Updated 12:50 p.m. Jan. 30 to include additional information from Elon University President Connie Book.
Elon University’s tuition and fees will increase by $2,645 for the 2026-27 academic year, which is a 5.42% increase from current tuition and fees.
Elon’s total cost of attendance for incoming students — which includes tuition, fees, food and housing costs — will increase by 4.93% for the 2026-27 academic year, an increase of about $3,240.
Currently, Elon's total cost of attendance is $65,663. Next year, the total cost of attendance will be $68,903 according to Elon's admissions website.
The last tuition increase — 3.81% for the 2025-26 academic year — went toward faculty and staff pay, as well as student initiatives such as free laundry on campus.
In an email to university families, Elon President Connie Book wrote that the increase supports Elon’s commitment to preparing students for lives of purpose, leadership and service by expanding academic programs and facilities, advancing student well-being, enhancing support for alumni and developing and retaining exceptional faculty and staff.
“These investments reflect our belief that affordability and quality must go hand in hand,” Book wrote in the email. “They ensure that Elon continues to offer an educational experience defined by exceptional teaching, close faculty-student relationships, innovative programs and a vibrant campus life that supports students academically, socially and professionally.”
For the 2024-25 academic year, Elon’s tuition increased by 4.96%. For 2023-24, Elon had a 5.14% increase in tuition. For 2022-23,Elon’s tuition increased by 9%. Previously, tuition had not increased more than 4% for any year since the 2011-12 academic year.
As part of Elon University’s Boldly Elon Strategic Plan, Elon’s Long Range Planning Committee chose 15 peer institutions that it feels compare with Elon based on criteria such as size, scope and resources. Compared to these peer institutions, Elon’s estimated cost of attendance for the current 2026-27 academic year is $4,283 to $25,889 less expensive.
However, Elon ranks higher in total cost of attendance for out-of-state, undergraduate students when compared to the other four-year universities in North Carolina. Based on College Tuition Compare’s 2025 Most Expensive North Carolina Colleges, Elon ranks fourth in highest cost of attendance for out-of-state students.
Student Financial Services did not respond to Elon News Network’s immediate request for comment.
Elon's Student Government Vice President of Communications Kennedy Steiner said that SGA will not comment on the increase.