Head-to-head comparison
Elon University vs Galen Health Institutes-Asheville: 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 Asheville, NC
Galen Health Institutes-Asheville
- Net price / year
- $28,602
- Earnings, 10 years
- $61,480
- Payback
- 4.4 yrs
Galen Health Institutes-Asheville has the better ROI: it clears its 2-year net cost of $57,204 in 4.4 years versus 6.3 years at Elon University, on median earnings of $61,480 vs $74,545 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Elon University | Galen Health Institutes-Asheville |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $41,555 | $28,602 |
| Total net cost | $166,220 | $57,204 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $74,545 | $61,480 |
| Median debt | $20,500 | $24,166 |
| Payback | 6.3 yrs | 4.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $357,480 | $205,196 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
The short answer
Which is cheaper, Elon University or Galen Health Institutes-Asheville?
Galen Health Institutes-Asheville, at $28,602 a year after aid versus $41,555 — a gap of $12,953 a year, or $109,016 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 Galen Health Institutes-Asheville graduates earn more?
Elon University graduates report a median $74,545 ten years after entry, $13,065 more than the $61,480 at Galen Health Institutes-Asheville. 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 Galen Health Institutes-Asheville?
Elon University: its completers carry a median $20,500 in federal loans versus $24,166 at Galen Health Institutes-Asheville, a difference of $3,666. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.