ECU vs. Pfeiffer University

Comparable Facts

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

East Carolina University is larger than Pfeiffer University based on total student enrollment (26,940 students vs. 889 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• East Carolina University is located in Greenville, NC (Small City setting); Pfeiffer University is in Misenheimer, NC (Distant Rural setting).
• East Carolina University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. Pfeiffer University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: East Carolina University 17:1; Pfeiffer University 11:1.

ECU vs. Pfeiffer University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ECU or Pfeiffer 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 Pfeiffer University ($13,755 vs. $19,660).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East Carolina University are 10.2% lower than at Pfeiffer University ($11,541 vs. $12,850).
• Pfeiffer University is 376.4% more expensive for in-state tuition than ECU (about $27,709 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $7,361.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 48.4% higher at Pfeiffer University than at East Carolina University (about $11,432 more per year; $35,070.00 vs. $23,638.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Pfeiffer University than at East Carolina University (100% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Pfeiffer University students is 165.5% larger than aid received by East Carolina University students ($25,951 vs. $9,776).

ECU vs. Pfeiffer University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ECU or Pfeiffer 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 Pfeiffer University and ECU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at East Carolina University (1160) is 130 points higher than at Pfeiffer University (1030).
• Incoming ECU students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (23 vs. 21 at Pfeiffer University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Carolina University 1070/1240; Pfeiffer University 891/1165.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: East Carolina University 21/26; Pfeiffer University 18/25.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ECU - Test optional; Pfeiffer University - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: Pfeiffer University Aug 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ECU students have a 0.15 point higher average high school GPA (3.33) than students at Pfeiffer University (3.18).
• Pfeiffer University has a higher acceptance rate (96%) than ECU (89.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.1% at ECU vs. 13.7% at Pfeiffer University.

ECU vs. Pfeiffer University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ECU and Pfeiffer 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 Pfeiffer University's (45%).
• Graduates from East Carolina University earn a median of about $2,800 more per year than Pfeiffer University graduates about ten years after starting college ($43,900 vs. $41,100), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Pfeiffer University graduates have a $2,389 lower median loan debt than ECU graduates ($22,399 vs. $24,788).
• Among borrowers, Pfeiffer University graduates have an estimated $25 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ECU graduates ($231 vs. $256).
• More ECU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Pfeiffer University students, three years after graduation. (63% vs. 56%)

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.