East Carolina University
About East Carolina University
Overview, location, and what makes it stand out
East Carolina University is a public research university in Greenville, North Carolina. It is the third-largest university in the state and is known for its medical school, nursing programs, and education college. ECU serves as a health sciences hub for eastern North Carolina.
Founded
1907
Location
Greenville, North Carolina
Students
25,391
Institution
Public
Known For
Key Stats
A quick snapshot of what matters most
Acceptance Rate
89.2%
Open admission
Graduation Rate
62.6%
Near national average
In-State Tuition
$7,361
Out-of-state: $23,638
Avg Net Price
$15,739
After financial aid
SAT Average
1180
Out of 1600
Median Earnings
$55,146
10 years after enrollment
Admissions
How competitive is getting in?
Selectivity
Moderate
Most students who apply are accepted
How to Apply
Test Policy
Test Optional
Application Fee
$75
Early
N/A
Deadline
Apr 1
East Carolina University accepts the majority of applicants at 89.2%. If you meet the basic requirements, this is an accessible option worth considering.
SAT Scores
1180/ 1600
ACT Scores
23/ 36
Academics
How strong is the academic experience?
Student Success
Average
62.6% complete their degree within six years
Retention
82.7%
4-Year Grad
45%
6-Year Grad
66%
Teaching Quality
18:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
Full-Time
77%
$/Student
$14.1K
Class Size
Medium
While 45% finish in 4 years, 82.7% of freshmen do return for sophomore year. Many students here may take a bit longer, but they stick with it.
Tuition & Costs
What will you actually pay?
Tuition & Fees
$7,361
In-State
$23,638
Out-of-State
Tuition and mandatory fees only, does not include housing or meals
Room & Board
$11,541
Books & Supplies
$1,510
Total Cost of Attendance
$23,867
After Financial Aid
$15,739
Average Net Price
Average amount students actually pay after grants and scholarships
Net Price (family income <$30K)
$10,046
Receive Grants
31.8%
Take Loans
38.7%
The full cost of attendance is about $23,867/yr for in-state students, including $11,541 for room and board. After aid, most pay around $15,739. Out-of-state tuition jumps to $23,638.
Financial Aid
Who gets aid and what happens after
Financial aid comes in two forms: grants and scholarships (free money you don't repay) and loans (borrowed money you pay back after graduating). Here's how students at East Carolina University fund their education.
While in School
31.8%
Get Grants
Free money
38.7%
Take Loans
Must repay
$51,027
Median Family Income
After Graduation
$22,750
Median Debt at Graduation
Total federal loan balance when students graduate
$241/mo
Monthly Payment
0%
LowDefault Rate
Only 38.7% of students take out federal loans, and those who do graduate with a median of $22,750. Many students here manage to minimize borrowing.
Student Body
Diversity, gender, and enrollment
From gender balance and racial diversity to age and background, here's a look at who attends East Carolina University.
Gender
57.1%
Female
43%
Male
Female to Male Ratio
Race & Ethnicity
Enrollment
19,896
Undergraduate Students
Student Profile
5,495
Graduates
26.5%
First-Gen
21 yrs
Avg Age
16.4%
Age 25+
Women make up the majority at 57% of the student body. 26.5% are first-generation college students, so there's a strong community of students who understand that experience.
Campus Life
What it's like to be a student here
Campus Setting
City: Small
Campus Quick Facts
19,896
Students
public
Institution
Medium
Campus Size
R2 Research
Classification
What This College Offers
Semester calendar
Study Abroad
Yes
AP Credit
Yes
Teacher Cert
Yes
ROTC
Yes
Evening College
No
Online Programs
Yes
Job Placement
Yes
Career Counseling
Yes
Sports & Athletics
How seriously this college takes sport
East Carolina University fields 11 varsity teams with 566 student athletes, about 3% of the student body.
Division
NCAA
Division I-FBS
Conference
American
The league its teams compete in
Varsity Sports
11
Biggest: Track & Cross Country
Student Athletes
566
3% of the student body
Athletes by Gender
47% / 53%
266
Men
300
Women
5
Men's Teams
9
Women's Teams
Biggest Teams
Every Varsity Team
After Graduation
What can you earn with this degree?
How much do graduates of East Carolina Universityearn, and what do they study? Here's a look at outcomes and popular programs.
Earnings Trajectory
$55,146
Median Earnings · 10 Years After
Popular Programs
Top 6Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing
$72K
351 grads
1yr Earnings
Business Administration, Management and Operations
$45K
350 grads
1yr Earnings
Public Health
$36K
270 grads
1yr Earnings
Communication and Media Studies
$38K
249 grads
1yr Earnings
Psychology, General
$30K
246 grads
1yr Earnings
Biology, General
$39K
241 grads
1yr Earnings
Graduates earn about $46K six years out, growing to $55K by year ten. Above average, though your choice of major will be the biggest factor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about East Carolina University
What is the acceptance rate at East Carolina University?▾
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Data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard Some figures may reflect prior academic years. Our editorial team reviews and updates college profiles to ensure accuracy. If you notice outdated information, please let us know.