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 been holding weekly in-person meetings that alternate between campuses, ensuring strategic priorities from both institutions are met.
In addition, the SOAR (Strategic Organizational Alignment and Recommendations) team is helping guide the overall integration process by identifying long-term opportunities and ensuring alignment with the shared vision for the merged institution. This group brings together leaders from both universities to support strategic planning and help inform key decisions as the merger moves forward.
Tuition, financial aid and scholarship opportunities will continue without interruption. Queens will remain a participant in federal financial aid and other aid programs, and students will continue to receive the support they currently have. Any future changes will be considered carefully, with a continued focus on student access and success.
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.
Both Queens and Elon offer NCAA Division I athletic, varsity club, intramural and recreational sports programs. Queens and Elon are planning to pursue with the NCAA the ability to continue to operate independent Division I NCAA athletics programs on both campuses.
The integration process will unfold over several years, with milestones determined by regulatory approvals, academic planning and stakeholder engagement.
Completed milestones:
- December 11, 2025: Queens Board of Trustees unanimously approves a merger with Elon.
- December 15, 2025: Three months after the public announcement of their intention to reach an agreement to merge, the trustees of Elon University and Queens University of Charlotte executed the legal transaction agreement to effect the merger.
- January 13, 2026: Elon University Law School announces a full-time J.D. program to begin in the fall of 2027 on the Queens campus.
- March 14, 2026: Queens and Elon submit a complete merger prospectus to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
- March 30, 2026: Queens provides notifications to students informing them of key highlights of the two-step merger as described in the SACSCOC prospectus.
Anticipated milestones:
- March 30: SOAR strategic planning committee Queens student session (in person and virtual options).
- June 2026: The anticipated date by which Elon and Queens receive regulatory approval from SACSCOC, which initiates Step One of the merger process and the date that Elon will become the sole member of Queens.
- August 2027: Anticipated launch of full-time J.D. Program of Elon University Law School launching on the Queens campus.
- June 30, 2028 (tentative): The anticipated date by which Elon and Queens receive regulatory approval from the Department of Education, which will mark the transition from Step One to Step Two, or completion, of the merger. Although we cannot predict the timeline for this approval, historically, the process has taken approximately two years from the beginning of Step One—here, from June 29, 2026 – hence the June 2028 tentative date. This approval could come sooner or later than this date.