen in the breakdown of degree-seeking students, with 59% of degree-seeking students being women and 41% being men.

Geographic origins of students

Elon University in North Carolina has a diverse student population, with enrolments from a wide range of US states and international countries. The university has a total undergraduate enrolment of 6,402 (fall 2023), with a gender distribution of 41.2% male and 58.8% female students.

The majority of Elon University's students come from within the United States, with enrolments from 46 to 49 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The top states for undergraduate enrolments are North Carolina, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and Maryland. The exact order of the top states varies depending on the year and the source. For example, one source lists Massachusetts as the top state for undergraduate enrolments, while another source lists North Carolina.

In addition to enrolments from US states and territories, Elon University also has a significant number of international students. As of 2019, international students at Elon University came from 49 countries. While the exact countries of origin for these international students are not specified, it can be assumed that they come from a diverse range of cultural and geographic backgrounds.

The geographic origins of Elon University's students reflect the university's commitment to diversity and inclusivity. With enrolments from across the United States and around the world, the university offers a rich and varied educational experience for its students.

Student housing

Elon University offers its students a variety of housing options. 69% of students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing, while 31% live off-campus. The university's housing options include apartments for single students (36%), and fraternity housing (2%).

Elon's campus includes a 56-acre forest and a land preserve and natural area for scientific research. The campus is recognised as one of the finest learning environments in the nation and is designated as a botanical garden.

The university guarantees housing for all unmarried students, regardless of the year of study. The cost of food and housing for the 2024-25 academic year is $16,284.

Elon's campus is divided into seven major neighbourhoods: Historic Campus, Central Campus, Global Neighbourhood, The Oaks, The Station at Mill Point, Danieley Center, East Neighbourhood, The Colonnades, and South Campus.

Student enrolment and applications

Elon University is a private university in Elon, North Carolina. Founded in 1889 as Elon College, the university is organised into six schools, most of which offer bachelor's degrees, and several of which offer master's degrees or professional doctorate degrees.

Elon University has a total undergraduate enrolment of 6,402 as of fall 2023. The gender distribution is 41.2% male students and 58.8% female students. The university received 18,548 applications for the 2024-25 academic year, and 1,607 students enrolled. The acceptance rate for the class of 2024 was 69%, with an average grade point average of 4.04, an average SAT score of 1233, and an ACT average of 27.

The university's ranking in the 2025 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #121. It has a four-year graduation rate of 77% and an 89-90% first-year retention rate. The student-faculty ratio is 11:1, and the average class size is 20. Tuition and fees are $46,958, with an additional $16,284 for food and housing.

Elon University's student body is diverse, with students from 46 states and 49 countries as of 2019. The leading suppliers of undergraduates are North Carolina, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, and Maryland. The university's athletic teams compete in NCAA Division I, and the university offers 17 varsity sports teams, known as the Phoenix.

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