Head-to-head comparison
Elon University vs Chamberlain University-North Carolina: which has better ROI?
Option A Elon, NC
Elon University
- Net price / year
- $41,555
- Earnings, 10 years
- $74,545
- Payback
- 6.3 yrs
Option B Charlotte, NC
Chamberlain University-North Carolina
- Net price / year
- $38,436
- Earnings, 10 years
- $92,405
- Payback
- 3.5 yrs
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.)
| Measure | Elon University | Chamberlain 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 |
| Payback | 6.3 yrs | 3.5 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $357,480 | $727,156 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
The short answer
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.
The short answer
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.
The short answer
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.