ECU vs. Columbia International University

Comparable Facts

Compare East Carolina University in Greenville, NC with Columbia International University in Columbia, SC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

East Carolina University is larger than Columbia International University based on total student enrollment (26,940 students vs. 2,914 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• East Carolina University is located in Greenville, NC (Small City setting); Columbia International University is in Columbia, SC (Midsize City setting).
• East Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Columbia International University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: East Carolina University 17:1; Columbia International University 13:1.

ECU vs. Columbia International University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ECU or Columbia International University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at East Carolina University than Columbia International University ($13,755 vs. $26,056).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East Carolina University are 3.4% lower than at Columbia International University ($11,541 vs. $11,950).
• Columbia International University is 279% more expensive for in-state tuition than ECU (about $20,539 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $7,361.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 18% higher at Columbia International University than at East Carolina University (about $4,262 more per year; $27,900.00 vs. $23,638.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Columbia International University than at East Carolina University (95% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Columbia International University students is 74% larger than aid received by East Carolina University students ($17,009 vs. $9,776).

ECU vs. Columbia International University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ECU or Columbia International University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Columbia International University and ECU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at East Carolina University (1160) is 70 points higher than at Columbia International University (1090).
• Incoming ECU students have a 3 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 20 at Columbia International University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Carolina University 1070/1240; Columbia International University 990/1195.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Carolina University 21/26; Columbia International University 16/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ECU - Test optional; Columbia International University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Columbia International University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Columbia International University students have a 0.17 point higher average high school GPA (3.5) than students at ECU (3.33).
• Columbia International University has a higher acceptance rate (94.5%) than ECU (89.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.1% at ECU vs. 35.1% at Columbia International University.

ECU vs. Columbia International University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ECU and Columbia International University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• East Carolina University's six-year graduation rate (59%) is higher than Columbia International University's (57%).
• Graduates from East Carolina University earn a median of about $10,500 more per year than Columbia International University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,900 vs. $33,400), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have a $3,288 lower median loan debt than ECU graduates ($21,500 vs. $24,788).
• Among borrowers, Columbia International University graduates have an estimated $34 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ECU graduates ($222 vs. $256).
• More Columbia International University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ECU students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 63%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.