Hillel International's annual College Guide is a go-to resource for Jewish families across the United States.
Elon University has risen in Hillel International’s annual College Guide rankings to #32 on the list of “Top 60 Private Schools Jews Choose.” The college guide is an essential resource for Jewish students choosing higher education options.
As the highest-ranked school in North Carolina, just above Duke University, Elon boasts a rapidly growing, geographically diverse Jewish student population. This year, applications to the university are up across the board, and applications from Jewish students are up by an astonishing 47 percent.
Elon Hillel’s role is a key factor in these rankings. As the home away from home for Jewish students, Hillel serves a Jewish population that makes up 10 to 12 percent of the undergraduate student body.
“Community is a hallmark of an Elon education,” Vice President for Enrollment Greg Zaiser. “Elon’s robust Jewish life offers the very best of community for students – who discover a welcoming and comfortable environment from the moment they step on campus – often during their first visit to campus. Jewish students are engaged in all aspects of the Elon Experience and are leaders in and out of the classroom.”
Jewish life at Elon is based out of the Sklut Hillel Center, a renovated and repurposed house on campus with a full kitchen and all the comforts of home.
Jewish students gather at Hillel for bagel brunches and Israeli cooking classes, for Shabbat services and dinners, Hanukkah parties and movie nights, to braid and bake for Challah for Hunger, and to get out the vote. About 60 percent of Elon’s Jewish students are involved with Hillel in one way or another.
“On any given day, the Hillel house is filled with students hanging out, doing homework, or even just grabbing a snack,” said student board co-president Regan Fleischer ‘20. “Everyone supports and respects each other. Elon Hillel is what has made my experience at Elon so incredible.”
Adds Assistant Director of Jewish Life Hillary Zaken: “Elon Hillel is a welcoming and inclusive community where all students can celebrate their Jewish identity however they feel comfortable. We are so thrilled to be moving up in Hillel International’s ratings, and we hope growing numbers of Jewish students continue to choose Elon.”
Elon University Hillel is affiliated with Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life (known as Hillel International), the largest Jewish campus organization in the world, working with thousands of college students globally, and on 500 campuses throughout the United States. Its College Guide is a resource for students and families embarking on their college search, and seeking to learn about the opportunities for an exciting and enriching Jewish life on campus.