Students at East Carolina University benefit from exceptional economic mobility outcomes that place the institution among the top performers nationally for helping students advance financially.
The university combines broad access with strong graduation rates and reasonable costs, creating reliable pathways to career success for students from diverse backgrounds.
Azimuth ranks East Carolina University among the top public four-year institutions nationwide for overall value, placing it in the 62nd percentile nationally. ECU stands out for its ability to serve a diverse student body while delivering consistently strong long-term outcomes. About 31% of students receive Pell Grants and 26% are first-generation college students, yet graduates achieve solid median earnings of $55,146 ten years after enrollment.
What makes ECU particularly noteworthy is its designation as a "Mobility Engine" — institutions that combine broad access with strong upward mobility outcomes. The university excels in health sciences, with nursing programs producing some of the highest aggregate returns among all majors. ECU also offers emerging technology programs like Artificial Intelligence that lead to exceptional early-career earnings, demonstrating the institution's commitment to both traditional strengths and forward-looking fields.
As a large public research university in Greenville, North Carolina, ECU provides the comprehensive academic offerings and campus resources students expect from a major state institution, while maintaining affordability and accessibility that make higher education attainable for families across the economic spectrum. The combination of reasonable net prices, manageable debt levels, and strong career outcomes makes ECU a reliable choice for students seeking both educational quality and financial security.
East Carolina University's program portfolio demonstrates clear strengths in health sciences while expanding into high-demand technology fields. Adult Health Nursing stands out as both the largest high-return program and a key institutional strength, graduating 356 students annually with median earnings of $60,064. This combination of scale and strong individual outcomes makes nursing a cornerstone of ECU's value proposition.
The university's investment in emerging fields shows promise, with Artificial Intelligence producing the highest individual earnings at $66,653 despite graduating only 39 students. This reflects ECU's strategic positioning in technology sectors that offer exceptional career prospects. However, the contrast with programs like Clinical Nutrition, where 55 graduates earn $23,869, illustrates the importance of program selection in maximizing financial outcomes.
ECU's approach balances professional preparation with comprehensive academic offerings. Health sciences dominate the high-earning categories, reflecting strong industry partnerships and curriculum alignment with regional healthcare needs. The university maintains substantial enrollment across diverse fields, supporting both students seeking immediate career entry and those planning for graduate study or career transitions in North Carolina's evolving economy.
East Carolina University graduates achieve solid long-term financial outcomes that reflect the institution's strength across multiple fields. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $55,146, placing ECU in the 62nd percentile nationally for earnings performance. While earnings are slightly below statistical expectations based on student characteristics, the university's strong graduation rates and diverse program offerings create multiple pathways to financial success.
The university's highest returns come from its health sciences programs, particularly nursing. Adult Health Nursing graduates 356 students annually with median earnings of $60,064, making it both ECU's largest high-return program and a key driver of overall institutional outcomes. Artificial Intelligence, though smaller with 39 graduates, produces the highest individual earnings at $66,653, reflecting ECU's investment in emerging technology fields. The contrast with programs like Clinical Nutrition, where graduates earn $23,869, illustrates how program choice significantly impacts financial outcomes at ECU.
ECU's program portfolio balances professional preparation with broad academic offerings. Health-related fields dominate the high-earning categories, while the university maintains substantial enrollment in foundational disciplines that serve diverse student interests and career goals. This mix supports both students seeking immediate career entry and those planning for graduate study or career transitions.
East Carolina University offers strong affordability across income levels, making it accessible to families throughout North Carolina and beyond. Low-income students pay an average net price of $11,128 annually, while middle-income families see costs around $16,785 per year. Even high-income families pay a reasonable $22,787, creating predictable pricing that helps families plan for the full degree program.
Debt levels remain manageable for most ECU graduates. Typical federal student loan debt is $22,750, which aligns well with the university's median graduate earnings of $55,146. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $17,004, a moderate level that reflects many families' ability to contribute directly to educational costs without taking on excessive debt. The university's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully.
ECU's loan repayment patterns show healthy financial outcomes for borrowers. About 7% of borrowers pay off their entire balance within the first year, and by year four, nearly 7% of the total debt has been eliminated across all borrowers. These repayment rates place ECU in the 67th to 78th percentile nationally, suggesting that graduates have sufficient earning power to make steady progress on their educational investments.
East Carolina University Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
