East Central College
Out-of-state tuition
$7,680
In-state $5,568
Peer median $8,816
Undergraduates
2,371
Student-faculty ratio 12:1
Peer median 18 : 1
Graduation rate
38.0%
Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 41.0%
Peer median 33.7%
“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).
About
East Central College, located in Union, Missouri, is a distinguished community college that has been serving students since its establishment in 1968. The college prides itself on providing an accessible and quality education, promoting lifelong learning and community engagement. With a commitment to student success, East Central College offers a wide range of programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and transfer options that prepare students for both the workforce and further academic pursuits. The college's motto, "Empowering Lives Through Education," reflects its dedication to transforming the lives of its students and fostering a supportive learning environment.
The campus is equipped with modern facilities and resources that enhance the educational experience, including advanced technology labs, libraries, and recreational areas. East Central College also emphasizes a strong sense of community and personal development, encouraging students to participate in various extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations. This vibrant campus culture fosters a sense of belonging among students and promotes collaboration and leadership skills. Furthermore, the college's strategic location in the heart of Missouri allows students to benefit from a rich blend of cultural and recreational opportunities in the surrounding area, making it an ideal place to study and grow. With a strong focus on student support services, East Central College is dedicated to helping students achieve their academic and career goals, leading to impressive graduate employment rates and successful alumni.
Analysis of Key Metrics at East Central College
East Central College has demonstrated notable trends in tuition, graduation rates, and student retention over the years. The cost of education has steadily increased, with in-state undergraduate tuition rising from $2,880 in 2014 to $5,064 in 2024, representing a significant 76% increase. This rise in tuition may pose challenges for prospective students and their families, especially in an era where student debt is a growing concern nationwide.
Graduation rates also show a positive trajectory, with the percentage of undergraduates graduating on time increasing from approximately 16% in 2013 to about 31% in 2023. This improvement suggests that the college is enhancing its support systems for students, which may also correlate with better academic advising and resources. The increased graduation rate could lead to a more favorable perception of the college among prospective students, encouraging enrollment despite rising tuition costs.
Moreover, student retention rates have fluctuated slightly but have shown resilience, maintaining above 57% from 2013 to 2023. The retention rate rose to approximately 63% in 2023, indicating that more students are choosing to continue their education at East Central College. This trend is crucial, as higher retention often correlates with improved overall student satisfaction and academic success.
In conclusion, while tuition costs are on the rise, the college's efforts in improving graduation and retention rates demonstrate a commitment to student success. Balancing affordability with quality education will be vital for the institution's long-term sustainability and reputation in the competitive educational landscape.
This collegeRanked colleges nearby
- Setting
- Distant town
- Nearest major city
- St. Louis, about 40 mi
- Nearest international airport
- St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), about 40 mi
- Academic calendar
- Semester
- Religious affiliation
- Not applicable
- President
- Dr. Jon Bauer (President)
- Phone
- 6365846500
- Address
- 1964 Prairie Dell Rd, Union, MO 63084
Degrees & Majors
Graduates in 2025 (first major)
U.S. studentsInternational
Data insights
Analysis of Graduation Data from East Central College
The data from East Central College provides a clear picture of the graduation trends for various programs in 2023. Notably, the Registered Nursing program stands out with a significant number of graduates, totaling 52. This is particularly important in the context of ongoing healthcare demands, as the nursing profession is experiencing a shortage exacerbated by the pandemic. The rise in graduates from this field aligns with national trends aimed at addressing healthcare workforce challenges.
On the other hand, many other programs, particularly in the technical and vocational areas, show relatively low graduation numbers. For instance, the Emergency Medical Technology and Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician programs only graduated 7 and 1 students, respectively. This could indicate a lack of interest or awareness of career opportunities in these fields, which are vital for healthcare support systems.
Furthermore, the data reveals that none of the international students graduated in any of the degree categories, which is concerning. This absence could reflect access barriers or a decline in international enrollment, possibly influenced by global events such as travel restrictions or changing immigration policies.
Lastly, the General Studies program, while not specialized, produced an impressive 285 graduates, highlighting a strong interest in foundational education that prepares students for diverse career paths. This trend underscores the importance of flexibility in educational offerings, catering to a broad range of student interests and career aspirations. Overall, the data points to both strengths and gaps in the academic programs at East Central College, suggesting areas for potential growth and improvement.
All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard
*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 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 | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| General Studies. | $32,344 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Fine/Studio Arts, General. | - | |
| Music, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Culinary Arts/Chef Training. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Business/Commerce, General. | - | |
| Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Machine Tool Technology/Machinist. | $42,296 | |
| Welding Technology/Welder. | $42,296 |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Technician. | - | |
| Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians, Other. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology/Technician. | - |
| Major | Graduate Salary | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Carpentry/Carpenter. | - |
Students
2,371 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 37:63 · Freshman retention 66.7%
- Continuing undergraduates 927
- First-year undergraduates 497
- Transfers and others 947
Undergraduate race and ethnicity (2,371)
Age distribution
Bachelor's
Data insights
Student Demographics at East Central College in 2023
The data from East Central College for the year 2023 reveals significant insights into the student demographics. A total of 2,692 students are categorized into undergraduate freshmen, undergraduate seniors, and undergraduate transfer students, alongside a notable number of graduate students.
Undergraduate freshmen account for 568 students, with a gender distribution showing 42.6% males and 57.4% females. This trend continues with undergraduate seniors, where the male representation is 35.4% and female representation is higher at 64.6%, indicating a substantial female presence in the undergraduate population. Transfer students have a similar pattern, with 39.8% male and 60.2% female, further emphasizing the greater enrollment of female students in undergraduate programs.
The total number of graduate students stands at 942, with a gender ratio of 41.4% males and 58.6% females, which is consistent with the undergraduate statistics. This suggests a broader trend across academic levels at East Central College, where female students are outnumbering male counterparts.
Moreover, examining the ethnic composition, white students form the majority in both undergraduate and graduate categories, with diverse representation from other ethnic groups. This reflects the college's commitment to diversity and inclusion, which is a critical aspect of contemporary higher education institutions.
Overall, the data highlights the ongoing trends in gender representation and the importance of fostering an inclusive environment for students of all backgrounds. These statistics not only provide a snapshot of the current student body but also point to broader societal shifts in education access and gender dynamics.
Analysis of Student Age Composition at East Central College in 2023
The age composition of students at East Central College in 2023 presents a clear picture of the demographics within the institution. Notably, the largest group of students falls under the age of 18, comprising 39.7% of the total male student population and 45.7% of the total female population. This trend reflects a common pattern in community colleges, where younger students often seek higher education immediately after completing high school.
As students progress in age, there is a noticeable decline in both male and female enrollment. For instance, the 18-19 age group remains robust, but by the time we reach the 22-24 age range, the male enrollment drops to 10.6%, and female enrollment decreases to 14.5%. This decline may indicate that students are either transitioning directly into the workforce or opting for other educational paths.
Interestingly, there is a stark absence of graduate students among the male and female populations, highlighting a potential area for growth in advanced degree programs. This lack of graduate enrollment could be attributed to the college's focus on undergraduate education or the demographics of the local community.
Furthermore, the age groups of 30 and above show minimal enrollment figures, which could reflect barriers such as work commitments or family responsibilities that deter older students from pursuing education. This demographic insight emphasizes the need for East Central College to explore targeted outreach strategies aimed at adult learners to enhance their enrollment figures and cater to a broader audience.
Overall, the age distribution at East Central College underscores the traditional student demographic while revealing opportunities for recruitment among non-traditional students. By addressing these gaps, the college can work towards a more diverse and inclusive educational environment.
International Students
International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
25 in 2025 · 0.1% in 2016
Data insights
Analysis of International Student Enrollment at East Central College
The data concerning international student enrollment at East Central College reveals significant trends and fluctuations over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the number of international undergraduate students has seen a gradual increase, peaking in 2019 with 14 students, which marked a notable rise to 0.53% of the total undergraduate population. This increase suggests a growing appeal of the college to international students, which could be attributed to various factors such as enhanced academic programs, increased global visibility, or favorable immigration policies during that period.
Interestingly, the subsequent years show a slight decline in both the number of international students and their percentage within the undergraduate cohort. For instance, in 2022, there was only one international student, representing just 0.04% of the total students. This decline could reflect broader challenges in international education, such as travel restrictions or changes in visa regulations influenced by global events, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, it is noteworthy that throughout the years, data regarding graduate student enrollment remains unavailable, which limits the analysis for that segment. This absence raises questions about the college's graduate programs and their attractiveness to international students.
In conclusion, while East Central College has seen moments of increased international enrollment, the overall trend highlights volatility that may be influenced by external circumstances. Moving forward, the college may need to develop strategies to enhance its international student recruitment and retention efforts, ensuring a more stable and attractive environment for prospective students from abroad.
Cost
2025 cost per year (out-of-state)
$21,666
- Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
- $7,680
- Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
- $5,568
- Room and board
- $13,986
Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Tuition rose 71% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 5%.
Finances · fiscal year 2024
Revenue$36.5M
Expenses$32.9M
Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)
Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Campus Life
Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
| NJCAA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 45 | - |
| Soccer | 25 | 15 |
| Volleyball | - | 15 |
| Softball | - | 14 |
| NJCAA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 41 | - |
| Soccer | 26 | 15 |
| Volleyball | - | 15 |
| Softball | - | 14 |
| NJCAA Division II | MEN | WOMEN |
|---|---|---|
| Baseball | 44 | - |
| Soccer | 21 | 16 |
| Volleyball | - | 13 |
| Softball | - | 12 |
Nearby & Safety
Ranked colleges nearby
-
Washington University in St LouisSt. Louis · 39.0 mi
U.S. News #16
-
University of Missouri--St. LouisSaint Louis · 40.8 mi
U.S. News #276
-
Saint Louis UniversitySaint Louis · 42.6 mi
U.S. News #100
-
Principia CollegeElsah · 49.2 mi
Liberal Arts #74
-
Missouri University of Science and TechnologyRolla · 54.3 mi
U.S. News #191
-
University of Missouri-ColumbiaColumbia · 81.0 mi
U.S. News #95
-
Southern Illinois University-CarbondaleCarbondale · 107.8 mi
U.S. News #288
-
Bradley UniversityPeoria · 172.5 mi
U.S. News #169
-
Knox CollegeGalesburg · 176.5 mi
Liberal Arts #85
Data insights
Here are some notable schools surrounding East Central College:
-
Washington University in St Louis - Ranked 24th in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and distinguished faculty.
-
Saint Louis University - Holding the 105th position in the rankings, this institution is one of the oldest universities in the United States, known for its commitment to service and community engagement.
-
University of Missouri-Columbia - Ranked 124th, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is recognized for its research initiatives.
-
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - With a ranking of 35, this prestigious university is known for its strong engineering, business, and liberal arts programs.
-
Bradley University - Ranked 185th, this university emphasizes a balanced education with a focus on professional preparation.
-
University of Missouri-St Louis - This comprehensive university is ranked 260th and is dedicated to providing accessible and high-quality education.
-
Missouri University of Science and Technology - Ranked 185th, this institution focuses on engineering and technology, making it a great choice for students interested in STEM fields.
-
Principia College - A liberal arts college ranked 51st, known for its intimate learning environment and strong emphasis on character education.
These institutions offer a variety of academic programs and opportunities for students, making the area around East Central College rich in educational resources.
Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.
Data insights
Analysis of Crime Data at East Central College
The crime statistics from East Central College reveal a relatively low incidence of criminal activity over the past decade. From 2013 to 2023, the data indicates that most years recorded zero incidents per 1,000 students, highlighting a generally safe campus environment. Notably, the only recorded offenses were related to gun arrests, with a slight increase in the number of such events in 2022, reflecting a rate of 0.38 per 1,000 students.
It is essential to interpret these figures in the context of broader societal trends. Nationally, many colleges and universities have reported increases in certain types of crime, particularly related to substance abuse and domestic violence. However, East Central College's data suggests effective safety measures and a commitment to maintaining a secure learning environment. The absence of incidents in several years and the low crime rates indicate that the college may be benefiting from supportive community relations and proactive safety protocols.
Additionally, the trend of low crime rates could serve as a positive indicator for prospective students and their families, reinforcing the institution's reputation as a safe place for education. As awareness around campus safety continues to grow, it is vital for educational institutions to maintain transparency regarding crime statistics and to continually assess and enhance their safety measures. For those interested in understanding how to calculate crime rates, a comprehensive guide can be found at this link: Crime Rate Calculation.
References and Data Sources
Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.