ECU vs. North Carolina Central University

Comparable Facts

Compare East Carolina University in Greenville, NC with North Carolina Central University in Durham, NC on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

East Carolina University is larger than North Carolina Central University based on total student enrollment (26,940 students vs. 8,579 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• East Carolina University is located in Greenville, NC (Small City setting); North Carolina Central University is in Durham, NC (Midsize City setting).
• East Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. North Carolina Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: East Carolina University 17:1; North Carolina Central University 16:1.

ECU vs. North Carolina Central University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ECU or North Carolina Central 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 North Carolina Central University ($13,755 vs. $14,475).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East Carolina University are 14.2% lower than at North Carolina Central University ($11,541 vs. $13,450).
• East Carolina University is 9.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than North Carolina Central University (about $662 more per year; $7,361.00 vs. $6,699.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.8% higher at ECU than at North Carolina Central University (about $3,903 more per year; $23,638.00 vs. $19,735.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at North Carolina Central University than at East Carolina University (87% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by North Carolina Central University students is 22.7% larger than aid received by East Carolina University students ($11,999 vs. $9,776).

ECU vs. North Carolina Central University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ECU or North Carolina Central 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 North Carolina Central University and ECU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at East Carolina University (1160) is 120 points higher than at North Carolina Central University (1040).
• Incoming ECU students have a 6 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 17 at North Carolina Central University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Carolina University 1070/1240; North Carolina Central University 980/1100.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Carolina University 21/26; North Carolina Central University 17/18.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ECU - Test optional; North Carolina Central University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: North Carolina Central University Aug 1, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ECU students have a 0.06 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at North Carolina Central University (3.27).
• ECU has a higher acceptance rate (89.2%) than North Carolina Central University (87%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.1% at ECU vs. 11% at North Carolina Central University.

ECU vs. North Carolina Central University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ECU and North Carolina Central 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 North Carolina Central University's (38%).
• Graduates from East Carolina University earn a median of about $8,700 more per year than North Carolina Central University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,900 vs. $35,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, East Carolina University graduates have a $6,212 lower median loan debt than North Carolina Central University graduates ($24,788 vs. $31,000).
• Among borrowers, ECU graduates have an estimated $64 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than North Carolina Central University graduates ($256 vs. $320).
• More ECU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former North Carolina Central University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 23%)

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.