About East Central College
Students pay an average net price of $12,522 after financial aid, though costs drop to $11,604 for families earning under $30,000. In-state tuition starts at just $3,888 before aid kicks in. Graduates earn a median of $36,916 ten years after starting, while carrying manageable debt loads of $9,500. Monthly loan payments average only $101, making this an affordable path to career advancement. The 93.5% employment rate shows employers value the practical training students receive.
Nearly all students come from Missouri, creating a hometown feel where 99.54% of enrollment stays in-state. Women make up 61.9% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong programs in traditionally female-dominated fields. The 38% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students balance work and family responsibilities while pursuing their education.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 34.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 38.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $36,916
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,108 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,193 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $30,771 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $19,227 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $17,950 |
Campus Life
Missouri's four-season climate requires both winter coats for snowy January mornings and shorts for humid August days when classes resume. Nearly all students commute since this is a two-year community college without traditional dormitories. The 99.54% in-state enrollment creates a distinctly local feel where many students already know each other from area high schools.
Weekends often revolve around the Falcons' five varsity sports programs, which engage 110 student-athletes in NCCAA competition. With 61.9% of students being women, the campus skews female and maintains a practical, career-focused atmosphere. Many students balance classes with part-time jobs in nearby Franklin County, preparing for either four-year transfers or immediate workforce entry in fields like nursing, business, and trades.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 22°–42°F
- July Avg
- 67°–90°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 44.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 16.2"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 38.1%
- Women
- 61.9%
- White
- 87.9%
- Black
- 1.1%
- Hispanic
- 4.1%
- Asian
- 0.6%
- In-State Students
- 99.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 33.1%
Location
- Address
- Union, Missouri 63084
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $36,916
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $42,194
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $26,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 36.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $101/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,500
Frequently Asked Questions
How competitive is admission to East Central College?
East Central College maintains an open admission policy typical of Missouri community colleges, welcoming virtually all applicants who have completed high school or earned a GED. The college serves 1,719 students with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio that ensures personalized attention. Nearly all students are Missouri residents, with 99.54% coming from in-state.
What does East Central College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $12,522 annually after aid, though costs vary by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 typically pay around $11,604, while those earning over $110,000 pay closer to $15,528. About 33% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates leave with a manageable median debt of $9,500.
What academic programs is East Central College known for?
East Central College operates on a semester system and focuses on career-oriented programs that prepare students for immediate employment or transfer to four-year universities. The college maintains strong ties to local employers in the Union area, contributing to an impressive 93.5% employment rate among graduates. Students benefit from small class sizes with the 13:1 student-faculty ratio.
How successful are East Central College graduates in finding work?
East Central College graduates achieve a remarkable 93.5% employment rate, reflecting the college's emphasis on practical, job-ready training. Alumni earn a median salary of $36,916 within 10 years of graduation, with many entering the workforce immediately after completing their programs. The college's strong employer partnerships in the Union area create direct pathways to local career opportunities.
What is campus life like at East Central College?
East Central College offers a close-knit community atmosphere with 61.9% female and 38.1% male students in Union, Missouri. The Falcons compete in five varsity sports through the NCCAA with 110 total athletes receiving $224,222 in athletic scholarships. The student body is predominantly white at 87.9%, with growing Hispanic representation at 4.13%.
Does East Central College help students transfer to four-year universities?
East Central College serves as a stepping stone for many students planning to transfer, though the 38% six-year graduation rate reflects the diverse paths community college students take. Many students attend part-time while working or take breaks between semesters, which affects traditional completion metrics. The college's transfer agreements with Missouri universities help students seamlessly continue their education.
