Degree Dividend
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Elon University vs Chamberlain University-North Carolina: which has better ROI?

Private nonprofit, Elon NC · vs · Private for-profit, Charlotte NC

The verdict

Chamberlain University-North Carolina has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $153,744 in 3.5 years versus 6.3 years at Elon University, on median earnings of $92,405 vs $74,545 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureElon UniversityChamberlain University-North Carolina
Net price / yr$41,555$38,436
Total net cost$166,220$153,744
Median earnings, 10 yrs$74,545$92,405
Median debt$20,500$20,919
Payback6.3 yrs3.5 yrs
20-year net return$357,480$727,156

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, Elon University or Chamberlain University-North Carolina?

Chamberlain University-North Carolina, at $38,436 a year after aid versus $41,555 — a gap of $3,119 a year, or $12,476 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do Elon University or Chamberlain University-North Carolina graduates earn more?

Chamberlain University-North Carolina graduates report a median $92,405 ten years after entry, $17,860 more than the $74,545 at Elon 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, Elon University or Chamberlain University-North Carolina?

Elon University: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $20,919 at Chamberlain University-North Carolina, a difference of $419. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Elon University vs Chamberlain University-North Carolina: frequently asked questions

Is Elon University or Chamberlain University-North Carolina a better value?
Chamberlain University-North Carolina. It clears its $153,744 net cost in about 3.5 years versus 6.3 years at Elon University, on median earnings of $92,405 vs $74,545 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Elon University or Chamberlain University-North Carolina?
Chamberlain University-North Carolina: $38,436/yr net price after aid versus $41,555/yr at Elon University — a difference of $3,119 a year, or about $12,476 over four years.
Do Elon University or Chamberlain University-North Carolina graduates earn more?
Chamberlain University-North Carolina graduates earn a median $92,405 ten years after entry, versus $74,545 at Elon University — a $17,860 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.