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East Carolina University

Accept Rate
90.06%
Grad Rate
63.6%
Enrollment
19,857
Avg SAT
1143
Tuition
$7,361
Median Salary
$55,146
Overall Grade
C
B-
Academics
A-
Value
C
Admissions
B-
Diversity
B+
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

East Carolina University feels like a spirited and welcoming community where school pride runs deep, especially on game days when the purple and gold colors flood the city. The campus has a classic college-town atmosphere within an urban setting, offering a blend of lively student energy and approachable Southern hospitality.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

90.06%
Open Admission

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 114375th Pctl
10501200
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctl75th Pctl
2026
1122436

Admissions Tips

With a high acceptance rate, focus on building a solid academic record with a GPA above 3.0. Highlight your involvement in community service or leadership roles in your application, as ECU values well-rounded students who contribute to the campus community. If your test scores are above the 1143 average, consider submitting them to strengthen your application.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1143
40080012001600
School range: 1050โ€“1200

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

ECU is recognized for its strong programs in health professions, business, and education, with the Brody School of Medicine being a major point of pride. Students benefit from hands-on learning and research opportunities, particularly in biomedical sciences and coastal environmental studies, supported by accessible and engaged faculty.

Popular Majors

Business & Marketing
20.8%
Health Professions
17%
Biology & Biomedical
7.6%
Education
7.2%
Psychology
4.9%
Communications
4.9%
Social Sciences
3.8%
Computer Science
3.4%
Visual & Performing Arts
3.4%
Criminal Justice
3.2%
Family & Consumer Science
2.1%
Parks, Recreation & Fitness
2%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

63.6%
Graduation Rate
81.7%
Retention Rate
19,857
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$7,361
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$16,514
After financial aid
Total Cost
$23,689
Cost of attendance/year
31.3%
Receive Pell Grants
40.4%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Greenville

Student life in Greenville revolves around the vibrant Uptown district, which is packed with local restaurants, coffee shops, and live music venues, including the popular D.H. Hill Library and the nearby Greene Street. For outdoor fun, the nearby Tar River offers opportunities for kayaking and walking trails, while ECU athletic events are a central social hub.

Local Rent Check

$931 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Greenville
Explore Greenville

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$29,444
$0Est. 4 Years: $29,444

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($55,146):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

The ECU Police Department provides 24/7 patrols, emergency call boxes, and a safety escort service for students on campus. While Greenville is generally safe, students should remain aware of their surroundings, especially in the downtown and off-campus areas at night.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Highly affordable in-state tuition and strong financial aid options.
  • โœ“ Renowned health sciences and education programs with hands-on clinical and teaching opportunities.
  • โœ“ Vibrant student life with a passionate athletics culture and active downtown scene.
  • โœ“ Large, diverse student body with a welcoming atmosphere.

Cons

  • โœ— Graduation rate at 63.6% is below the national average for public universities.
  • โœ— Out-of-state tuition is significantly higher, making it less accessible for non-residents.
  • โœ— Being in eastern NC, location is somewhat remote from major metropolitan areas like Raleigh or Charlotte.

Notable Alumni

Sandra Bullock
Award-winning actress and producer who studied at ECU.
Vince McMahon
Professional wrestling promoter and CEO of WWE.
Mike McCarthy
Super Bowl-winning head coach of the Dallas Cowboys.

Frequently Asked Questions

ECU is widely known for its top-ranked Brody School of Medicine and strong College of Education. It also has nationally recognized programs in business, music, and coastal environmental science, as well as a passionate fan base for its Division I athletics program.

No, East Carolina University has a high acceptance rate of 90.06%, making it accessible to a broad range of applicants. The middle 50% of admitted students typically have an SAT score between 1040 and 1240 and a GPA of 3.0 or higher, so a strong academic profile makes admission highly likely.

Campus life is energetic and social, with over 400 student organizations and a strong emphasis on school spirit, especially at football and basketball games. The campus is located within walking distance of Uptown Greenville, providing students with easy access to off-campus dining, shopping, and entertainment.

For in-state students, ECU is an excellent financial value, offering a quality education at a very low tuition rate with a strong median post-graduation salary. For out-of-state students, the value is still solid, particularly for those pursuing high-demand fields like health professions or business, where the potential earnings outweigh the initial investment.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Vidant Health Pitt County Schools East Carolina University Walmart Greenville Police Department
Smart Start Score
62

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 23,597
  • In-State Tuition $7,361
  • Out-of-State $23,638
  • Zip Code 27858

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 43.1% โ™€ 56.9%

The Money Talk

With an in-state tuition of $7,361, ECU offers exceptional value for North Carolina residents, making it one of the most affordable public universities in the state. For out-of-state students, the $23,638 tuition is more competitive than many peers, and the 10-year median earnings of $55,146 suggest a solid return on investment for graduates.

*Based on Dept of Education data

โš–๏ธ Compare Schools

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $7,361
Housing (12 mo) $11,172
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $25,733
With avg financial aid:
$16,514/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.