From over 800 schools, Elon University was named a ‘Green College’ by the Princeton Review, signifying an exceptional commitment to sustainability. This ranking notes colleges who have a focus on sustainability within “their academic offerings and career preparation for students, campus policies, initiatives and activities,” according to the Princeton Review.
Elon earned a “green rating” of 90 out of a possible 99 for certain initiatives such as peer educators known as eco-reps who raise awareness among fellow students, having environmental speakers, energy reduction competitions throughout the year and earth week. Having a composting initiative across campus with 100 tons of compost made from yard waste in a typical year and within dining halls having a composting program for food waste is also among the reasons for this high rating. This is a major change from last year when Elon stopped their composting practices due to COVID-19 and switched entirely to single use containers.
78%of 11,133 college applicants surveyed in the 2021 College Hopes & Worries Survey said that having information about a college’s commitment to sustainability would affect their decision to apply or attend a school, making this ‘Green College’ ranking something that impacts the Elon community as a whole. Last year, this same survey only noted 66 percent of applicants who felt that sustainability would affect their college decision making this a 12 percent increase.
Elon University was one of 420 selected colleges and universities from the 835 surveyed and Elon has been selected for the past 12 years as well.
More information can be found here including information about each ‘Green College’ admission requirements, cost and financial aid, and student body statistics.