East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina · Public · 89.2% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 61/100 · Fair Value
East Carolina University
Fair ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $7,361/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $23,638/yr |
| Average net price | $15,739/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $62,956 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $55,146 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $37,300 |
| Median debt at graduation | $22,750 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $241 |
| Estimated payback period | 10.1 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 62.6% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 19,896 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $10,046 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $11,699 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,904 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $20,417 |
| $110,001+ | $23,028 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at East Carolina University with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing | $82,250 | B |
| Business Administration, Management, and Operations | $64,723 | C+ |
| Public Health | $59,566 | D |
| Communication and Media Studies | $59,432 | C |
| Psychology | $50,270 | D |
| Biology | $64,205 | C |
| Marketing | $73,626 | C+ |
| Teacher Education | $47,970 | C |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences | $49,981 | D |
| Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians | $81,852 | B+ |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at East Carolina University is $7,361/year ($23,638/year out-of-state). But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $15,739/year, or roughly $62,956 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $10,046/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $23,028/year.
The median graduate leaves with $22,750 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $241 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $55,146 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.61 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 65.7% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 72.7% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 68.6% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 73.9% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 89.2% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 530-610 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 540-630 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 21-26 |
| Enrollment | 19,896 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 31.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $9,595 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Carolina University (this school) | 61 | $15,739 | $55,146 |
| Northern Arizona University | 64 | $14,158 | $54,384 |
| West Virginia University | 64 | $15,634 | $55,939 |
| Appalachian State University | 58 | $16,836 | $51,836 |
| Sam Houston State University | 58 | $16,404 | $54,211 |
| Elizabeth City State University | 23 | $6,364 | $40,026 |
The Verdict: A Reasonable Bet - With Caveats
East Carolina University offers fair financial value, though the ROI depends heavily on individual circumstances. The net cost of $15,739 per year leads to $62,956 over four years, while graduates earn a median of $55,146 a decade out. The payback period of 10.1 years is about average - not bad, but not a standout either.
Median debt of $22,750 against $55,146 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.