Elon University (EU) Academics and Unique Programs

Academics

Elon University is located in the beautiful Piedmont region of North Carolina. The University is known for excellence in Liberal Arts and Science and is a national model for engaged learning. By implementing and carefully following a well-structured strategic plan, Elon University has quickly risen to a level of national prominence. Elon University offers both undergraduate and graduate programs.

The University is divided into several colleges and learning centers including the College of Arts and Science, Martha Spencer Love School of Business, School of Communications, School of Education and School of Law. The College of Arts and Sciences is the backbone of Elon University. Graduate programs at Elon University are offered in Physical Therapy, Physicians Assistant, Law, MBA, Education and Interactive Media.

Elon believes the foundation of a strong education begins with the relationship between faculty and students. Elon University students engage in experiential education with 78 percent of students completing internships, one-third of students holding at least one campus leadership position, and about 250 students annually working with faculty members on undergraduate research projects.

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Information Summary

Ranks 5th in North Carolina and 135th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	94.2
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$51,049
Admission Success rate	N/A
ACT / SAT 75%ile scores	30 / 1330
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	15 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	90% / N/A
Enrollment Total (all students)	6,991

Unique Programs

Students at Elon University have many opportunities for international studies and study abroad programs through the Isabella Cannon International Center. In 2010, over 70% of Elon’s graduating seniors had studied abroad at least once. The University is ranked #1 in the country for number of students who study abroad and was one of four institutions to receive the prestigious 2007 Senator Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization from NAFSA: Association of International Educators.

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Admissions

Elon University has a highly selective admissions process. In 2010, 9000 applications were received for the 1400 available freshmen and transfer spaces. Among students in the class of 2014, 32% were ranked in the Top 10% and 68% were ranked in the Top 25% of their high school class. Students are required to submit academic records, SAT or ACT scores with writing, guidance counselor evaluations, examples of extracurricular activities, and an essay. The application process begins in November and runs through the spring. Freshmen applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Students wishing to pursue graduate education at Elon University are advised to contact the specific program directly to get the most current admission requirements.

Financial Aid

Students from North Carolina receive a grant from the North Carolina General Assembly. The Financial Aid office can assist students in identifying options to help cover the cost of attending Elon University. The university offers scholarships and grants that are need-based, merit-based, and talent-based. In addition, loans, student employment, ROTC and Engineering scholarships are available.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 1579th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in North Carolina.

Students

Elon University encourages students to live on campus and has a goal of having 75% of undergraduate students living on campus. On-campus housing includes both residence halls and apartments. Elon University residents live in learning communities, which are groups of students who live together and share the same classes and interests. Elon University’s learning communities have been ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. World & News Report.

Elon University has a very active student body. The university has over 160 active student organizations, 25 social fraternities and sororities, intramurals and club sports, residence hall activities, and a student government. The Multicultural Center offers student programs in multicultural education, scholarship, mentoring and support. The Student Mentors Advising Rising Talent (S.M.A.R.T.) program links returning students with incoming students. Hand-to-hand Mentors are faculty and staff mentors who provide additional support to students.

Other programs include D.E.E.P., Diversity Emerging Education Program; multicultural student council; and Multicultural leadership roundtable. Each week Elon hosts a traditional College Coffee. This event brings faculty, staff and students together in a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy coffee, snacks and conversation.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Student Graduation Demographics

Athletics

Elon University competes in the NCAA Division I Southern Conference and has 16 Intercollegiate men’s and women’s sports teams including football, basketball, soccer and tennis. In 1999, Elon changed their mascot to the Phoenix. Prior to 1999 the Elon mascot was a Fighting Christian. Many felt this mascot was not universally acceptable enough for a Division I sports team. The Phoenix was chosen as a symbol of Elon because in 1923 the campus was nearly completely destroyed by fire and the trustees soon after began planning for Elon’s “rise from the ashes.”

Students at Elon University have access to several world-class athletic facilities including the Koury Center, Jordan Gym and Beck Pool. The University also has one of the best tennis facilities in the nation in the 12 court Jimmy Powell Tennis Center.

Local Community

Elon University is located on a 600-acre campus that has been designated a botanical garden. The campus has been recognized as one of the nation’s most beautiful by Princeton Review. Elon University Forest is a 56-acre land preserve used for education and nature studies.

Alumni

Elon University has a number of notable alumni, including:

Martin Ritt – director, actor, and playwright
Kenneth Utt – actor and produce
Rich Blomquist – Emmy Award winning writer on The Daily Show
Isabella W. Cannon – former Mayor of Raleigh, North Carolina
Jim Morris – Head baseball coach at the University of Miami
Deborah A. Yow – North Carolina State University Athletics Director, formerly University of Maryland’s Director of Athletics

Additional School Information

Elon University is known for being a leader in engaged learning. The Kernodle Center for Service Learning and Community Engagement connects Elon students and faculty with community service organizations. Elon Volunteers, a student-run organization, is housed in the center and organizes community service opportunities, service-learning courses, and service-related trips over school breaks. Elon University has been recognized as a national leader in civic engagement by the Carnegie Classification on Civic Engagement. The University has also earned a Presidential Award in the first President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.

Bibliography

Elon University Admissions. Web. 23 July 2011. <www.elon.edu/e-web/administration/president/strategicplan2020/default.xhtml>

Elon University Financial Aid. Web. 23 July 2011. <www.elon.edu/e-web/admissions/FinancialAid>

Elon University International Studies. Web. 23 July 2011 <www.elon.edu/e-web/academics/international_studies/awards.xhtml>

Keller, George. Transforming a College: the Story of a Little-Known College’s Strategic Climb to National Distinction. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins UP, 2004. Print.

Elon University