East Carolina University
2025 USNews Best Colleges Ranking: 189(↑6) (Click for schools/majors ranking)
Abbreviation/Alias: ECU
School Characteristics: Private (4-Years)
Calendar systerm: Semester
Religious Affiliation: Not applicable
School Chief: Philip Rogers (Chancellor)
Website: https://www.ecu.edu/; Phone: 2523286131
Location: East 5th Street, Greenville, NC, 27858-4353
East Carolina University Important Facts
Trends in Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Student Retention at East Carolina University
East Carolina University, a public institution, has seen notable trends in tuition fees over recent years. From 2014 to 2024, in-state undergraduate tuition has increased from $6,143 to $7,361, marking an increase of approximately 20%, while out-of-state tuition rose significantly from $20,256 to $23,638, which represents an increase of about 16%. This trend reflects a broader nationwide issue in higher education where tuition rates have escalated, often outpacing inflation and raising concerns about affordability for students.
In terms of educational outcomes, graduation rates have shown a positive trajectory. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates increased from approximately 32.5% in 2014 to 44.9% in 2024, this nearly 37% improvement highlights the university's efforts to enhance student support services and academic resources. Furthermore, the graduation rate at 150% of the expected time also rose, indicating that a greater proportion of students are completing their degrees within an extended timeframe.
Retention rates have also shown stability, albeit with slight fluctuations. The retention rate for undergraduate students hovered around 80% to 83% through most of the observed years, with a slight decrease to about 79.6% in 2023 before recovering to 81.7% in 2024. This consistency suggests that the university maintains a supportive environment for its students, although external factors such as economic conditions and campus engagement will continue to influence these rates.
Overall, while tuition costs continue to rise, the improvements in graduation and retention rates at East Carolina University indicate a focus on student success that must be complemented by efforts to address affordability. Balancing these aspects will be key to ensuring that a diverse range of students can access and complete their education at the institution.
East Carolina University Degrees and Majors
Analysis of Graduation Data at East Carolina University
The graduation data from East Carolina University highlights some notable trends and focal points in various fields of study for the year 2023. A significant observation is the prevalence of graduate degrees in Business Administration and Management, with a total of 276 master's graduates, indicating a robust interest and investment in graduate-level education within this critical sector. This emphasis on graduate studies aligns well with broader labor market trends, where advanced degrees are increasingly becoming prerequisites for many professional roles.
In terms of bachelor's degrees, Marketing Management also stands out with 224 graduates, reflecting the growing importance of marketing skills in today's digital landscape. This aligns with the increasing focus on data-driven marketing strategies and the demand for skilled professionals capable of navigating complex market environments.
Conversely, fields like Occupational Therapy and Medical Family Therapy do not show any graduates at the master’s level, which could point to an area of concern regarding workforce readiness in healthcare professions. With an ongoing focus on health and wellness, ensuring adequate graduate output in these areas is crucial for meeting future demands.
Additionally, the mention of zero international students graduating in largely populated disciplines raises questions about the university's outreach and appeal among the global student body. As universities worldwide are striving to increase diversity and international representation, this apparent lack of graduates from abroad in key programs suggests potential areas for growth and strategic focus.
Overall, this data underscores the dynamic landscape of higher education at East Carolina University, reflecting broader economic and societal trends while also highlighting areas needing attention, particularly in healthcare and international student engagement.
East Carolina University Ranking and Admission
Analysis of Admission Trends at East Carolina University
East Carolina University has demonstrated considerable fluctuations in its ranking and acceptance rates over the years. Notably, the most recent ranking for 2025 is 189, showing an improvement compared to previous years, particularly 234 in 2023. This upward trajectory may indicate the university's ongoing efforts to enhance its academic reputation and attract a more competitive pool of applicants. Regarding enrollment, the total number of enrolled students has varied, with a peak in some years, reflecting shifts in admission strategies. The acceptance rates have shown significant changes; for instance, the acceptance rate for males reached approximately 86% in 2021, while for females, it was nearly 89% during the same period. Interestingly, the acceptance rates initially showed a decline before stabilizing in the higher percentages, suggesting a more selective admission process, especially as the university has been pursuing higher academic standards and student outcomes. Furthermore, the number of students denied admission has fluctuated greatly, with over 16,000 denials in 2022, indicating a highly competitive environment for prospective students. The higher denial rates suggest a growing number of applicants, likely due to the university's strengthening reputation. This trend aligns with national patterns where many universities are seeing increasing applications amid greater interest in higher education. Overall, East Carolina University's recent improvements in ranking and continuously evolving admissions landscape reflect broader educational trends and the institution's efforts to compete effectively in an increasingly competitive academic field.
East Carolina University Admission Score Requires
*Numbers at left represent SAT/ACT submitting percentage, numbers on blue blocks represent 25%-75% admission scores
**Drag green block to check data for different years, click blue block to check scores trends
Trends in Admission Test Scores at East Carolina University
The data from East Carolina University over the years shows a significant evolution in standardized test scores and the number of submitted scores. From 2007 to 2014, the number of students submitting SAT scores exceeded 3,000, with high percentages of the applicant pool demonstrating their commitment to the SAT, often exceeding 90%. However, a noticeable trend emerged after 2014, where both the submission rates and number of students submitting SAT scores began to decline sharply. By 2024, only 9% of the applicant pool submitted SAT scores, which highlights a dramatic drop from previous years.
Regarding score trends, the 25th percentile and 75th percentile scores for the SAT reading and math components showed a general consistency in decline and fluctuation but did see a slight improvement in the latest years. The scores that mark the lower and upper quartile ranges have been relatively stable, indicating that while the number of submissions is diminishing, those who do submit often have competitive scores.
This descent in standard test submissions mirrors a wider national trend where many universities have become test-optional or test-blind, following the pandemic's impact on education. This shift raises questions about how future admissions processes will prioritize holistic evaluations over standardized testing metrics alone. The university's ability to maintain strong academic standards while adapting to these changes will be crucial in attracting a diverse and talented student body in the coming years.
East Carolina University Students Diversity
Demographic Insights of East Carolina University in 2024
East Carolina University in 2024 displays a vibrant and diverse student body, with a significant representation of undergraduates and graduate students. The total number of students across all categories stands at over 21,000, incorporating a blend of new freshmen, returning students, transferring students, and graduate students.
Analyzing the gender ratios, it is notable that the undergraduate groups of new and returning students exhibit a higher female population, with females constituting 58.5% of the new freshmen and 56.6% of returning students. This contrast is similarly reflected in graduate student demographics, where the female ratio climbs to an impressive 69.6%. This trend signifies a growing inclination among women to pursue higher education, resonating with national trends where female enrollment has been consistently on the rise.
The diversity of students is further highlighted in the subcategories of racial and ethnic backgrounds. White students remain the majority across all categories, yet the presence of other ethnicities cannot be overlooked. This mirrors the broader societal shift toward greater diversity, suggesting that the university community is becoming more inclusive.
Furthermore, as universities increasingly prioritize equity and inclusion, the representation of international students holds significant importance. Although specific values for the current year in certain demographics are missing, the university can aim for higher visibility and support for students from varied backgrounds, preparing them for a globalized job market.
In conclusion, East Carolina University's demographic composition reflects current educational trends, spurred by an increase in female enrollment and a gradual shift towards greater diversity. Acknowledging and supporting these trends can ensure a more enriching educational experience for all students.
East Carolina University Students Age Distribution
Analysis of Student Age Composition at East Carolina University
The student age composition data from East Carolina University for 2024 presents an interesting snapshot of the demographics within the institution. As expected, the majority of undergraduates fall within the 18-21 age bracket, which collectively comprises about 76% of male undergraduates and 80.5% of female undergraduates. This trend aligns with national averages, indicating that East Carolina attracts a significant number of traditional-aged college students.
Interestingly, there is a notable presence of non-traditional students, particularly in the 25-34 age range, showcasing the university's appeal to older individuals seeking further education. Male and female students aged 25-29 account for roughly 12% of the total student body, while the 30-39 age group also represents a meaningful segment, together hinting at a commitment to lifelong learning.
Moreover, the data reveals a gender trend that often reflects broader societal patterns. Female enrollment appears to surpass male enrollment in several age categories, notably among undergraduates younger than 30, which could point to shifting cultural dynamics in education.
The older age demographics, particularly those above 40, make up a smaller percentage of the overall student population—around 6%—but they reflect a growing trend in higher education towards inclusivity of diverse age groups, likely in response to rising employment demands and the need for career changes in today's fast-paced job market.
Overall, East Carolina University's age distribution continues to emphasize its role in addressing the educational needs of both traditional and non-traditional students, which could positively influence the university's reputation and ability to adapt to evolving societal expectations and labor market requirements.
East Carolina University International Students Trends
Trends in International Student Enrollment at East Carolina University
The enrollment data for East Carolina University reveals interesting trends regarding international students over the years. From 2005 to 2024, the number of undergraduate international students has generally increased, from 80 to 149, highlighting a notable growth in this demographic. The percentage of international undergraduates has fluctuated, peaking at 0.99% in 2012 and maintaining a recent resurgence to 0.70% by 2024. This fluctuation indicates the university's evolving appeal to overseas students in the context of an increasingly competitive global education environment.
In contrast, the enrollment trends for graduate international students present a different narrative. While the total number of graduate students has experienced slight fluctuations, the international graduate population has remained relatively stable, particularly when compared to undergraduates. The percentage of international graduate students reached a noteworthy height of 2.44% in 2005 but has seen a decrease in subsequent years, reaching as low as 1.34% in 2021 before slightly recovering to 2.20% in 2024.
These patterns may reflect broader trends affecting higher education, including shifts in international student mobility, changes in visa regulations, and geopolitical events that influence student choices. As the landscape of global education continuously shifts, universities like East Carolina must adapt their strategies to maintain and enhance their appeal to international students.
The recent data implies a potential recovery for both undergraduate and graduate international enrollments, suggesting that East Carolina University is becoming an increasingly popular destination for students from abroad, despite the ongoing challenges in the global education sector.
East Carolina University Campus and Safety
Nearby Top Colleges
Here are some notable universities surrounding East Carolina University:
Duke University - Ranked 6th in the 2025 US News rankings, Duke is a prestigious private research university located in Durham, North Carolina. It is well-known for its strong programs in law, business, medicine, and engineering.
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - With a rank of 27, UNC Chapel Hill is a public research university and is one of the oldest institutions in the United States, celebrated for its vibrant campus life and strong academic programs in various fields.
Wake Forest University - This private university ranks 46th and is located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Wake Forest is recognized for its excellent liberal arts education and strong emphasis on personal engagement with faculty.
University of Virginia-Main Campus - Ranked 24th, UVA is another historic public university known for its commitment to liberal education and a strong sense of community, founded by Thomas Jefferson.
William & Mary - This public research university, ranking at 54, is located in Williamsburg, Virginia, and is the second oldest college in America, known for its rigorous academics and vibrant campus culture.
University of Richmond - With a rank of 22 in liberal arts education, the University of Richmond offers a strong emphasis on undergraduate study and is part of the distinguished liberal arts college category.
These institutions represent a rich tapestry of educational opportunities in the region, each contributing unique strengths and programs.
Campus Safety
Analysis of Crime Data at East Carolina University
The crime statistics at East Carolina University over the past decade reveal a notable trend in campus safety, with a significant decline in the overall crime rate. Starting from 2013, where the average crime rate per 1,000 students was 23.08, there has been a steady decrease, culminating in a record low of 5.51 in 2021. This represents a downturn in campus incidents, which can be attributed to various factors such as increased campus policing, improved security measures, and community awareness programs.
The data further indicates a decline in specific types of offenses, particularly violent crimes like assaults and dating violence. While some fluctuations in drug and alcohol-related arrests have been noted, the overall trend reflects a more positive outlook for student safety. The final available data points to an average rate of 10.67 in 2023, suggesting a slight increase compared to prior years, which may warrant further examination to understand the contributing factors.
Furthermore, the consistent year-over-year reduction in recorded crimes demonstrates the university's effective strategies to enhance campus security and foster a safe learning environment. As awareness and preventive measures continue to evolve, it is essential for students and staff to remain vigilant. The decline in overall crime rates is promising, but ongoing efforts are required to ensure this positive trend continues.
For more detailed information on how crime rates are calculated, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
Reference
- East Carolina University Official Website
- USNews Best Colleges Ranking
- USNews Bset Global Universities Ranking
- THE World University Ranking
- QS World University Ranking
- ARWU World University Ranking
- US Department of Education College Scorecard
- National Center for Education Statistics
- Forward Pathway US College Ranking Database
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East Carolina University degrees/majors
East Carolina University major details
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2023 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Business Administration and Management, General. | $45,497-$85,014 | |||
Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management. | $45,497-$85,014 | |||
Accounting. | $48,351-$65,574 | |||
Entrepreneurship/Entrepreneurial Studies. | - | |||
Finance, General. | $51,501 | |||
Hospitality Administration/Management, General. | $38,049 | |||
Hospitality Administration/Management, Other. | $38,049 | |||
Management Information Systems, General. | $61,914 | |||
Marketing/Marketing Management, General. | $45,870-$66,451 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Biology/Biological Sciences, General. | $38,992 | |||
Biomedical Sciences, General. | $38,992 | |||
Biochemistry. | - | |||
Biophysics. | - | |||
Molecular Biology. | - | |||
Medical Microbiology and Bacteriology. | - | |||
Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology. | $27,494 | |||
Physiology, Pathology, and Related Sciences, Other. | $27,494 | |||
Pharmacology and Toxicology. | - | |||
Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Psychology, General. | $30,086 | |||
School Psychology. | $56,803 | |||
Health/Medical Psychology. | $56,803 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Speech Communication and Rhetoric. | $37,813-$53,677 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Anthropology, General. | $24,228 | |||
Economics, General. | $46,425 | |||
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics. | $46,425 | |||
Geography. | - | |||
National Security Policy Studies. | - | |||
Political Science and Government, General. | $35,627 | |||
Sociology, General. | $31,928 | |||
Applied/Public Sociology. | $31,928 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies. | $36,809 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dance, General. | - | |||
Interior Design. | $39,992 | |||
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General. | $21,295 | |||
Fine/Studio Arts, General. | $21,271 | |||
Music, General. | $26,222 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Information Technology. | $69,442 | |||
Information Science/Studies. | - | |||
Computer Science. | $65,958 | |||
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies. | $36,374-$52,293 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Public Administration. | - | |||
Social Work. | $35,745-$51,150 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies. | $34,751 | |||
Exercise Science and Kinesiology. | $29,797-$47,178 | |||
Physical Fitness Technician. | $29,797-$47,178 | |||
Sports Studies. | $29,797-$47,178 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness Studies, General. | - | |||
Human Development and Family Studies, General. | $29,607 | |||
Child Development. | $29,607 | |||
Family and Community Services. | $29,607 | |||
Apparel and Textiles, General. | $32,418 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General. | - | |||
Chemistry, General. | $47,875 | |||
Geology/Earth Science, General. | $44,961 | |||
Physics, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Engineering, General. | $65,758 | |||
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. | - | |||
Computer Software Engineering. | - | |||
Mechanical Engineering. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
English Language and Literature, General. | $29,133 | |||
Professional, Technical, Business, and Scientific Writing. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Library and Information Science. | $50,867 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, General. | - | |||
International/Globalization Studies. | - | |||
Maritime Studies. | - | |||
Data Science, General. | - | |||
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | $38,993 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
History, General. | $33,219 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Mathematics, General. | $40,888 |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Foreign Languages and Literatures, General. | $35,561 | |||
Hispanic and Latin American Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics, General. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
Philosophy. | - |
Major | Graduate Salary | Under | Master | Doctor |
---|---|---|---|---|
African-American/Black Studies. | - |
East Carolina University Schools/Majors Ranking
Under Ranking (2025)
World University Ranking
*Rankings have been updated to 2025USNews schools/majors ranking, rankings are for reference only
*numbers in bracket represent rankings change compare to last version
East Carolina University Varsity Athletes
NCAA Division I-FBS | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 62 | 101 |
Football | 123 | - |
Baseball | 38 | - |
Lacrosse | - | 33 |
Basketball | 16 | 15 |
Soccer | - | 29 |
Swimming and Diving (combined) | - | 27 |
Softball | - | 24 |
Volleyball | - | 17 |
Golf | 9 | 7 |
Tennis | - | 8 |
NCAA Division I-FBS | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined) | 71 | 106 |
Football | 128 | - |
Baseball | 40 | - |
Lacrosse | - | 33 |
Basketball | 16 | 14 |
Soccer | - | 29 |
Softball | - | 25 |
Golf | 12 | 8 |
Volleyball | - | 20 |
Swimming and Diving (combined) | - | 16 |
Tennis | - | 8 |
NCAA Division I-FBS | MEN | WOMEN |
---|---|---|
All Track Combined | 59 | 124 |
Football | 120 | - |
Baseball | 40 | - |
Lacrosse | - | 40 |
Basketball | 18 | 17 |
Soccer | - | 34 |
Softball | - | 25 |
Golf | 11 | 7 |
Volleyball | - | 16 |
East Carolina University (ECU), located in Greenville, North Carolina, is a distinguished institution known for its commitment to academic excellence and community engagement. Founded in 1907, the university has evolved into a comprehensive public research university offering a plethora of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly noted for its strong emphasis on health sciences. With colleges such as the Brody School of Medicine and the College of Nursing, ECU plays a vital role in training health professionals in the region, fostering a workforce that addresses local healthcare needs.
The university’s vibrant campus life enhances the overall student experience, providing a rich array of extracurricular activities and organizations, including athletics. ECU prides itself on a spirited student body that supports its Pirates athletics teams, promoting a strong sense of community and school pride. In addition to sports, ECU offers diverse campus cultural events and initiatives that promote inclusivity and personal growth. The university’s dedication to student success is reflected in its robust career services, with many graduates successfully entering the workforce or pursuing advanced studies. This commitment to education and community involvement has solidified ECU's reputation as a key player in North Carolina's higher education landscape.