Wofford College vs Elon University

Wofford College and Elon University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning, offer distinct educational experiences. Wofford, a liberal arts college nestled in Spartanburg, South Carolina, boasts a tight-knit community and a rigorous academic curriculum. Elon, a private university located in Elon, North Carolina, prides itself on its innovative approach to teaching and its vibrant campus life. While both institutions share a commitment to academic excellence, they differ in several key aspects, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Explore the comprehensive comparison table below to discover which institution aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences.
Elon University logo

Elon University

Wofford College logo

Wofford College

Overview

Location Elon, North Carolina Spartanburg, South Carolina
Campus setting Suburb: Midsize City: Small
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system 4-1-4 4-1-4
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate
Students retention rate 88.0% 88.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation Methodism

Admission

Acceptance rate 77.7% 52.4%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $60

Graduate: $60
SAT range N/A 1185 - 1330
ACT range N/A 27 - 32
Students submitting SAT score 29.0%
Students submitting ACT score 28.0%
Total number of applicants 17,834 4,351
Total number of admissions given out 13,859 2,282
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,591 459
Yield rate 11.5% 20.1%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $55,647 $62,196
Average net price $40,366 $30,608
Tuition $38,218 $47,845
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $6,593

Meal plan: $6,829
Room/dormitory: $7,930

Meal plan: $6,415
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

67.0%
Average amount $13,677
97.0%
Average amount $33,575
Students receiving federal student loan 30.0%
Average amount $5,259
44.0%
Average amount $5,306
Students taking out private loans 7.0%
Average amount $25,192
7.0%
Average amount $19,842

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 6,302
Men 40.2% Women 59.8%
1,765
Men 48.3% Women 51.7%
Graduate students 825
Men 36.5% Women 63.5%
N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity
Very Low
Very Low
Out-of-state students 80.6% 41.0%
International students 2.0% 1.7%
Campus local/setting Suburb: Midsize City: Small
Dormitory capacity 4,192 1,648
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from North Carolina New Jersey New York Pennsylvania Virginia South Carolina North Carolina Georgia Florida Tennessee

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Legal Profession
  • Health Professions
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Education
  • Physical Science
  • Foreign Languages and Literatures
  • Social Sciences
  • Business
  • Visual & Performing Arts
Students to faculty ratio 12:1 11:1
Institutional accreditation Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Outcome

Graduation rate 83.3% 80.3%
Dropout rate 16.7% 2.0%
Transferred out N/A 17.7%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $101,556
  • Year 2: $104,061
  • Year 3: $105,320
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $64,803
  • Year 2: $71,854
  • Year 3: $78,720
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,320
  • Year 2: $60,016
  • Year 3: $77,567
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $46,276
  • Year 2: $54,192
  • Year 3: $77,220
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,564
  • Year 2: $62,154
  • Year 3: $76,604
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $68,888
  • Year 2: $69,629
  • Year 3: $70,208
Marketing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $50,091
  • Year 2: $50,022
  • Year 3: $64,255
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $44,189
  • Year 3: $59,817
Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $39,293
  • Year 2: $36,674
  • Year 3: $58,053
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $44,055
  • Year 3: $55,617
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $48,463
  • Year 2: $47,729
  • Year 3: $59,172
Business/Managerial Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $43,696
  • Year 2: $41,565
  • Year 3: $54,511
English Language and Literature, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $27,266
  • Year 2: $38,289
  • Year 3: $49,861
Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $32,197
  • Year 2: $34,526
  • Year 3: $43,254
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $20,359
  • Year 2: $27,488
  • Year 3: $36,690
Computer Science (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $42,682
  • Year 3: N/A
Chemistry (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $34,920
  • Year 2: $40,485
  • Year 3: N/A
Psychology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $27,373
  • Year 2: N/A
  • Year 3: N/A
Economics (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: N/A
  • Year 2: $38,472
  • Year 3: N/A
Political Science and Government (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $28,241
  • Year 2: $20,140
  • Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the key differences in campus setting and size between Wofford College and Elon University?

    Wofford College is a smaller, more intimate liberal arts college located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, offering a close-knit community feel on a 175-acre campus. Elon University, situated in Elon, North Carolina, is a larger, more comprehensive university with a broader range of programs and a more expansive 650-acre campus. If you prefer a smaller, more personal environment, Wofford might be a better fit. If you desire a larger campus with more diverse offerings, Elon could be more appealing.

  • How do Wofford College and Elon University compare in terms of academic focus and program offerings?

    Both Wofford and Elon are strong liberal arts institutions. However, Elon offers a wider array of undergraduate and graduate programs, including well-regarded schools of business, communications, and law. Wofford maintains a stronger focus on its core liberal arts disciplines, providing a more concentrated academic experience. Consider your academic interests: if you're drawn to specific professional programs, Elon might be a better choice. If you value a traditional liberal arts education, Wofford is an excellent option.

  • What is the difference in student-faculty ratio and class sizes at Wofford College and Elon University?

    Wofford College boasts a very low student-faculty ratio, typically around 11:1, leading to smaller class sizes and more personalized attention from professors. Elon University also maintains a favorable student-faculty ratio, generally around 12:1, but class sizes may be slightly larger due to the university's larger student body. If direct interaction with professors is a high priority, Wofford's smaller environment might be advantageous.

  • How do the costs of attending Wofford College and Elon University compare?

    Both Wofford College and Elon University are private institutions, and their tuition costs are comparable. However, the overall cost of attendance can vary depending on financial aid packages, scholarships, and living expenses. It's essential to compare the financial aid offers you receive from each institution to determine which is more affordable for your specific circumstances. Use the net price calculators on each college's website to get a personalized estimate.

  • What are the differences in campus culture and student life at Wofford College and Elon University?

    Wofford College is known for its strong sense of community and emphasis on tradition, with a vibrant Greek life presence. Elon University also fosters a strong sense of community, but its larger size allows for a wider range of student organizations and activities. Elon is known for its emphasis on experiential learning and global engagement. Consider what type of campus environment you prefer: a smaller, more traditional setting or a larger, more diverse and globally-focused one.

  • How do Wofford College and Elon University approach career services and post-graduation outcomes?

    Both Wofford College and Elon University offer comprehensive career services to assist students with internships, job placement, and graduate school preparation. Elon University's larger size and broader alumni network may provide a wider range of career opportunities. Wofford's strong alumni network and personalized advising can also lead to successful post-graduation outcomes. Research the specific career services and alumni connections in your field of interest at each institution.

  • What are the athletic programs like at Wofford College and Elon University?

    Wofford College competes in NCAA Division I athletics as a member of the Southern Conference. Their football program is particularly well-known. Elon University also competes in NCAA Division I athletics, as a member of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Both schools offer a variety of varsity sports and opportunities for student involvement in athletics, but the specific sports offered and the level of competition may differ. If athletics are important to you, research the specific programs at each school.

  • How do the locations of Wofford College and Elon University impact the student experience?

    Wofford College is located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, a mid-sized city with a growing downtown area. Elon University is situated in the town of Elon, North Carolina, a smaller college town with a more suburban feel. Spartanburg offers access to outdoor activities and is within driving distance of larger cities like Charlotte and Atlanta. Elon is close to Greensboro and the Research Triangle Park, offering internship and career opportunities. Consider your preference for urban versus suburban environments when making your decision.

  • What are the strengths of Wofford College and Elon University?

    Wofford College excels in providing a personalized liberal arts education with a strong sense of community and close faculty interaction. Elon University is known for its experiential learning opportunities, strong professional programs, and commitment to global engagement. Wofford's strength lies in its focused liberal arts approach, while Elon's strength is its breadth of offerings and emphasis on practical experience.

  • What are some similarities between Wofford College and Elon University?

    Both Wofford College and Elon University are highly regarded private liberal arts institutions with a commitment to academic excellence and student success. They both offer a residential campus experience, a strong sense of community, and opportunities for student involvement. Both institutions also emphasize the importance of a well-rounded education and prepare students for successful careers and lives.

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