At $16,514/yr net price, East Carolina University graduates earn $55,146/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $21,146/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $16,514 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $66,056 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,146/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$21,146/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 62.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $22,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,128/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,290/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $16,785/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,979/yr |
| $110,001+ | $22,787/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dentistry. | Doctoral | $119,805 | $126,524 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Doctoral | $113,480 | $37,063 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Master | $98,551 | $59,895 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Master | $86,590 | $41,971 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Doctoral | $78,719 | $46,054 |
| Management Information Systems and Services. | Certificate | $67,660 | |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $66,653 | $26,853 |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Doctoral | $66,498 | $48,646 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Certificate | $66,077 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $64,493 | $34,643 |
The Risk Factor
62.1% of students at East Carolina University graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 38% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
East Carolina University delivers solid middle-class returns at a reasonable price, though your major choice will determine whether you see strong gains or financial struggle. The $16,514 annual net price makes ECU one of North Carolina's more affordable options, and most graduates emerge with manageable debt loads under $23,000.
ECU's health programs dominate the high-earning categories, with nursing graduates earning over $86,000 annually and allied health professionals pulling in nearly $99,000. These programs justify their costs quickly in eastern North Carolina's healthcare-heavy job market. The dental program produces six-figure earners, though you'll carry substantial debt that requires careful financial planning.
Educational administration graduates earn nearly $79,000, reflecting strong demand for school leaders in the region. However, ECU struggles in traditional liberal arts and business fields where graduates often face limited local opportunities and lower starting salaries.
The 62% graduation rate signals academic challenges that could extend your time to degree and increase costs. If you're not committed to your program or struggle academically, you risk joining the 38% who leave without credentials but with debt.
ECU works best if you're pursuing healthcare, education, or other professional programs with clear career paths in eastern North Carolina. The school's location limits opportunities for graduates in fields requiring major metropolitan job markets. With only 31% of students receiving aid, merit scholarships are competitive, so apply early and maintain strong academics to maximize your chances of additional funding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is East Carolina University worth the cost?
East Carolina University offers decent value with a relatively low net price of $16,514 and median debt of $22,750, but graduates earn only $55,146 ten years after graduation. The ROI depends heavily on your major, with dentistry and nursing programs paying off well while other programs may struggle to justify the cost.
What are the highest paying majors at East Carolina University?
Dentistry leads at $119,805 annually, followed by nursing at $113,480 and allied health professions at $98,551. These health-focused programs make East Carolina University worth the investment, unlike many other majors that result in lower earnings.
How much debt do East Carolina University graduates have?
The median debt at East Carolina University is $22,750, which is manageable compared to national averages. However, with post-graduation earnings of $55,146, graduates outside of health programs may find loan repayment challenging.
Does East Carolina University have good job outcomes?
East Carolina University has a 62% graduation rate, which is below average, and many graduates earn modest salaries outside of healthcare fields. The school works best for students pursuing nursing, dentistry, or allied health careers where job prospects and pay are strong.