East Carolina University: 92.3% Acceptance Rate

92.3%Acceptance

$7,361Tuition

19,857Students

62%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$55,146Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About East Carolina University

East Carolina University builds future healthcare professionals, business leaders, and teachers across its 19,857-student campus in Greenville. The Pirates are best known for their medical school and nursing programs that feed North Carolina's hospitals. Actress Sandra Bullock and NFL star Chris Johnson both got their starts here. Students navigate a mid-sized college town where ECU dominates the landscape.

Most students pay far less than the sticker price. In-state students face $7,361 in tuition, while the average net price across all income levels hits $16,514. Graduates earn a median of $55,146 ten years after leaving, making the typical $22,750 in debt manageable with $241 monthly payments. The 96.1% employment rate shows employers value ECU degrees.

The Pirate identity runs deep through campus life and athletics. With 92.3% acceptance rate, ECU welcomes motivated students ready to work hard. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know their students personally. Nearly nine in ten students come from North Carolina, creating a tight-knit community feel. Division I athletics in the American Conference give students plenty of reasons to bleed purple and gold on game days.

Academics & Faculty

East Carolina University operates as a public research university with particular strength in health sciences and professional programs. The medical school ranks among the top producers of primary care physicians in North Carolina. Business and education programs also draw significant enrollment due to strong regional job placement. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, students get reasonable access to professors despite the large campus size. The 63% four-year graduation rate reflects the university's focus on working-class students who often balance jobs with coursework. Research opportunities exist across disciplines, though the university emphasizes practical, career-focused education over theoretical study. Many students pursue pre-professional tracks leading to graduate school.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 76.8%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 63.6%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 62.1%
Retention Rate: 81.7%
Median Earnings (10 years): $55,146
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Dentistry.	Doctoral	$119,805
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Doctoral	$113,480
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Master	$98,551
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$86,590
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Doctoral	$78,719
Management Information Systems and Services.	Certificate	$67,660
Computer and Information Sciences, General.	Bachelor	$66,653
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Doctoral	$66,498
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Certificate	$66,077
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Master	$64,493

View all 203 programs →

Campus Life

Greenville sits about 85 miles from Raleigh, giving East Carolina University a distinct small-city college town feel. With 5,549 beds for nearly 20,000 students, roughly 28% of undergraduates live on campus. The humid subtropical climate means you'll need both sunscreen and a light jacket, though winters rarely see snow.

Campus revolves around Pirate pride, especially during football season when the Purple and Gold faithful pack Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. ECU students embrace the swashbuckling spirit with enthusiasm that borders on legendary. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio means larger lecture halls are common, but professors remain accessible. Weekends often center on Uptown Greenville's bar scene or tailgating before games. The Brody School of Medicine gives the campus a serious academic edge, while the business school draws career-focused students. With 87% of students from North Carolina, you'll find authentic Southern hospitality mixed with college energy. Greek life provides social structure for some, but the Pirate Nation identity unites students across campus.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 5,549 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1907

Campus Safety (2023)

131 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Dating Violence	20	13	0	1
Burglary	14	8	0	0
Rape	11	8	1	0
Stalking	12	6	0	0
Fondling	8	5	2	0
Aggravated Assault	6	4	0	1
Motor Vehicle Theft	7	1	0	0
Domestic Violence	2	1	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 33°–53°F
July Avg: 71°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 53.4"
Annual Snowfall: 3.3"

Student Demographics

East Carolina draws primarily North Carolina residents, with 87% coming from in-state. The student body reflects the school's mission as an accessible public university, with nearly one-third receiving Pell Grants. Women slightly outnumber men, which aligns with ECU's strong nursing and education programs. The diverse mix includes significant Black and Hispanic populations who see ECU as an affordable path to professional careers. Students tend to be first-generation college attendees from eastern North Carolina's rural communities and small towns, drawn by the university's reputation for practical, career-focused programs.

Men: 43.1%
Women: 56.9%
White: 63.3%
Black: 15.9%
Hispanic: 9.9%
Asian: 2.6%
In-State Students: 87.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 31.3%

Location

East Carolina University sits in Greenville, North Carolina, about 85 miles southeast of Raleigh. The city of 95,000 residents centers around the university, creating a classic college town atmosphere in eastern North Carolina's coastal plain. With 87% of students coming from in-state, the campus reflects North Carolina's regional character. Greenville offers the amenities of a mid-sized city while maintaining connections to rural eastern Carolina's agricultural heritage. The area sits roughly 90 minutes from the Outer Banks beaches and two hours from the Research Triangle's tech corridor. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare East Carolina University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Greenville, North Carolina 27858-4353

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $55,146
Median Earnings (5 years): $56,743
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $37,300
Loan Repayment Rate: 63.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $241/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $22,750

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at East Carolina University?

East Carolina University accepts 92.34% of applicants, making it one of the more accessible public universities in North Carolina. The high acceptance rate reflects ECU's mission as a regional comprehensive university serving eastern North Carolina communities.

How much does East Carolina University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $16,514 after financial aid at East Carolina University. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,128 on average, while the median debt load of $22,750 is relatively manageable for graduates.

What is East Carolina University known for academically?

East Carolina University operates as a major research institution with particularly strong programs in medicine, business, and education. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio allows for reasonable access to professors despite the university's size of nearly 20,000 students.

What do graduates earn after attending East Carolina University?

ECU graduates earn a median salary of $55,146 ten years after graduation, with an impressive 96.1% employment rate. The university's focus on practical programs and regional connections helps students find solid career opportunities throughout North Carolina.

Where is East Carolina University located and what is campus life like?

East Carolina University sits in Greenville, a small city in eastern North Carolina that revolves around the university. With housing for 5,549 students and 14 Division I sports teams, campus life centers around Pirate pride and a strong sense of community among the 87.18% in-state student body.

Does East Carolina University have a strong athletic program?

East Carolina University competes in NCAA Division I as the Pirates in the American Athletic Conference. The university awards $7,056,603 in athletic scholarships across 14 varsity sports, with football being particularly prominent in this sports-crazy region of North Carolina.