VSU vs. ECU

Comparable Facts

Compare Valdosta State University in Valdosta, GA with East Central University in Ada, OK on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Valdosta State University is larger than ECU based on total student enrollment (10,262 students vs. 3,377 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Valdosta State University is located in Valdosta, GA (Small City setting); East Central University is in Ada, OK (Remote Town setting).
• Valdosta State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution. East Central University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Valdosta State University 17:1; East Central University 18:1.

VSU vs. ECU Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, VSU or ECU? 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 Central University than VSU ($8,565 vs. $11,144).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at East Central University are 10.6% lower than at Valdosta State University ($8,516 vs. $9,530).
• East Central University is 31.2% more expensive for in-state tuition than VSU (about $1,908 more per year; $8,032.00 vs. $6,124.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0% higher at ECU than at Valdosta State University (about $6 more per year; $17,842.00 vs. $17,836.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Valdosta State University than at East Central University (93% vs. 91%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Valdosta State University students is 10.3% larger than aid received by East Central University students ($10,206 vs. $9,255).

VSU vs. ECU Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, VSU or ECU? 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 ECU and VSU.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Valdosta State University (1010) is the same as at ECU (1010).
• Incoming ECU students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (20 vs. 19 at VSU).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valdosta State University 920/1100; East Central University 900/1120.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Valdosta State University 16/22; East Central University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: VSU - Required; ECU - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: VSU Jun 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman ECU students have a 0.08 point higher average high school GPA (3.31) than students at VSU (3.23).
• VSU has a higher acceptance rate (72.3%) than ECU (58.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 26% at VSU vs. 42.4% at ECU.

VSU vs. ECU Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for VSU and ECU? 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).

• Valdosta State University's six-year graduation rate (43%) is higher than East Central University's (34%).
• Graduates of Valdosta State University and ECU have equivalent median earnings about ten years after starting college ($40,300 vs. $40,300), per the federal College Scorecard cohort (typically among students working and not enrolled).
• Among federal student loan borrowers, East Central University graduates have a $8,122 lower median loan debt than VSU graduates ($16,878 vs. $25,000).
• Among borrowers, ECU graduates have an estimated $84 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than VSU graduates ($174 vs. $258).
• More ECU graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former VSU students, three years after graduation. (45% vs. 41%)

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.