Both schools gave us the same amount of money. she visited both schools and liked both schools. VCU is where she would fit in but Elon seems like it has a better reputation and I’m just wondering if she would get a better education there since it is a way smaller school and because her major is political science. Is elon THAT much better than VCU that she should give up the social life advantage of going to VCU? location also is important
Both schools are full ride
My son went to Elon and transferred out, as did a classmate of his, who is a girl. Their high school was very diverse, and although they aren’t minorities, they appreciated the diversity. Elon is not diverse at all. Elon’s social scene is mainly dictated by Greek Life as the school is in a small town with very little to do other than to go to the Greek parties, beginning in the first week/semester of the freshman year. Drinking and drugs are an issue at Elon and the school has not been able to get it under control, although they try. Parties occur “off campus”, but off campus is really across the street from the campus in apts rented by Greek Life members living off campus. I know other universities have similar issues. The problem with Elon being small and in a rural area is that there aren’t really other options which involve/attract a lot of students. There isn’t a city to go to for example. Academically, it’s a good school.
Most of the kids come from the Northeast and have attended private high schools and are fairly affluent. If her social life consists of something other than mainly partying involving drinking or more, she may not find a large social scene at Elon to her liking. Partying is an issue at Elon, period. Otherwise, it’s a good school and she will get a good education there, from what I understand.
I can’t compare it to VCU as I don’t know enough about it.
I don’t know enough about the two schools to make a comparison but in general (unless there is a significant difference in price or quality of school), I would go with fit – students do their best when they are comfortable and happy.
VCU is in Richmond, the capital of VA so should be a lot of opportunity for political science majors. And being 2 hours from DC is another plus.
I know of several young people who go to VCU and really like it. No, it’s not real prestigious but it is a good school like most of the big Virginia State schools. My daughter also had a good offer from a very highly ranked LAC out in the middle of nowhere in a small town. She decided against it for the reasons VAmom34 mentioned - she didn’t think there would be much to do (and she likes urban areas) and she doesn’t fit in with the Greek life. Not saying that VCU doesn’t have parties, but with a larger college, there are lots of different types of students. My daughter has decided to go to a different small LAC but in an urban environment - I couldn’t talk her into going to a large state school (even though I think she would do fine in one).
No, Elon isn’t THAT much better than VCU. In fact, it’s arguably a little overrated. The fact that most kids who attend Elon are affluent Northeastern kids should definitely be a huge turn off. VCU is a very fine university and your daughter would not at all be settling academically by attending there. In fact, she will end up performing at a higher level due to the fact that it’s such a great fit.
Thanks everyone! We chose VCU 
Great!! Congratulations, your daughter will have a great time while getting a respected degree!!
My daughter is a freshman at Elon. She does not drink at all, nor is she involved in Greek life. We are not wealthy, we are not from the Northeast, she did not attend a private high school, and she LOVES Elon. She is actively involved in service organizations and keeps herself very busy with those commitments. She has a very close knit group of like-minded friends. Partying goes on, like at many schools, but if you choose to not participate, it is not an issue. I do get the diversity factor - not very diverse. But overall, zero complaints. VCU is a wonderful school as well - congratulations on making a decision!
@WTTL123 we are in a similar situation. Our D does not party at all - she wouldn’t trade Elon for any other school - she is SO happy there!
^^^I’m glad your kids are happy but the OP has chosen VCU (post #6) so I see no reason really to speak about Elon anymore on this thread at this point.