About

Elon University

Elon University is a dynamic private comprehensive university known for excellent arts and sciences along with outstanding professional programs. Elon is located in the Piedmont region of North Carolina, east of Greensboro and northwest of Raleigh/Durham. Founded by the Christian Church (now the United Church of Christ) in 1889, Elon is situated on a beautiful and historic 575-acre campus.

Elon’s 4,992 undergraduate and 636 graduate students come from 43 states, the District of Columbia and 51 other nations. About 28 percent are from North Carolina, with 10 percent from Maryland, 8 percent from Virginia and many students from New England, Ohio, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida.

Elon’s 343 full-time faculty teach in 51 undergraduate majors. The university includes Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences; the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business; the School of Communications; the School of Education; and the School of Law. Master’s programs are offered in business administration and education, and doctoral programs include physical therapy and law. Elon operates on a 4-1-4 academic calendar, including a four-week term in January.

Elon is recognized as a national leader in engaged learning, with top ratings in the National Survey of Student Engagement. U.S.News & World Report named Elon the nation’s #1 “school to watch” in its 2009 “America’s Best Colleges guide,” and Newsweek-Kaplan named Elon the hottest college in the nation for student engagement in its 2006 guide. Elon sends more undergraduate students to study abroad than any other master’s-level school in the nation. Elon was named one of the top three universities in the nation for community service by the federal government’s Corporation for National and Community Service. In addition, 80 percent of students complete internships, one-third of students hold at least one leadership position in the 150 campus organizations and programs, and about 250 students perform undergraduate research with faculty mentors each year.

U.S.News & World Report ranks Elon #2 among southern master’s-level universities, and the Fiske Guide to Colleges ranks Elon one of 26 “best buy” private universities. The Education Trust recognizes Elon for excellence in freshman retention and outstanding graduation rates. Elon is recognized by Princeton Review for having one of the nation’s most beautiful campuses. The wooded grounds have been designated a botanical garden.

Elon Phoenix athletics include 16 intercollegiate men’s and women’s sports in NCAA Division I (I-AA football), and Elon is a member of the Southern Conference. In addition, many students actively participate in 18 intramural and 21 club sports.

Elon’s core values have remained constant through decades of growth: close relationships between faculty and students, a culture that supports constant innovation, and a strong sense of community. Each Tuesday morning, students, faculty and staff gather around Fonville Fountain for refreshments and fellowship during “College Coffee.” Weekly chapel services in historic Whitley Auditorium provide an interfaith worship experience. Daily events, spontaneous gatherings and sidewalk conversations are the hallmarks of this friendly and welcoming academic community.

Elon University is a member of Project Pericles®, a national organization of colleges and universities committed to make socially responsible and participatory citizenship an essential part of our educational program – in the classroom, on the campus, and in the community.