Wingate University vs Elon University

Wingate University and Elon University, both esteemed institutions of higher learning in North Carolina, offer distinct educational experiences. Wingate, a private university with a smaller student body, boasts a higher acceptance rate and a focus on undergraduate education. Elon, a larger private university, offers a more diverse range of graduate programs and a vibrant campus life. While both universities excel in liberal arts and sciences, Wingate is known for its strong pre-professional programs, while Elon is renowned for its communications and performing arts offerings. Explore our comprehensive comparison table to delve into further details about these universities, including acceptance rates, popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates, to help you make an informed decision about your academic journey.
Elon University logo

Elon University

Wingate University logo

Wingate University

Overview

Location Elon, North Carolina Wingate, North Carolina
Campus setting Suburb: Midsize Suburb: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system 4-1-4 Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 88.0% 64.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation

Admission

Acceptance rate 77.7% 84.5%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $60

Graduate: $60
SAT range N/A N/A
ACT range N/A N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants 17,834 17,662
Total number of admissions given out 13,859 14,929
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,591 777
Yield rate 11.5% 5.2%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Not required Not required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $55,647 $57,190
Average net price $40,366 $19,013
Tuition $38,218 $40,070
Room & board
Room/dormitory: $6,593

Meal plan: $6,829
Room/dormitory: $6,770

Meal plan: $3,500
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

67.0%
Average amount $13,677
98.0%
Average amount $33,359
Students receiving federal student loan 30.0%
Average amount $5,259
56.0%
Average amount $5,445
Students taking out private loans 7.0%
Average amount $25,192
25.0%
Average amount $10,227

Students and Campus

Undergraduate students 6,302
Men 40.2% Women 59.8%
2,483
Men 41.4% Women 58.6%
Graduate students 825
Men 36.5% Women 63.5%
956
Men 30.2% Women 69.8%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Very Low
Moderate
Out-of-state students 80.6% N/A
International students 2.0% 4.9%
Campus local/setting Suburb: Midsize Suburb: Large
Dormitory capacity 4,192 2,100
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 N/A

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Business
  • Legal Profession
  • Health Professions
  • Communication and Journalism
  • Education
  • Health Professions
  • Education
  • Business
  • Kinesiology & Leisure Studies
  • Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Students to faculty ratio 12:1 15:1
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% 61.0%
Dropout rate 16.7% 6.2%
Transferred out N/A 32.1%
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
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $102,936
  • Year 2: $116,828
  • Year 3: $120,885
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $82,212
  • Year 2: $84,653
  • Year 3: $114,744
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $101,065
  • Year 2: $105,376
  • Year 3: $114,348
Educational Administration and Supervision (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $74,875
  • Year 2: $81,333
  • Year 3: $80,570
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,475
  • Year 2: $56,867
  • Year 3: $58,487
Biology, General (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $31,058
  • Year 2: $28,598
  • Year 3: $43,147
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $37,685
  • Year 2: $38,289
  • Year 3: $42,124
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $36,521
  • Year 2: $38,289
  • Year 3: $39,329
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $36,907
  • Year 2: $37,671
  • Year 3: $39,276
Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $37,596
  • Year 2: $25,194
  • Year 3: $36,486

Frequently Asked Questions


  • What are the key differences in academic programs between Wingate University and Elon University?

    Elon University offers a broader range of programs, including strong offerings in communications, business, and engineering. Wingate University, while also providing a solid liberal arts education, is particularly known for its programs in pharmacy, physical therapy, and other health sciences, as well as its growing programs in education and business. Elon generally has a wider selection of majors and more specialized programs.

  • How does the campus environment differ between Wingate and Elon?

    Elon University is known for its beautiful, well-maintained campus with a strong emphasis on aesthetics and a vibrant social scene. It has a more active Greek life and a generally larger student body, contributing to a bustling atmosphere. Wingate University offers a more close-knit, community-focused environment. Its campus is smaller and more intimate, fostering closer relationships between students and faculty. Both campuses are considered safe and attractive.

  • What is the cost of attendance like at Wingate University versus Elon University?

    Generally, Elon University has a higher overall cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, room, and board, compared to Wingate University. However, financial aid packages and scholarships can significantly impact the net cost for individual students at both institutions. It's recommended to compare the net costs after financial aid to get a clearer picture of affordability.

  • How do the student bodies compare at Wingate and Elon?

    Elon University has a larger and more diverse student body, drawing students from a wider geographic area and representing a broader range of backgrounds. Wingate University has a smaller student body, which often results in a more personalized learning experience and a stronger sense of community. Both universities have a good mix of in-state and out-of-state students.

  • What are the strengths of the faculty at each university?

    Both universities emphasize quality teaching. Elon University is known for its faculty's commitment to student mentoring and experiential learning opportunities, including internships and research. Wingate University faculty are also dedicated to student success and often provide more individualized attention due to the smaller class sizes. Both universities have faculty with strong academic credentials and practical experience.

  • What are the career services and internship opportunities like at Wingate and Elon?

    Elon University has a well-established and extensive career services department with strong connections to various industries, particularly in communications, business, and media. They offer robust internship programs and career counseling. Wingate University also provides career services, with a focus on its key program areas like health sciences and education, and offers internship opportunities, though perhaps with a slightly narrower scope compared to Elon. Both universities actively assist students with career preparation.

  • How do the extracurricular activities and student life differ?

    Elon University offers a wider array of extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations, catering to a diverse range of interests. Its student life is generally more active and vibrant, with a strong emphasis on social events and Greek life. Wingate University provides a good selection of clubs and activities, but the focus is often more centered on campus events and community involvement, reflecting its smaller, more close-knit environment. Both universities offer a variety of opportunities for student engagement.

  • What is the reputation of each university?

    Elon University has a strong national reputation, particularly for its communications, business, and undergraduate research programs. It is often recognized for its beautiful campus and commitment to student success. Wingate University has a growing regional reputation, especially for its health sciences programs, and is known for its supportive environment and commitment to student well-being. Both universities are well-regarded within their respective spheres.

  • Which university is better for pre-med or health sciences?

    Wingate University is particularly strong in health sciences, including pharmacy, physical therapy, and other related fields. It has a dedicated focus on these programs and often provides excellent preparation for students pursuing careers in healthcare. Elon University also offers pre-med programs and related fields, but Wingate's programs are often considered more specialized and focused in this area.

  • How does the location of each university impact the student experience?

    Elon University is located in a suburban area, offering a balance between a college town atmosphere and access to larger cities like Greensboro and Raleigh. Wingate University is located in a smaller town, providing a more rural and intimate setting. Both locations offer a safe environment, but the surrounding areas offer different types of social and recreational opportunities.

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