University of North Carolina at Charlotte 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 6.9 years at University of North Carolina at Charlotte, on median earnings of $74,545 vs $57,289 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Elon University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $15,435 | $41,555 |
| Total net cost | $61,740 | $166,220 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $57,289 | $74,545 |
| Median debt | $21,500 | $20,500 |
| Payback | 6.9 yrs | 6.3 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $116,840 | $357,480 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of North Carolina at Charlotte or Elon University?
University of North Carolina at Charlotte, at $15,435 a year after aid versus $41,555 — a gap of $26,120 a year, or $104,480 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of North Carolina at Charlotte or Elon University graduates earn more?
Elon University graduates report a median $74,545 ten years after entry, $17,256 more than the $57,289 at University of North Carolina at Charlotte. 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, University of North Carolina at Charlotte or Elon University?
Elon University: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $21,500 at University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a difference of $1,000. 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 69% at University of North Carolina at Charlotte. 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.