Key Points:
- Elon to merge with Queens by August 2026.
- Both face enrollment and financial issues.
- Students are uncertain about programs and degrees.
Boards of Trustees Approve Agreement as Both Schools Face Enrollment and Financial Pressures. Elon University announced on Sept. 16 that it will merge with Queens University of Charlotte, a move designed to strengthen academic offerings and expand Elon’s presence in North Carolina’s largest city. The merger was unanimously approved by both institutions’ Boards of Trustees and, if finalized this fall, will give Elon operational control of Queens by August 2026.
The merger does not include a name change for either university, but Queens would become home to several of Elon University’s graduate programs, including law and sport management. Elon leaders cited their growing footprint in Charlotte and rising demand for graduate education as key reasons for pursuing the merger.
Students and Alumni React With Surprise and Uncertainty
The announcement caught many students off guard. Elon University’s sophomore Sophie Willen, who transferred from Queens earlier this year, described the moment as shocking.
“My jaw dropped, actually, and my roommate was standing right next to me,” Willen said. “I remember when I was in Queens, there was a lot of talk about financial issues.”
Willen explained that she transferred in search of a stronger community, something she felt Queens lacked outside of athletics or local ties.
Recent Queens graduate Jenna Livingston also expressed disappointment, saying the merger left her uncertain about the future recognition of her degree.
“It’s sad to see that the school that I graduated from no longer exists,” Livingston said. “The question that comes up the most is what their degree is going to say – Elon, Charlotte, or Queens University of Charlotte?”
Queens has already seen significant financial and enrollment challenges. Between the 2023–24 and 2024–25 academic years, its total enrollment dropped by 13.4%. Financial records show the institution operated with a net loss of about $20.5 million in 2023 despite generating $88.4 million in revenue.
National Trend of Mergers Among Smaller Private Universities
Higher education experts note that mergers like this one are becoming more common, particularly for small private institutions struggling with declining enrollment and rising costs.
“What’s happening is these institutions are often struggling to raise additional revenue,” said higher education analyst Rick Seltzer. “They cannot get more net tuition revenue, or if they can get it, it’s not keeping up with the expense increases they’re facing.”
Elon University, while significantly larger than Queens, has also experienced enrollment declines. Undergraduate enrollment fell by 11.6% in the most recent academic year. In total, Elon enrolled about 6,452 undergraduates and 787 graduate students in 2024–25, compared with Queens’ 1,225 undergraduates and 374 graduate students.
Experts warn that demographic changes may continue to put pressure on institutions. Due to declining birth rates following the Great Recession, colleges nationwide are anticipating fewer high school graduates in the coming decade, particularly affecting small liberal arts schools.
“Colleges struggle with cost-cutting,” Seltzer added. “It’s a slow, hard process, and in many cases, especially at small private institutions, there isn’t a ton that you can cut without it being a problem.”
Elon University’s Expansion in Charlotte
Elon already operates several programs in Charlotte, including a flexible law program and a sport management initiative. A physician assistant program is also set to launch there in 2027. University leaders said the merger provides an opportunity to expand graduate offerings where student demand is growing.
“There is demand for other graduate programs,” said Jim Piatt, Elon’s senior vice president of advancement and external affairs. “We naturally think that could be a really good synergy for Elon and Queens moving forward.”
Elon President Connie Book is scheduled to meet with students, faculty, and staff in the coming weeks to answer questions. Queens will also host discussions with its students and alumni in October.
The Boards of Trustees from both institutions will meet jointly in October to finalize details. A formal approval vote is expected in November. If the process stays on schedule, Elon University will begin operations at Queens on Aug. 1, 2026.