At $7,237/yr net price, Elizabeth City State University graduates earn $40,026/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,026/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $7,237 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $28,948 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,026/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,026/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $21,463 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $4,342/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $5,202/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $8,929/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,182/yr |
| $110,001+ | $15,821/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $55,964 | |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $45,696 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $30,771 | $19,250 |
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
48.1% of students at Elizabeth City State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Elizabeth City State University offers solid financial value for North Carolina residents, with a low net price of $7,237 annually making it one of the more affordable four-year options in the state. Your median debt of $21,463 stays reasonable compared to the national average, though the 48% graduation rate means nearly half of students never complete their degrees.
Educational Administration stands out as the clear winner financially, with graduates earning nearly $56,000 annually. Computer Science follows at $45,696, providing strong returns in a growing field. However, most other popular majors show concerning earnings patterns. Biology graduates earn just $29,141 despite the program's science focus, while Criminal Justice and Accounting both plateau around $30,771.
The biggest financial risk here is not graduating. With retention rates at 74%, many students transfer or drop out, leaving them with debt but no degree. The regional job market in northeastern North Carolina limits opportunities, particularly for liberal arts graduates who may need to relocate for better-paying positions.
This school works best for North Carolina residents seeking affordable education in specific high-return fields like educational leadership or computer science. You should avoid ECSU if you're considering biology as pre-med preparation or if you need extensive career services and alumni networks that larger universities provide. Out-of-state students will find better value elsewhere given the limited program strength outside a few areas.
Financial aid covers roughly half of students, though merit scholarship opportunities remain limited. Your best strategy involves choosing high-earning majors and taking advantage of the low in-state costs while maintaining focus on graduation within four years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elizabeth City State University worth the cost compared to other schools?
Elizabeth City State University offers strong value with a low net price of $7,237 per year and relatively manageable debt levels at $21,463. However, graduates earn $40,026 after 10 years, which is below the national average for college graduates.
What are the best paying majors at Elizabeth City State University?
Educational Administration graduates from Elizabeth City State University earn the highest salaries at $55,964, followed by Computer Science at $45,696. Other programs like Criminal Justice and Biology have lower earning potential around $30,000.
How much debt do Elizabeth City State University graduates typically have?
Elizabeth City State University graduates carry a median debt of $21,463, which is reasonable given the school's low cost. The debt-to-income ratio is manageable for most graduates, especially those in higher-paying programs.
Does Elizabeth City State University have good graduation rates?
Elizabeth City State University has a 48% graduation rate, which is below the national average. This means roughly half of students who enroll do not complete their degree, which affects the overall return on investment.