At $9,287/yr net price, East Central University graduates earn $44,962/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $10,962/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $9,287 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $37,148 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $44,962/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$10,962/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 32.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,671 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $6,438/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $7,127/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $10,162/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,790/yr |
| $110,001+ | $14,395/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $60,024 | $15,000 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $57,318 | |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $44,875 | $19,874 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $43,798 | $16,750 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $42,682 | $19,004 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $41,342 | $23,400 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $37,980 | |
| Human Services, General. | Master | $37,208 | $40,270 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $37,208 | |
| Psychology, Other. | Master | $36,349 |
The Risk Factor
32.7% of students at East Central University graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
East Central University delivers below-average financial returns with significant completion risks that make it a poor investment for most students. The $44,962 median earnings after ten years barely justify the time and money invested, especially when combined with a troubling 32.7% graduation rate that means two-thirds of students leave without a degree.
Nursing stands out as the clear financial winner at ECU, with graduates earning $60,024 annually while carrying just $15,000 in debt. Computer science also shows strong returns at $57,318, though debt data is unavailable. Educational administration pays reasonably well but requires graduate study and carries nearly $20,000 in debt. Liberal arts and general studies graduates earn $42,682 while shouldering $19,000 in debt, making these programs particularly poor investments.
Your biggest risk at ECU is not graduating at all. The 56.8% retention rate signals that many students struggle to stay enrolled even through their second year. This creates a double financial penalty: you lose time and money without gaining the credential needed for career advancement.
ECU makes financial sense only if you plan to study nursing or computer science and can handle the school's completion challenges. The low net price of $9,287 makes it affordable, but affordability means little if you don't graduate. Students seeking liberal arts education or uncertain about their major should consider schools with stronger completion rates and better career outcomes. The limited financial aid reach, with less than 40% of students receiving aid, means you'll likely pay close to the full net price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is East Central University worth the cost?
East Central University offers decent value with a low net price of $9,287 and modest debt levels around $17,671. However, the 33% graduation rate creates significant risk that students won't complete their degree, making the investment uncertain for many.
What are the highest paying majors at East Central University?
Nursing programs at East Central University lead earnings at $60,024 annually, followed by computer science at $57,318. Liberal arts graduates earn significantly less at $42,682, well below the national average for college graduates.
How much debt do East Central University graduates have?
East Central University graduates typically leave with $17,671 in debt, which is manageable compared to national averages. The bigger concern is the low graduation rate, meaning many students accumulate debt without earning a degree.
What is the job market like for East Central University graduates?
East Central University graduates earn $44,962 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for college graduates nationally. Nursing and computer science majors do better, but other programs struggle to deliver strong financial returns.