ECSU Admission Requirements

Admission Rate & Difficulty

Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at ECSU is 74.2%.  Its admission rate is the 31st lowest in North Carolina.

Admission Selectivity

How hard is it to get into ECSU and can you get accepted?

ECSU is a moderately competitive school to get into. You have a strong chance of acceptance if you meet the criteria. Last year, 2,912 out of the 3,927 who applied were admitted.

Elizabeth City State University typically accepts and attracts "B" average high school students with an average GPA around 3.16. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the lower half of their high school class. 12% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.

Can you get into ECSU?

74% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.

Admission Requirements in Brief

To have the best chance of getting into to Elizabeth City State University you should:

• Have a high school GPA of 3.16 or better
• Earn B grades in high school
• Score 960 on the SAT
• Score 19 on the ACT

GPA Requirements & Average GPA

What GPA do you need to get into Elizabeth City State University?

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for getting into ECSU are to have around a 3.16 high school GPA. You need about average high school grades.

If your high school GPA meets these requirements, there is a good chance you will be accepted as ECSU accepts 74% of students who apply.

Average GPA

The average unweighted GPA at ECSU is 3.16 on the 4.0 scale. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn B letter grades and regularly score around 83-86 percent on tests and assignments in high school.  The school ranks #36 in North Carolina for highest average GPA.

Importance of GPA

Since ECSU is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.

See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 3.2 GPA range.

GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022

Testing Requirements

Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required for admission to Elizabeth City State University. If you optionally submit test scores, they will be considered with your application, but they are not mandatory. 10% of students submitted SAT scores and 11% submitted ACT scores for admission for the most recent academic year..

SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score

SAT Scores you need to get in

What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to Elizabeth City State University?

Average Score & Range

The average SAT score at ECSU is 960 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 850-1070. Students who get into Elizabeth City State University score in the top 85 percent of all SAT test takers..  ECSU ranks #43 in the state of North Carolina for highest average SAT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

You should target scoring 960 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. ECSU regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 850 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 850, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 740, but scores this low are outside the normal range.

Score Submission Requirements

Elizabeth City State University is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

View other colleges which accept students in the 960 SAT score range.

Chance of Acceptance by SAT Score

The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 960, you have around a 74% chance of being admitted. A 1070 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 84% chance of getting in.

ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score

ACT Scores needed to get accepted

What are the ACT requirements for students to get into ECSU?

Score Range

The average ACT score for admitted students to ECSU is 19, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 16 and 22.  The school ranks #35 in North Carolina for highest average ACT composite score.

Score for Acceptance

For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 19. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 16 and score in the score in the top 75 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 13.

11 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to Elizabeth City State University.

Score Submission Requirements

You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as Elizabeth City State University is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "not required for admission, but considered if submitted (test optional)".

Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements

Chance of Acceptance by ACT Score

Here are your predicted chances of getting into ECSU for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 19 score has around 74% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 84% with a 22 ACT score.

High School Class Rank

67% of Elizabeth City State University freshman are in the lower half of their high school graduating class.

Admission Statistics

Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.

Fall 2025 Application Deadline

Application Fee

The cost for prospective students to apply to Elizabeth City State University is $30.

Application Requirements

What are the requirements for admission to Elizabeth City State University and what student information is used for admission decisions?

Credits Accepted

Admission Requirements Summary

Because ECSU is moderately competitive, you have a strong chance of acceptance with the right GPA and test scores. If you have a 3.16 GPA, you have a very good likelihood of getting in. A 960 on the SAT and 19 on the ACT will further lock in your application.