Elon University
Founded in 1889, Elon is a medium-sized, private university located in Elon, a small town in North Carolina’s Piedmont Region. The 600-acre campus is known for its Georgian style brick buildings and includes a botanical garden and has a 56 acre forest/land preserve. With an acceptance rate of 74%, Elon has become a popular choice amongst northerners; only about 20% of students are from North Carolina. There is currently a test optional policy and approximately 25% of enrolled first year students submitted SAT scores (avg 1220) and 17% submitted ACT scores (avg. 27). Of the 6,300 undergraduate students, 60% are female and 40% are male.
Professors at Elon are known to be supportive, and small class sizes are a priority; the average class has twenty students. Elon offers over seventy majors and the most popular are business, drama, communications and education. Undergraduates follow a core curriculum made up of a broad range of liberal arts and science requirements. In addition, all students fulfill an Experiential Learning Requirement (ELR) by completing two of the five Elon Experiences – Undergraduate Research, Internship, Service Learning, Study Abroad or Leadership. The first- year learning experience includes participation in the Common Reading Program and Elon 101 “The Global Experience”, a seminar that meets weekly in small groups.
Elon students are involved in over two hundred campus clubs/organizations and forty intramural/club sports. The Kernodle Center for Civic Life partners with local organizations and student groups to plan and provide opportunities for the 80% of students who volunteer their time. Greek life is popular at Elon. About 40% of students are members of the twenty-six fraternities and sororities. On weekends, students gravitate to the Greek scene and off-campus parties. There are also weekly campus events such as comedy shows, concerts and game nights sponsored by the Student Union. Elon’s seventeen intercollegiate Phoenix teams participate in Division 1’s Colonial Athletic Association.
There is a two-year housing requirement, and students live in eight campus neighborhoods. Housing options range from traditional dorms to university owned apartments. Additionally, there are over 24 living learning communities where students can choose to live with peers who share common interests, passions or majors.
Fun Facts About Elon
Elon is the Hebrew word for “oak tree”. At convocation, incoming freshmen receive an acorn and at commencement, graduates are given an oak sapling. This tradition is meant to symbolize growth and change.
The Phoenix, the school’s mascot, symbolizes Elon’s recovery from a tragic fire in 1923.
December’s Festival of Lights & Luminaries celebrates the diverse identities and customs on campus. During the festival, the campus is decorated with thousands of lights & luminaries.
The College Spy Gets the Inside Scoop from a Current Phoenix
What is the best food or meal at the dining hall?
Every student has a different answer to this question, which is a testament to how great the dining options are here! Personally, I enjoy Lakeside Breakfast with the Acai Bowl station, Omelette bar, and Waffle bar.What is something you wish a current student had told you when you were applying ?
Demonstrated interest is tracked! Make sure to get to know your admissions counselor. Also, the vibe here is very similar to camp, the student body is extremely friendly, and overall, it is an incredible environment.What is the best dorm to live in as a freshman?
They are all great options, and I would be thrilled to live in any. East neighborhood has great dorms. Historic neighborhood has a great culture, Global neighborhood has a great location, and Collonades neighborhood has the nicest buildings, in my opinion.If you could wave a magic wand, what would you change about your college?
I would like more successful sports teams
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