Both institutions are committed to honoring Queens’ nearly 170-year history, civic contributions and academic strengths. The merger is designed to preserve that legacy while building a shared future that benefits students and the Charlotte community. As part of that process, leaders will work together to determine the name of the merged institution. The final decision will acknowledge the legacies of both universities and embrace the shared vision for the future.
Elon and Queens bring complementary strengths: Elon’s No. 1 ranking for undergraduate teaching, Queens’ long-standing civic roots in Charlotte, and both institutions’ deep commitment to engaged learning and global study. Together, the merger will elevate both institutions through stronger community connections, enhanced workforce partnerships and distinctive academic programs.
Charlotte will be a hub of innovation and opportunity for the merged institution. Students will gain greater access to internships, professional networks and academic programs in one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities. The merger reinforces both universities’ commitment to supporting Charlotte’s innovation, workforce and civic leadership.
Students will see expanded opportunities, including access to more academic and professional programs, internships with Charlotte-area employers and enhanced student services on both campuses. The goal is to provide a seamless experience and more pathways to success. It’s important to note that no current student programs will be disrupted.
The vision is to create a stronger, sustainable model for higher education that combines the best of both institutions. Together, Elon and Queens aim to expand access to high-quality education, deepen ties with Charlotte’s workforce and pioneer new models of engaged, student-centered learning.
When Elon University and Queens University of Charlotte announced the intent to merge, leadership from both institutions highlighted the important role of new “sprint teams” charged with developing recommendations to bring together the two universities. Those teams, with representation from both Queens and Elon across key departments and integration areas like academics, admissions and operations, have started weekly in-person meetings that will alternate between campuses, ensuring strategic priorities from both institutions are met.
Affordability remains a priority. Future tuition or scholarship changes will be considered carefully with student success and access in mind.
Admissions for current and incoming students at both universities will continue as planned. Over time, the merger will expand the range of degree pathways available, but students can expect continuity in the application and enrollment process.
Athletics is being examined along with the other aspects of the merger. For the foreseeable future, both Elon and Queens will continue to operate independent Division I NCAA athletics programs.
The integration process will unfold over several years, with milestones determined by regulatory approvals, academic planning and stakeholder engagement. A listening tour and due diligence phase are already under way, with more details to be shared later this fall as plans are finalized.
Major milestones:
- October 24, 2025: Joint meeting of the Boards of Trustees and campus leaders to hear updates from the Sprint Team and discuss upcoming milestones.
- November-December 2025: Definitive Agreement (a legal formalization of the intent to merge) drafted and voted on for approval to allow the regulatory processes to commence.
- March 2026: Application for accreditation (with Sprint Team work reflected) submitted to SACSCOC, our joint accrediting body.
- Summer/Fall 2026: SACSCOC considers Elon/Queens proposed merger. A positive process completion with SACSCOC leads to an application for merger submitted to the Department of Education (DOE). Review by DOE anticipated to take 18-24 months.