Elon University and Queens University of Charlotte have announced plans to merge, a move officials say will create a stronger, more comprehensive institution. The partnership aims to combine resources, expand academic programs, and improve student access in the competitive higher education market.
The merger is scheduled to be finalized with a definitive agreement in December, with the full accreditation process expected to conclude by June 2026. Both universities confirmed that their respective campuses will continue to operate and their NCAA Division I athletic programs will be maintained.
Key Takeaways
- Elon University and Queens University of Charlotte have initiated a merger process, with a final agreement expected by December.
- The combined entity will manage nearly $2 billion in assets and an endowment exceeding $600 million.
- Both the Elon and Charlotte campuses will remain operational, and all NCAA Division I sports programs will continue.
- The merger aims to expand academic offerings and increase educational access for students.
- A new name for the unified university will be decided following listening sessions in the fall.
Details of the University Merger
Officials from both institutions announced the planned merger on Tuesday, outlining a strategic vision for the future. The primary goals cited were to strengthen their academic standing, broaden program offerings, and leverage combined resources to benefit students and the wider community.
The timeline for the integration is set in stages. A definitive agreement is anticipated by the end of this year. Following that, the institutions will work toward receiving final accreditation as a single entity by June 2026. During this transition period, both universities will continue to function independently under their current names and leadership structures.
A Partnership Model
According to the announcement, Elon University will operate Queens in partnership with its existing leadership team. This collaborative approach is intended to preserve the unique cultures and legacies of both institutions while integrating their strengths.
Financial and Asset Consolidation
The merger will create a financially robust institution with significant resources. The combined universities will control nearly $2 billion in total assets. This financial strength is expected to support future growth and innovation.
A key aspect of this financial power is the consolidation of their endowments. Together, the universities will have an endowment valued at over $600 million. For context, the most recent tax filing for Queens University reported its endowment at $166 million. This larger financial base will provide stability and funding for new initiatives.
By the Numbers
- Combined Assets: Nearly $2 billion
- Combined Endowment: Over $600 million
- Elon Student Body: Over 7,000 students
- Queens Student Body: Approximately 1,600 students
Profiles of the Merging Institutions
While joining forces, both universities bring distinct histories and strengths to the partnership. The merger seeks to combine Elon's national reputation and recent expansion with Queens' deep-rooted history in Charlotte.
Elon University's National Presence
Elon University, with an enrollment of over 7,000 students, has gained national recognition. In the 2025 edition of the Best Colleges rankings, it was listed as #121 among National Universities. More notably, it secured the #1 spot for Best Undergraduate Teaching, a testament to its student-centered approach.
The university has also been actively expanding its footprint in Charlotte. It recently opened a regional law school in the city in 2024 and has announced plans to launch a physician assistant studies program there in 2027. This existing presence in Charlotte provides a strong foundation for the merger with Queens.
Queens University's Charlotte Legacy
Founded in 1857, Queens University of Charlotte has a long history and currently serves around 1,600 students. The institution is an integral part of the Charlotte community. It recently elevated its athletics to full NCAA Division I membership, a status that will be maintained post-merger.
The partnership aims to preserve the legacy of Queens while providing its students with access to the expanded resources and academic programs of the larger combined university.
"Both universities will continue to operate their respective campuses and maintain NCAA Division 1 sports programs," officials confirmed in the joint statement, emphasizing continuity for students and athletes.
Next Steps and Future Identity
With the initial announcement made, the universities are moving forward with the integration process. A significant step will be determining a new name for the combined institution. To ensure community involvement, leaders plan to hold a series of listening sessions throughout the fall.
These sessions will gather input from students, faculty, alumni, and community members from both universities. The goal is to choose a name that honors the histories of both Elon and Queens while reflecting the forward-looking vision of the new entity.
The preservation of campus life is a priority. Both the Elon campus and the Queens campus in Charlotte will remain active hubs of learning and student activity, ensuring that the distinct campus experiences are not lost in the transition.
