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74.2%Acceptance
$3,412Tuition
1,863Students
48%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$40,026Earnings
Public4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24HBCU

Overview

Elizabeth City State University is a less selective public four-year institution in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. The school accepts 74.2% of applicants and enrolls 1,863 students.

Admission Statistics

Acceptance Rate
74.2%
Average SAT
960
SAT Range (25th–75th)
850–1,070
ACT Composite (avg)
19
Total Enrollment
1,863

Your Chances by SAT Score

Strong Candidate
SAT above 1,070

Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.

Competitive
SAT 850–1,070

Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.

Reach School
SAT below 850

Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.

Admission Guide

Elizabeth City State University uses rolling admissions, so you can apply throughout the year without worrying about strict deadlines. Submit your application through the Common Application or the university's online portal along with your high school transcripts and standardized test scores. The university requires either SAT or ACT scores, though some programs may have specific score preferences.

While ECSU admits most applicants, certain programs maintain more competitive entry requirements. The aviation program, which is one of the university's flagship offerings, requires additional steps including medical certification and flight physical examinations. Education majors must complete additional field experience requirements and pass state-mandated teaching assessments before student teaching.

Housing fills up quickly despite the smaller campus size, so submit your housing application as soon as you're admitted if you want to live on campus. The university requires all freshmen under 21 who don't live with family within 50 miles to live in residence halls for their first year.

ECSU operates on a semester system and offers summer orientation sessions that cover course registration, campus resources, and academic planning. You'll meet with an academic advisor during orientation to plan your first semester schedule. The campus sits along the Pasquotank River in northeastern North Carolina, about an hour from Virginia Beach and the Outer Banks.

Financial aid applications should be completed early since the university offers need-based aid on a first-come, first-served basis. Many students qualify for significant aid given the low net price, but you need to file your FAFSA to access federal and state grant programs.

What It Costs If You Get In

Average Net Price
$7,237/yr
Tuition (in-state)
$3,412
Tuition (out-of-state)
$7,412
Students Receiving Aid
53%

View full cost breakdown →

After You Graduate

Graduation Rate (6-year)
48.1%
Median Earnings (10yr)
$40,026/yr
Freshman Retention Rate
74.2%

View full outcomes data →

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Elizabeth City State University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?

Elizabeth City State University typically requires either SAT or ACT scores as part of the application process. Check with admissions directly for any recent test-optional policy changes.

What is the application deadline for Elizabeth City State University?

Elizabeth City State University operates on rolling admissions with priority deadlines in early spring for fall enrollment. Contact the admissions office for specific dates as they can vary by program.

Can I transfer credits to Elizabeth City State University?

Elizabeth City State University accepts transfer credits from accredited institutions. The number of transferable credits depends on course equivalency and your intended major.

What GPA do I need to get into Elizabeth City State University?

Elizabeth City State University does not publish a minimum GPA requirement. The admissions process considers multiple factors including grades, test scores, and extracurricular activities.