By Susan Guillory

(Last Updated – 01/2025)

Total Cost of Attendance

Elon University, located in North Carolina, is actually designated as a botanical garden, and it includes the 56-acre Elon University Forest, which is a land preserve for scientific research. But this institution isn’t just a beautiful place. It’s also known for being one of the “best-run colleges,” according to The Princeton Review.

Elon University tuition in 2023-24 was $44,536 for undergraduates. This is about equal to the national average for private undergrad tuition of $43,350.

Financial Aid

To help with the cost of Elon tuition, 75% of students use financial aid, whether that’s student loans, grants, scholarships, or all of the above. For example, 9% of Elon students were awarded Pell Grants, federal funding given to undergraduates who have exceptional financial need.

Elon University is “need-blind,” which means even if you can’t afford to pay out of pocket, it won’t impact your application.

Explore financial aid options: North Carolina Student Loan & Scholarships.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need or merit. Students that qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, or financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, or nonprofit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state, federal, and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

Recommended: The Differences Between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans

Private Student Loans

A number of students at Elon take out student loans to help pay for the cost of their education. This includes federal student loans, which 28% of students took out in the 2022-23 academic year, and private student loans, which 7% of Elon students obtained. These private student loans averaged $31,244 per student per year.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or -affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans, which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for, since it generally has better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your tuition payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

Based on 2023-24 costs, the Elon price for four years of undergrad tuition, fees, room and board, books, and other expenses would be $250,056. This is slightly higher (3.5%) than the national average for four years at private universities, which is $241,680.

This student loan and scholarship information may be valuable as you research schools and costs.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

The cost of Elon is the same for students who live in state and those who are residents of other states. The price of Elon tuition and fees for undergraduates in 2023-24 was $45,436.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Those looking to attend grad school may want to explore their options at Elon. The cost to attend graduate school at Elon University was $20,574 in 2023-24. This is lower than the national average cost of graduate school tuition and fees, which is $21,730 per year.

There are graduate loans to help with these costs.

Cost per Credit Hour

Elon offers students the opportunity to go to school part-time to earn their degree. For those taking less than 12 credit hours, which is considered part-time, the cost per credit hour at Elon University is $1,479. Part-time students also pay reduced fees, including the Student Activity Fee and the Health and Wellness Fee.

Certificates

Elon University’s Love School of Business offers certificates to students related to their field of study. These include technical skills, human resources, and learning and project management certification.

Each certification requires a different number of hours or courses. Students interested in these certificates can learn more by contacting the university.

Campus Housing Expenses

At Elon, all first- and second-year students are required to live on campus. There are eight different residential neighborhoods on campus, each with a cluster of residences and common spaces around a certain theme or set of interests that students can choose.

For upperclass students who choose to live off campus, there are many affordable housing options nearby.

Elon University Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Elon is fairly high. For example, in the fall of 2023, the Elon University acceptance rate was 67%. That means of the 18,791 students who applied, 12,590 of them were accepted to the school.

Admission Requirements

Students who are planning to apply to Elon University will need to submit the following required materials. Other materials, specifically standardized test scores, are recommended, but not required.

Required:

•   Official high school transcript

•   Application essay

Optional:

•   SAT or ACT scores

•   2 letters of recommendation

The deadline for Early Decision at Elon is November 1, with a decision given by December 1 for binding decisions and December 20 for nonbinding decisions. The Regular Decision deadline is January 10, with a decision given by March 20.

SAT and ACT Scores

Although standardized test scores are not required at Elon, it can be helpful for those interested in applying to the university to see scores submitted by students in prior years.

Here are the scores at the 25th and 75th percentile submitted to Elon by students in the fall of 2023.

Popular Majors at Elon University

At Elon University, there are more than 70 majors for students to choose from. Here are 10 of the most popular ones.

1. Strategic Communications

In this program, students learn how organizations, nonprofits, and government agencies communicate through public relations and advertising. Students have the option to study abroad.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 150

2. Marketing

The Marketing program at Elon focuses on three areas: professional selling, supply management, and digital marketing. Students can also get real-world experience through internships.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 131

3. Finance

Finance majors learn about key finance principles and how financial markets and institutions function worldwide. Graduates go on to careers in banking, corporate finance, financial planning, asset management, insurance, and real estate.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 125

4. Psychology

Coursework in the Psychology program includes Lifespan Development, Social Psychology, Adult Psychopathology, Sensation and Perception, and Psychology of Learning.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 120

5. Cinema & Television Arts

The creative students in this program learn about writing and previsualization, visual aesthetics, audience analysis, content distribution, and content production for diverse types of media.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 65

6. Political Science and Government

Political Science students develop communication and analysis skills while learning about theories of politics and political systems and forces in communities. They also gain real-world experience in the processes of public policy.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 60

7. Exercise Science

Majors can focus on Exercise Physiology, Neuroscience, Psychology, Motor Control, or Biomechanics. Courses include Neuromotor Control, Medical Terminology, and Human Anatomy.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 47

8. Media Analytics

The first major of its kind, this program teaches the practice of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data for various media platforms to uncover actionable insights. Students gain the skills and expertise to become data-driven decision makers in the media industry, by diving into topics from Netflix viewership trends to analyzing TikTok and Instagram influencers.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 46

9. Sport Management

This program trains students for careers in professional sports, college athletics, recreation, and sport-related agencies. They take courses that include Research Methods in Sport Management, Sport Sales and Promotion, and Sports and Media.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 39

10. Accounting

Elon’s accelerated 3+1 dual-degree program that allows you to earn a master’s and bachelor’s degree in Accounting in four years.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 31

Graduation Rate

While many students graduate from Elon with their degrees in four years, others require more time to complete their studies, such as six years or eight years. Here are the graduation rates for students who started at Elon University in the fall of 2017:

•  4 years: 78%

•  6 years: 83%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

Elon graduates tend to go on to fairly well-paying jobs. After completing an undergraduate degree at Elon University, alumni typically earn, on average, $75,545. This is significantly higher than the national average salary for the class of 2024, which is $68,516.

By Susan Guillory

Pace University is a private university with campuses located in and around New York City. Composed of ​​seven schools and colleges, Pace offers courses in a wide variety of fields, including business, health care, computer science, sustainability and justice, education, science, law, and fine and performing arts. Known for its small class sizes, Pace combines the resources and advantages of a large university with the personalized attention and focus typically associated with a small college. Here’s an overview of how much it costs to go to Pace, including tuition, housing costs, graduate school costs, and financial aid options.

Total Cost of Attendance

Costs for 2023-24

•   Tuition & Fees: $51,424

•   Books & Supplies: $800

•   Room & Board: $21,790

•   Other Expenses: $2,052

•   Total Cost of Attendance: $76,066

Financial Aid

Pace financial aid tends to be generous. In fact, a full 99% of students receive some form of institutional or government financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and/or student loans. For instance, around 34% of Pace undergraduates receive federal grants and roughly 13% receive state grants. About 57% receive student loans.

Generally, financial aid is monetary assistance awarded to students based on personal need or merit. Students who qualify for financial aid can use it to pay for college costs like tuition, books, and living expenses.

The federal government is the largest provider of student financial aid. However, aid can also be given by state governments, colleges and universities, private companies, and nonprofits. The different types include:

•  Scholarships: These can be awarded by schools and other organizations based on students’ academic excellence, athletic achievement, community involvement, job experience, field of study, or financial need.

•  Grants: Generally based on financial need, these can come from federal, state, private, or nonprofit organizations.

•  Work-study: This federal program provides qualifying students with part-time employment to earn money for expenses while in school.

•  Federal student loans: This is money borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education. It comes with fixed interest rates that are typically lower than private loans.

Colleges, universities, and state agencies use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine financial aid eligibility. The FAFSA can be completed online, but note that state, federal, and school deadlines may differ.

You can find other financial aid opportunities on databases such as:

•  US Department of Education – Search for grants from colleges and universities by state

•  College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS) – A global college scholarship application used by select institutions to award financial aid

•  SoFi Scholarship Finder – Use our handy tool to streamline your search by award type, location, level of study and more.

Recommended: New York Student Loan & Scholarships

Private Student Loans

Many students at Pace take out student loans to help cover Pace tuition. That includes 54% of students who take out federal student loans, and 11% who take out private student loans. Those private loans average $25,743 per academic year.

Private loans are funded by private organizations such as banks, online lenders, credit unions, some schools, and state-based or -affiliated organizations. While Federal student loans have interest rates that are regulated by Congress, private lenders follow a different set of regulations so their qualifications and interest rates can vary widely.

What’s more, private loans have variable or fixed interest rates that may be higher than federal loan interest rates, which are always fixed. Private lenders may (but don’t always) require you to make payments on your loans while you are still in school, compared to federal student loans, which you don’t have to start paying back until after you graduate, leave school, or change your enrollment status to less than half-time.

Private loans don’t have a specific application window and can be applied for on an as-needed basis. However, if you think you may need to take out a private loan, it’s a good idea to submit your FAFSA first to see what federal aid you may qualify for, since it generally has better rates and terms.

If you’ve missed the FAFSA deadline or you’re struggling to pay for school during the year, private loans can potentially help you make your tuition payments. Just keep in mind that you will need enough lead time for your loan to process and for your lender to send money to your school.

Recommended: Guide to Private Student Loans

Projected 4-Year-Degree Price

The total cost to attend Pace University for four years, based on 2023-24 numbers, would be $304,264. This is significantly higher than the national average cost of attending a private university for four years, which is $241,680.

This student loan and scholarship information may be valuable as you research schools and costs.

Undergraduate Tuition and Fees

Costs for 2023-24

Pace University tuition and fees were $51,424 for the 2023-24 academic year. For on-campus housing and food, students paid $21,790. Books and supplies were $800, and other expenses came to $2,052. This puts the full year cost of attendance at $76,066, which is higher than the average cost of attendance for private schools in the U.S. of $60,420.

Graduate Tuition and Fees

Costs for 2023-24

•  Tuition: $28,091

•  Fees: $1,272

•  Total cost: $29,363

The cost for graduate school at Pace, including tuition and fees, was $29,363 for 2023-24. This is somewhat higher than the average annual graduate school tuition and fees in the U.S., which is $21,730.

There are graduate loans available to help with these costs.

Cost per Credit Hour

The cost per credit for all programs at PACE other than the Sands School of Performing Arts is $1,472. The cost per credit for programs offered by the Sands School is $1,634.00.

Campus Housing Expenses

At Pace University, new students are not required to live on campus, though many do. There are five residence halls on the New York City campus and five on the Westchester Campus.

For those who opt to live off campus, there are many nearby housing options.

Pace University Acceptance Rate

The Pace University acceptance rate is 77%, which means that in the fall of 2023, a total of 21,921 students were accepted out of the 28,469 who applied. This makes the Pace University acceptance rate high.

Admission Requirements

Here’s what Pace University requires of students in the application process.

Required:

•  Application (online, Common, or Coalition application)

•  2 letters of recommendation

•  Written essay/personal statement

Optional:

•  SAT or ACT scores

Application deadlines:

•  Early Decision: November 1 (decision will be given by December 1)

•  Early Action I: November 15 (decision will be given by January 2)

•  Early Action II: December 1 (decision will be given by January 2)

•  Regular Decision: February 15 (decision will be given on a rolling basis)

SAT and ACT Scores

Though submitting standardized test scores is optional at Pace, it may be helpful to see how students who did submit scores performed on these tests. Here are the Pace standardized test scores at the 25th and 75th percentile for students who enrolled in Fall 2023.

Popular Majors at Pace University

From liberal arts to sciences, Pace University offers students many challenging and rewarding degree programs. Here’s a look at some of the school’s most popular majors.

1. Nursing

Students can earn a traditional Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Nursing, or an Accelerated BS on Pace’s Westchester campus. They take courses including Anatomy and Physiology I, Basic Microbiology, and Principles of Chemistry for the Health Professions.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 218

2. Business Administration

Pace offers several different Business degrees: a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in General Business or Business Studies, or a BBA combined with a Juris Doctor (JD) or Masters of Business Administration (MBA).

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 92

3. Finance

Not only will Finance majors learn the principles of finance and economics, but they will also have the opportunity to apply the theories in real business settings, including the Student Managed Investment Portfolio (SMIP), which is a University-sponsored portfolio worth approximately $400,000.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 89

4. Accounting

Pace offers several Accounting degrees. This includes a BBA in Accounting CPA Prep, along with combined degrees, such as BBA in Accounting plus a Masters of Arts ( MA) in Financial Management, an MBA, or a Masters of Science (MS) in Taxation.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 78

5. Communication and Media Studies

Students in this program take courses like Media, Culture, and Society; Writing for Electronic Media; Strategic Communication; Organizational Communication; Persuasive Speaking; and Language and Contexts.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 72

6. Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications

In this program, students take classes like Marketing Research, Advanced Marketing Management, Advertising Strategy & Creative, Consumer Behavior, and International Marketing.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 69

7. Theater/Theater Arts Management

At the Sands College of Performing Arts, students can pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor’s of Fine Arts (BFA) in acting, musical theater, directing, stage management, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 66

8. Criminal Justice

Students can either study for a BS in Criminal Justice or combine the degree with a JD. Either way, the rigorous curriculum prepares them for a career in law enforcement, the courts, or correction.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 65

9. Computer Science

Pace University offers both a BA and BS in Computer Science. Classes include Mathematical Structures for Computer Science, Computer Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms, Fundamentals of UNIX and C Programming, and Algorithms and Computing Theory.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 63

10. Economics

Economics majors take courses like Quantitative Analysis and Forecasting, Principles of Economics: Microeconomics, Elementary Statistics, and more.

Undergraduate degrees in 2022-23: 50

Graduation Rate

Many full-time students at Pace need more than four years to finish their degree. These are the PACE graduation rates for students who started in fall 2017:

•  4 years: 49%

•  6 years: 61%

Post-Graduation Median Earnings

Pace University graduates earn a median annual salary of $70,378. This is significantly higher than the median annual salary for all graduates of four-year colleges in the U.S., which is $68,516.

By Lauren Ward

A 604 credit score falls in the fair category, which doesn’t qualify as good (that category is typically reserved for scores of 670 to 739). In addition, the average credit score in America is 717, which is also quite higher than a 604 credit score.

But even with a 604 score, you may qualify for some financing and credit offers. Here’s what you should know about this credit score range and how it could impact your financial future.

What Does a 604 Credit Score Mean?

Credit scores range from 300 to 850, with the higher end representing a better score. When determining if a 604 credit score is good or bad, you need to consider which of the five credit score ranges it falls into. Here are the categories, according to the FICO® system:

•   Poor: 300-579

•   Fair: 580-669

•   Good: 670-739

•   Very Good: 740-799

•   Exceptional (or Excellent): 800-850

As you see, 604 doesn’t fall into the good credit score category. Based on these ranges, it falls into the fair range.

What Factors Impact Your Credit Score?

Credit scores are based on five different types of information captured in your credit report:

•   Your payment history, meaning have you paid on time

•   Amount of debt owed, typically expressed as your credit utilization ratio, or how your balance stacks up against your credit limit

•   Length of credit history

•   Credit mix (for instance, have you managed both installment loans and lines of credit well?)

•   Requests for new credit

With a 604 credit score, you might have a mixture of high levels of debt (especially credit card balances), some late payments, and new accounts.

When you check what your three-digit figure is on a credit scoring model, you may also receive insights into what areas you can focus on to build your score. That information helps you prioritize some of your financial decisions, like paying down debt to lower your amounts owed or pausing new credit inquiries until other ones fall off your report.

Recommended: How to Apply for a Personal Loan

What Else Can You Get with a 604 Credit Score?

With a fair credit score of 604, you may be able to qualify for different types of financing. However, the offers you receive will likely not have as favorable interest rates and terms as would be available if you had a higher score. Here’s how this score impacts your ability to qualify for things like credit cards, auto loans, and more.

Can I Get a Credit Card with a 604 Credit Score?

Credit card companies generally don’t have a specific minimum credit score needed to qualify. Instead, the credit terms generally become less favorable when you have a lower credit score.

For instance, you’ll likely pay a higher APR when you carry balances, since a lower credit score signals to creditors that there’s a higher risk of defaulting on payments. Additionally, you may have a lower credit limit.

When applying for credit cards with a 604 score, focus on cards that cater to those with a fair credit score. A card with a robust rewards program, for instance, is probably designed for people with very good or excellent credit. Applying for out-of-reach cards and getting denied could increase the number of inquiries on your credit report, which chips away at your score over time.

Credit card debt can be challenging to manage. Another option to potentially build your credit score and obtain more favorable financing terms is to roll current debt into a credit card consolidation loan.

This kind of personal loan typically offers a lower interest rate than credit cards offer. It also turns your revolving debt into an installment loan, which can add to your credit mix and simplify your bill paying.

Can I Get an Auto Loan with a 604 Credit Score?

Yes, it is possible to get an auto loan with a 604 credit score. But you should expect to pay a higher interest rate than you would with a higher credit score. That means your loan would cost more over time.

Here’s an example comparing auto loan interest rates for two different credit scores.

•   The average APR for a new car with an excellent credit score is 5.25%, while that number jumps to 15.77% with a poor credit score.

•   The average price of a new car is $47,542.

•   With a 60-month loan and no down payment, the borrower with excellent credit would have a monthly payment of $903 and total interest would cost $6,616.

•   For the same car but with the higher interest rate for a poor credit borrower, the monthly payment would increase to $1,150 and interest over time would cost $21,478.

So while borrowers with lower credit scores can qualify to finance a car, it can be a lot more expensive.

Can I Get a Mortgage with a 604 Credit Score?

Conventional mortgages usually require a credit score of 620 or higher. However, there are several home loan programs designed to help qualify buyers with lower credit scores. Common options include:

•   FHA loans: This mortgage program has a minimum credit score of 580 in order to be eligible for a 3.5% minimum down payment. You can still qualify even with a 500 credit score, but the minimum down payment jumps to 10%.

•   USDA loans: There’s no set minimum credit score for a USDA loan, which is a type of mortgage designed to finance homes in rural areas. Most lenders look for a credit score of 640 or higher. With a 604 credit score, your lender may require extra documentation, like verifying your current rent or mortgage payments and reviewing reference letters.

•   VA loans: This mortgage program is for veterans, service members, and eligible surviving spouses. The minimum credit score is usually 620 for most lenders, but you may be able to find one with more flexible requirements. Like USDA loans, lower credit applicants will likely need additional documents to get approved for a VA loan.

Before you start home shopping with a 604 credit score, consider getting preapproved for a mortgage. That can help you get a realistic idea of what you’ll need to qualify and what kind of interest rate you could get. Depending on what you learn, you might decide to wait a bit before applying for a mortgage so that you can build your credit score and qualify for more options.

Can I Get a Personal Loan with a 604 Credit Score?

With a 604 credit score, you may be able to qualify for a personal loan, especially with lenders who specialize in making loans to borrowers with below average credit. As mentioned with other types of financing, you will likely pay higher interest rates. You may also be limited in how much you’re able to borrow, especially if you have a lot of outstanding debt already. However, given how flexible personal loans can be (that is, you can use the funds as a home renovation or travel loan), it may be worthwhile to research this option.

Compare different loan offers from various lenders by requesting a quote that only involves a soft vs. hard credit inquiry. That way your score won’t be impacted by shopping around. A personal loan calculator shows how different loan amounts and interest rates impact your monthly payment and the overall cost to borrow.

Recommended: A Guide to Unsecured Personal Loans

The Takeaway

A 604 credit score is not considered good. Rather, it falls into the fair category. While you may qualify for loans and lines of credit, you will likely have fewer options than if your score were higher, and you will probably be assessed higher interest rates. With a little time and strategy, you can likely build your score to unlock more opportunities. Consolidating high-interest balances into a single loan could help with this process.

Think twice before turning to high-interest credit cards. Consider a SoFi personal loan instead. SoFi offers competitive fixed rates and same-day funding. See your rate in minutes.