Academics
With "one of the best employment rates for college graduates" Elon University's profile has been rapidly rising for some time now, and it's easy to discern why. From the many opportunities for "experiential learning" and the "great resources for research" to "fantastic study abroad program[s]," the university is set up to graduate "well-rounded and passionate future leaders." Moreover, undergrads greatly value the fact that "Elon really works to foster an atmosphere where students can get really close with their professors." A lot of that can be attributed to "small class sizes, weekly coffee open houses, mandatory office hours, etc." And this certainly pays off. As one student elaborates, "Professors of mine have come to see me present at conferences." Of course, it also helps that "all courses are taught by faculty and not graduate students or other TAs." Ultimately, undergrads here love the classroom experience because "professors are so kind and want to get to know [you] as a person not just a student. They truly care for [your] well-being, both physical and emotional. They go above and beyond for students."
Student Body
If you're hoping to attend Elon, be prepared to join a community of "highly motivated" and "highly engaged" peers. As one undergrad immediately shares, "The student body is infamous for being over-involved and very friendly and peppy." Elon students are always eager "to help each other out." One undergrad explains, "Rather than a culture of competition, Elon truly fosters positive collaboration that propels this campus and our community further."
Many feel the university has "historically [been] lack[ing] in racial diversity" and cite the fact that "many students are white, upper middle class, vaguely Christian or Jewish...and from the New England area." However, some argue that you can still find "a diverse group from international students to students of varying religious beliefs and cultural backgrounds." Despite the university's struggles with diversity, many individuals are opening to learning and are "willing to have deep conversations even if they aren't 100% knowledgeable on the topic." A classmate quickly adds that the students here "genuinely care about the well-being of other people and that is apparent in the social activism that is present on campus." Ultimately, "the student body is very inclusive" works to be "welcoming and inviting" to everyone they meet.
Campus Life
When undergrads at Elon need a respite from all their studying, "there are a lot of campus clubs and social activities" for students to choose from. You can pick from a "number of intramural sports leagues" along with tons of volunteer opportunities like "the Village Project, which is tutoring underprivileged elementary students in the town" that are "wellmanaged through the 'Elon Volunteers! office." Additionally, students report that "Greek life is very popular." And if unstructured fun is more your style, you'll often find undergrads "hammocking or picnicking outside" when the weather is nice. On the weekends, you can always find "fraternity parties...on Friday and Saturday nights." Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives if that's not your scene. For example, undergrads can turn to "Late Night Elon" which sponsors many events including "karaoke, drive-in movies [and] trivia nights" as well as "speakers or singers at coffee shops" and even "a late night carnival set up on the quad."
Should people want to steal away from campus for a bit, the great outdoors is always calling. "There are...wonderful hiking areas nearby that my friends and I as well as many other students love to take advantage of on the weekends. Elon also is only a couple hours from the mountains as well as the beach, which is a fun opportunity in the warmer months." The school even has its own program to get students comfortable with exploring nature, whether you're a first-timer or an old pro. "Elon Outdoors is a really cool program...that will take students out hiking, caving, paddle-boarding, etc." Truly, there's something to do for everyone at Elon.