ECSU vs. University of Charleston

Comparable Facts

Compare Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, NC with University of Charleston in Charleston, WV on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

University of Charleston is larger than ECSU based on total student enrollment (3,062 students vs. 2,258 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Elizabeth City State University is located in Elizabeth City, NC (Distant Town setting); University of Charleston is in Charleston, WV (Small City setting).
• Elizabeth City State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Charleston is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Elizabeth City State University 19:1; University of Charleston 15:1.

ECSU vs. University of Charleston Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, ECSU or University of Charleston? 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 Elizabeth City State University than University of Charleston ($6,483 vs. $20,844).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Elizabeth City State University are 2.4% lower than at University of Charleston ($11,986 vs. $12,280).
• University of Charleston is 417.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than ECSU (about $27,264 more per year; $33,800.00 vs. $6,536.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 220.8% higher at University of Charleston than at Elizabeth City State University (about $23,264 more per year; $33,800.00 vs. $10,536.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at University of Charleston than at Elizabeth City State University (97% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Charleston students is 143.5% larger than aid received by Elizabeth City State University students ($26,132 vs. $10,732).

ECSU vs. University of Charleston Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, ECSU or University of Charleston? 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 University of Charleston and ECSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Charleston (1070) is 70 points higher than at ECSU (1000).
• Incoming University of Charleston students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (21 vs. 19 at ECSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elizabeth City State University 920/1080; University of Charleston 985/1160.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Elizabeth City State University 16/22; University of Charleston 19/23.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: ECSU - Test optional; University of Charleston - Test-free.
• Typical fall application deadline: ECSU Jun 30, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ECSU students have a 0.03 point higher average high school GPA (3.16) than students at University of Charleston (3.13).
• ECSU has a higher acceptance rate (64.2%) than University of Charleston (61.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 12% at ECSU vs. 16.8% at University of Charleston.

ECSU vs. University of Charleston Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for ECSU and University of Charleston? 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).

• University of Charleston's six-year graduation rate (51%) is higher than Elizabeth City State University's (44%).
• Graduates from University of Charleston earn a median of about $14,500 more per year than ECSU graduates about ten years after starting college ($45,200 vs. $30,700), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Charleston graduates have a $5,625 lower median loan debt than ECSU graduates ($20,500 vs. $26,125).
• Among borrowers, University of Charleston graduates have an estimated $59 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than ECSU graduates ($211 vs. $270).
• More University of Charleston graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former ECSU students, three years after graduation. (58% 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.