Short answer: the middle 50% of first-year students who enrolled at Elon University scored about 1130 to 1280 on the SAT, with an average of 1208. That means a quarter of enrolled first-years scored 1130 or lower and a quarter scored 1280 or higher. These numbers come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
Elon at a glance
SAT middle 50%: 1130 to 1280 | Average: 1208
Reading and Writing: 580 to 650 | Math: 550 to 630
ACT middle 50%: 23 to 28
Admission rate: 66.3%
Elon SAT scores by section
| Section | 25th percentile | 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Reading and Writing | 580 | 650 |
| Math | 550 | 630 |
| Total (sum of sections) | 1130 | 1280 |
The total row adds the two section numbers, so treat it as a close estimate, not an exact percentile of total scores. For comparison, the average SAT score for the class of 2026 was 1045 (528 Reading and Writing, 517 Math), according to College Board.
Does Elon require the SAT?
For most applicants, no. Elon offers a test-optional program for students enrolling in fall 2027, and says success in high school is the best predictor of success in the first year at Elon. But some applicants must send scores:
- Direct-admit Nursing: scores are required, with a minimum SAT of 1100 (or ACT 22).
- Homeschooled students: scores are required for admission and scholarships.
- Transfer students: usually must send high school SAT or ACT scores, with some waivers.
- Self-report: allowed on the application. Admitted students send an official score before enrolling.
- After you enroll: Elon asks enrolling students who took a test to send their scores, which it uses to place you in first-year courses and to study the policy.
- Selectivity: Elon says it gets about 19,000 applications for 1,600 first-year seats.
What SAT score should you aim for?
Elon’s middle 50% is about 1130 to 1280 among students who sent scores. Send your score if it is 1130 or higher. At 1280 or higher, it is in the top quarter.
If you are applying to Nursing, 1100 is the hard minimum, so aim well above it. Elon’s Reading and Writing range (580 to 650) is a little higher than its Math range (550 to 630).
Where do you stand against Elon’s range?
Take a free full-length practice test and compare your section scores to 650 (Reading and Writing) and 630 (Math).
How to close the gap
- Find your weaker section by comparing each score to Elon’s 75th percentile above.
- Practice at the top difficulty level. Scores in this range come from getting the hardest questions right. Try these hard SAT math questions and this hard SAT English practice test.
- Drill your weak skills in Targeted Practice.
- Compare schools with similar ranges in the College Finder.
Frequently asked questions
What SAT score do you need for Elon?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1130 to 1280.
What is the average SAT score at Elon?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1208.
Does Elon require the SAT?
Mostly no. Elon is test-optional for fall 2027, but direct-admit Nursing (minimum 1100 SAT) and homeschooled applicants must send scores.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard: Elon University (latest admissions data, accessed October 2026).
- Elon Admissions, Test-Optional Frequently Asked Questions.
- Elon Admissions, Application Requirements.
- College Board Newsroom, Class of 2026 SAT results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What SAT score do you need for Elon?
There is no cutoff, but the middle 50% of enrolled first-year students scored about 1130 to 1280.
What is the average SAT score at Elon?
College Scorecard lists an average of 1208.
Does Elon require the SAT?
Mostly no. Elon is test-optional for fall 2027, but direct-admit Nursing (minimum 1100 SAT) and homeschooled applicants must send scores.