East Carolina University vs Elon University: which has better ROI?
Elon University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $166,220 in 6.3 years versus 9.3 years at East Carolina University, on median earnings of $74,545 vs $55,146 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | East Carolina University | Elon University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,739 | $41,555 |
| Total net cost | $62,956 | $166,220 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $55,146 | $74,545 |
| Median debt | $22,750 | $20,500 |
| Payback | 9.3 yrs | 6.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $72,764 | $357,480 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, East Carolina University or Elon University?
East Carolina University, at $15,739 a year after aid versus $41,555 — a gap of $25,816 a year, or $103,264 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do East Carolina University or Elon University graduates earn more?
Elon University graduates report a median $74,545 ten years after entry, $19,399 more than the $55,146 at East Carolina University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, East Carolina University or Elon University?
Elon University: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $22,750 at East Carolina University, a difference of $2,250. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
84% of students finish at Elon University, against 63% at East Carolina University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.