Elizabeth City State University: 74.2% Acceptance Rate

74.2%Acceptance

$3,412Tuition

1,863Students

48%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$40,026Earnings

Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24HBCU

About Elizabeth City State University

Elizabeth City State University serves as one of North Carolina's historically black public universities within the UNC system. The campus enrolls 1,863 students in a small town setting along the state's northeastern coast. ECSU has built its reputation on providing accessible education and fostering close-knit community connections that define the HBCU experience.

The financial picture tells a compelling story for many families. Students pay an average net price of $7,237 after financial aid, with those from families earning under $30,000 paying just $4,342. More than half of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the university's commitment to serving first-generation college students. Graduates earn a median of $40,026 ten years after leaving school, while carrying typical debt of $21,463. The monthly loan payment of $228 represents a manageable burden for most graduates.

The student body reflects ECSU's mission, with 68% of students identifying as Black and 75% coming from North Carolina. The Vikings compete in NCAA Division II athletics with 10 varsity sports and 213 student-athletes. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio and 74% of freshmen returning for sophomore year, students find the personal attention and support system that makes smaller universities attractive.

Academics & Faculty

Elizabeth City State University belongs to the strong University of North Carolina system as a historically black public university. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio provides reasonable access to professors in a close-knit campus environment. Students can choose from traditional liberal arts programs alongside professional tracks in education, business, and aviation. The school operates one of the few aviation programs among HBCUs, training pilots and aviation management professionals. With a 48% six-year graduation rate, academic support varies by student preparation and engagement. The university emphasizes practical career preparation over research, reflected in the 93% employment rate for graduates who successfully complete their programs.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 73.2%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 45.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 48.1%
Retention Rate: 74.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $40,026
Carnegie Classification: Baccalaureate College

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Educational Administration and Supervision.	Master	$55,964
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$45,696
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Bachelor	$30,771
Accounting and Related Services.	Bachelor	$30,771
Biology, General.	Bachelor	$29,141
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Bachelor	$28,598
English Language and Literature, General.	Bachelor	$28,598
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.	Bachelor	$26,353
Air Transportation.	Bachelor	$26,353
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration.	Bachelor	$25,194

View all 37 programs →

Campus Life

Elizabeth City sits about 45 miles south of Norfolk, Virginia, putting students within driving distance of beaches and a mid-sized city. The coastal North Carolina location means mild winters where a light jacket suffices, though summers get humid enough that dorms with air conditioning matter. With housing capacity for 1,583 students and total enrollment of 1,863, nearly everyone can live on campus if they choose.

As a historically black university founded in 1891, ECSU maintains strong traditions around homecoming and Greek life that shape weekend social scenes. The Vikings compete in 10 NCAA Division II sports with $794,957 in athletic scholarships supporting 213 student-athletes. Students often gather for basketball games or head to the nearby Pasquotank River for outdoor activities. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio creates a close-knit campus where professors know students by name. With 68.49% Black enrollment, ECSU preserves HBCU culture while welcoming a growing diverse student body that includes 16.91% white students and others from various backgrounds.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 1,583 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1891

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus
Dating Violence	6	4	0
Fondling	5	5	0
Stalking	5	3	0
Burglary	2	2	0
Domestic Violence	2	1	1
Rape	2	2	0
Aggravated Assault	2	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 31°–50°F
July Avg: 70°–87°F
Annual Precipitation: 95.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.1"

Student Demographics

Elizabeth City State University draws students who value affordability and opportunity at a historically black institution. Three-quarters of students come from North Carolina, reflecting the university's strong reputation within the state and its role in the UNC system. More than half receive Pell Grants, showing ECSU's commitment to serving first-generation and lower-income students. The student body is predominantly African American, maintaining the university's HBCU identity while welcoming students of all backgrounds. Women slightly outnumber men, typical of many universities focused on education, aviation, and health sciences programs that attract diverse learners seeking practical career preparation.

Men: 46.0%
Women: 54.0%
White: 16.9%
Black: 68.5%
Hispanic: 4.8%
Asian: 0.6%
In-State Students: 75.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 52.5%

Location

Elizabeth City sits in northeastern North Carolina, about 50 miles south of Norfolk, Virginia. This coastal plain town of roughly 18,000 residents offers a small-town atmosphere where the university forms a central part of the community. The area lies near the Outer Banks and Albemarle Sound, giving students access to waterfront recreation and maritime culture. With 75% of ECSU's 1,863 students coming from in-state, many are familiar with North Carolina's coastal region. The town-distant setting means students experience a quieter pace compared to major metropolitan areas. Students considering colleges in North Carolina may also compare Elizabeth City State University with similar schools in the region.

Address: Elizabeth City, North Carolina 27909

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $40,026
Median Earnings (5 years): $42,559
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $25,100
Loan Repayment Rate: 26.3%
Monthly Loan Payment: $228/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $21,463

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Elizabeth City State University?

Elizabeth City State University accepts 74% of applicants with an average SAT score of 960. As a historically black public university in the UNC system, ECSU provides accessible higher education while maintaining academic standards for its diverse student body.

How much does Elizabeth City State University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $7,237 annually, with in-state tuition at just $3,412. Over half of students receive Pell Grants, making this HBCU one of the most affordable options in North Carolina for working-class families.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Elizabeth City State University?

The student-faculty ratio is 17:1 among the university's 1,863 enrolled students. ECSU operates on a semester system and emphasizes close faculty mentorship, particularly important for first-generation college students who make up a significant portion of the student body.

What are the graduation outcomes at Elizabeth City State University?

The six-year graduation rate is 48% with a first-year retention rate of 74%. Graduates earn a median salary of $40,026 ten years after graduation, reflecting the university's mission to provide economic mobility for students from underserved communities.

Where is Elizabeth City State University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Elizabeth City, a small town in northeastern North Carolina, with housing for 1,583 students. The Vikings compete in NCAA Division II with 10 varsity sports, and the student body is 68% Black and 54% female, creating a supportive community atmosphere.

What makes Elizabeth City State University unique as an HBCU?

Founded in 1891, ECSU is one of the original HBCUs and serves 75% in-state students as part of the strong UNC system. The university has a strong aviation program and maritime heritage, reflecting its coastal location and commitment to STEM education in the African American community.