Queens University and Elon University Announce Plan to Merge
The merger is expected to take effect in 2026, after officials get feedback from the communities on specifics, but both campuses will remain open.
Elon University and Queens University of Charlotte have announced plans to merge the two schools.
Queens University of Charlotte and Elon University have announced plans to merge the two schools.
The two North Carolina higher education schools are set to unite by summer 2026, forming a $2 billion educational giant. The merger represents a major shift in the state's higher education landscape.
"The formal structure of the proposed merger will be finalized over the next few months, but the vision is clear: to create a stronger, more sustainable model of higher education in Charlotte that expands access, enhances opportunity, prepares a future-ready workforce and honors the storied legacies of both institutions," a release from the schools said.
Both schools will keep their campuses running, including their Division I athletics. The combined student body will reach 9,000 - with 7,000 from Elon and 2,000 from Queens.
Queens brings substantial resources to the table with $189 million in assets and a $166 million endowment. Each school has its strengths: Elon shines in undergraduate education, while Queens holds high rankings among southern regional schools.
Charlotte's rapid growth - expected to hit 21% by 2034 - makes this partnership timely. The city faces growing demand for healthcare workers and lawyers. Graduate program enrollment has jumped 151% since 2018, well above the national average of 21%.
“This merger will be a win for both universities and, more importantly, for Charlotte,” said Hugh L. McColl Jr., former chairman and CEO of Bank of America and a longtime civic leader in Charlotte. “Having served nearly two decades as a trustee at Queens and now watching my granddaughter pursue her degree at Elon Law in Charlotte, I’ve seen firsthand the impact both institutions have on students and on this community. By uniting their strengths, Elon and Queens are expanding opportunity, preserving legacy and making a bold investment in Charlotte’s future. This is the kind of forward-looking vision that ensures our city continues to thrive for generations to come.”
Starting this week, town halls will let everyone - from students to community leaders - share input on naming the merged school, as well as other elements of the combined programs.
"The input from these sessions will inform ongoing decisions and help shape a shared future grounded in Charlotte’s unique needs and aspirations as a vibrant city where education, equity and economic opportunity go hand in hand."
Queens, which began in Myers Park in 1857, recently moved up to Division I. Elon expanded into Charlotte last year with its law school, adding to its main campus in Burlington.
After Queens president Daniel Lugo stepped down in 2024, leaders began exploring growth options. The final deal is expected to be signed this December, with a 2026 official merger expected.
By 2027, they'll launch a physician assistant program. The merged institution will host Charlotte's only law school while maintaining existing programs at both locations.
